Exchange Programme for Neuroradiology Fellowship

The need to sufficiently qualify further young radiologists/neuroradiologists to render confident diagnosis in central nervous system imaging (CNS) using state-of-the-art CT and MRI systems and the new development of interventional neuroradiology, led the European Society of Radiology (ESR) and the European Society of Neuroradiology, Diagnostic and Interventional (ESNR) to take the initiative in establishing an exchange programme for fellowships or subspecialisation training in neuroradiology.

Aim
Recent advances in diagnostic and interventional neuroradiology have rapidly expanded the range of applications of this subspecialty. The programme offers an opportunity to complement subspecialisation training in neuroradiology or an existing structured fellowship programme, through exchange, in this field of radiology. Through three months of training the trainee will be provided with intense modular training in neuroradiology and will be supervised by a specialised tutor in a pre-selected, highly esteemed, academic training centre in Europe.

Number of available places
Five exchange programmes will be offered, organised through ESOR, and the successful applicant will receive a grant jointly provided by ESR/ESOR and ESNR.


Eligibility

  1. These exchange programmes are applicable radiologists within three years after certification, who desire to subspecialise in neuroradiology.

  2. Basic knowledge of current clinical practice in radiology with regard to CT, MRI and basics of angiography. Competence in producing a radiological report, in communication with clinicians and patients, and knowledge of the principles of administration and management applied to a clinical department with multi-disciplinary staff and high-cost equipment is essential. Understanding the medicolegal implications of uncertainty and errors in diagnostic radiology is necessary. A clinical background in other disciplines, which has been achieved through clinical experience and training prior to entering the fellowship. Clinical experience in neurology, neurosurgery is advantageous.

  3. Applicants must be proficient in English.
  4. ESR and ESNR membership fees of the relevant calendar year must be settled.

Applicants who were selected for this programme in the past cannot be considered for a second time.

Duration and funding
The training will start in the second half of the year and last for three months. The fellow will receive a grant (€3.500,-) upon completion of the training, delivery of a final report and submission of original flight tickets and accommodation receipts. The grant is intended to contribute in part to travel and accommodation expenses during the training period. ESOR cannot guarantee that the grant will cover these costs in full. During the period of the training the fellow is responsible for covering his/her expenses and his/her own health insurance. The training itself is offered for free. Please note that in particular cases administrative charges may arise, which are to be covered by the grant.

Programme structure
Based on weekly training programme modules, the trainee will familiarise him/herself with the institution’s imaging equipment. He/She will then learn data handling and post-processing at different workstations, followed by case-by-case hands-on teaching on routine clinical cases with different modalities from experienced staff. The training institutions expose each trainee to at least 100 brain studies and 100 spine studies that require CT and/or MRI evaluation as well as at least 50 angiography cases. Furthermore the trainee will be trained by a mentor in the interpretation of imaging studies from an established teaching archive of previous cases. At the end of the training programme the trainee should be proficient in discussing the appropriate imaging modality and imaging technique with referring clinicians and be able to interpret different neuro examinations on his/her own.

In non-native English speaking training centres teaching would be in English, while major radiological conferences and reporting may be in the local language. Some knowledge of the local language may be an advantage.

The trainee will be able to observe clinical activities, but will not have direct patient care responsibilities.

It is the trainee's responsibility to communicate with the centre regarding the details of the training and whether more responsibilities than observer status can be obtained. ESOR solely acts as facilitator and coordinator between the training centre and the trainee.

Certification
After completion of the three-month training the trainee receives a certificate from ESR/ESOR and ESNR. In order to receive this, the fellow must present a written report about his/her work and activities during the exchange.

More information can be found HERE