Breast Imaging

Join the Future of Breast Imaging at UTHealth Houston!

FELLOWSHIP INFORMATION

Number of Positions: 2
Length of Fellowship: 1 year
Facilities: Memorial Hermann Hospital-Texas Medical Center (MH-TMC), Memorial Hermann Outpatient Center at Bayshore and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital-Houston, Texas.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Applicants must be eligible for certification by the American Board of Radiology (ABR) and must have graduated from one of the following:
    • A medical school in the United States accredited at the time of graduation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME);
    • A Canadian medical school accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS); or
    • A U.S. osteopathic medical school accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
  • Graduates of medical schools outside the United States and Canada must hold a currently valid standard certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) or have successfully completed a Fifth Pathway program at an accredited U.S. medical school. Additional documentation may be required as necessary.

HOW TO APPLY:

There are two ways to apply:

  • Via MATCH https://www.nrmp.org
  • Via UTH application: Currently accepting applications for the 2026-2027 academic year.
    • Complete the application by clicking the here.
      • Submit an email to Verlincia Williams and include the following items:
        • Curriculum Vitae
        • Personal Statement
        • Copy of Medical Diploma and Internship Certificate
        • Three Letters of Recommendation (one from your Residency Director or Head of Department – current employment)
        • A copy of your Board Certification, if applicable
        • A current passport size photograph

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP:

  • Shima Aran, MD
    Program Director of Education, Breast Imaging
    McGovern Medical School
    Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging
    UTHealth Houston
  • Monica L. Huang, MD
    Section Chief, Breast Imaging
    McGovern Medical School
    Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging
    UTHealth Houston

SELECTION PROCESS:
Both fellowship positions are filled through the NRMP Match. Following interviews of applicants participating in the Match, Breast Imaging Fellows are selected by the Fellowship Selection Committee.

All candidates invited to interview will be interviewed virtually by members of the Fellowship Selection Committee to promote equity and accessibility. Optional in-person “second look” visits may be offered separately from the interview process; participation is not required and does not influence ranking decisions.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: COMPREHENSIVE, INNOVATIVE, AND PATIENT-CENTERED
The Breast Imaging Fellowship Program at UTHealth Houston is designed to train world-class breast imagers and future national leaders in Breast Imaging. Our mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality education in the interpretation of breast imaging studies and the performance of image-guided procedures, while modeling compassionate, patient-centered care. The overarching goal of the program is to equip fellows with the clinical, technical, academic, and professional skill set necessary to reduce breast cancer mortality and to succeed in academic or private practice careers in Breast Imaging.

The fellowship offers a robust and diverse clinical experience supported by expert faculty, a high-volume and complex case mix, state-of-the-art imaging technology, and a strong academic and research environment. Educational objectives are based on recommendations from the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI), the American College of Radiology (ACR), and the ACR/SBI Fellowship Training Curriculum.

BREAST IMAGING CLINICAL EXPERIENCE:
Fellows receive in-depth, hands-on training across the full spectrum of breast imaging and interventions, including:

  • Interpretation of screening and diagnostic mammography, including digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT)
  • Interpretation of screening and diagnostic breast ultrasound
  • Interpretation and protocoling of breast MRI
  • Performance of image-guided breast procedures, including ultrasound-guided, stereotactic, tomosynthesis-guided, CEM-guided and MRI-guided biopsies and localizations
  • Exposure to advanced and emerging minimally invasive techniques, as clinically available

Clinical responsibilities are performed under direct faculty supervision, with graduated autonomy based on the fellow’s demonstrated competence, with the goal of developing confidence and readiness for independent practice upon graduation.

As a high-volume breast imaging practice serving a diverse patient population, fellows gain experience with routine, high-risk, and complex diagnostic cases, preparing them to manage a broad range of clinical scenarios encountered in contemporary breast imaging practice.

PROCEDURAL TRAINING AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE:
Fellows are actively involved in all aspects of patient care, including:

  • Pre-procedural planning (procedural approach, imaging views, and informed consent)
  • Performance of image-guided procedures
  • Post-biopsy radiologic–pathologic correlation
  • Communication of results and recommendations with patients and referring clinicians, as appropriate

Fellows are expected to engage in regular communication with patients, technologists, residents, and referring providers, reinforcing a team-based, patient-centered approach to care.

INNOVATION, TECHNOLOGY, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS:
The program emphasizes exposure to evolving technologies and innovation in breast imaging, including:

  • Advanced breast MRI applications
  • Contrast-enhanced imaging techniques, as available
  • Optimization of reporting workflows, patient tracking systems, and patient engagement models
  • Exposure to artificial intelligence (AI) tools for breast cancer risk assessment and imaging interpretation
  • Participation in projects aimed at improving clinical efficiency, diagnostic accuracy, and patient outcomes

Fellows are encouraged to think critically about the future of breast imaging and to participate in innovation initiatives that enhance clinical care delivery.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY AND EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Education extends beyond the reading room and is supported by a comprehensive multidisciplinary curriculum. Fellows participate in:

  • Daily case review and readout with faculty
  • Didactic conferences, case conferences, and Journal Club
  • Weekly multidisciplinary Tumor Board conferences
  • Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) conferences and other academic activities
  • Case preparation and presentation under faculty mentorship

These activities foster collaboration with breast surgeons, pathologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other clinical partners, providing a holistic understanding of breast cancer diagnosis and management.

ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH EXPERIENCE:
Fellows are expected to participate in academic and scholarly activities throughout the fellowship year, with the goal of presentation at national meetings and potential peer-reviewed publication. Opportunities include:

  • Participation in clinical research projects, including retrospective and prospective studies
  • Mentorship in project design, abstract preparation, and manuscript development
  • Exposure to population health initiatives and outcomes research related to breast imaging
  • Engagement in multidisciplinary research collaborations

Protected academic time and faculty mentorship support fellows’ scholarly development and career advancement.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CALL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Fellows share call responsibilities with faculty, including participation in weekly Breast Emergency Room (ER) call, providing exposure to urgent and emergent breast imaging consultations.

The program is committed to fostering professional growth, leadership development, and well-being. Fellows are supported in developing resilience, maintaining work-life balance, and building lasting professional relationships within a collegial and supportive training environment.

SUPERVISION AND EVALUATION:

  • Fellows are directly supervised and mentored by fellowship-trained faculty during all imaging study readouts and clinical activities.
  • Fellows’ performance is formally evaluated quarterly via electronic assessments completed by the supervising faculty. These evaluations are reviewed and discussed with the fellow by the Fellowship Director to provide feedback, guidance, and support for ongoing professional development.