Thank you for your interest in UC San Diego Musculoskeletal Imaging (MSK) Fellowship. The MSK fellowship is 12-months in duration and consists of clinical, teaching, and research responsibilities restricted to musculoskeletal imaging at 3 hospitals: the UC San Diego Medical Center, Thornton Pavilion (UCSD La Jolla), and Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The program is geared toward but not restricted to fellow candidates who are considering a career in academic musculoskeletal imaging, a field that offers excellent opportunities.
At UC San Diego, you will read studies for diverse patient types including children, VA patients, teleradiology clients, and indigent patients. You will work daily with world experts in the field.
The MSK Fellowship offers a valuable year devoted to the study of musculoskeletal imaging along with a balanced program devoted to clinical, teaching, and research activities. Fellows will gain experience in reading all modalities: MRI, computed tomography, and radiographs. In addition, fellows will take part in daily arthrograms, ultrasound, and CT guided procedures at the hospitals.
We welcome all interested applicants to participate in the Musculoskeletal Imaging Fellowship Match, which is sponsored by the Society of Skeletal Radiology (SSR) and is managed by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). At the time of matriculation, you must have completed an accredited radiology residency and must be an ABR Board Eligible/Certified Radiologist.
The dates for the 2025 Radiology Fellowship cycle for academic year 2026-27 appointments are:
Please submit your fellowship application here.
Call if you wish to speak to faculty or current/former fellow participants about the program this can be easily arranged.
Edward Smitaman, M.D.
Program Director, Musculoskeletal Imaging Fellowship
Mariana Yanez, Administrative Assistant
Department of Radiology
(619) 471-3339
m4yanez@health.ucsd.edu
Who may apply for this program?
If you are accepted, you will be expected to obtain a California medical license before beginning your program.At the time of matriculation to the program, you are expected to have completed an accredited Radiology residency and to be an ABR Board Eligible Radiologist.
How much vacation time do fellows receive?
Fellows receive four weeks of paid vacation per year (20 working days).
Do you provide funding for travel to scientific meetings?
We will provide funding to allow travel to any scientific meetings in which the fellow is presenting the results of his/her research activities. Please also be aware, however, that the reimbursement for travel is limited to the UCSD Academic Senate guidelines, with a maximum reimbursement of $1000 for the year.
What are typical call responsibilities for a fellow?
Although each fellow also carries a beeper for night call every four or five weeks, only rarely is it necessary for that fellow to report to any of the hospitals. There is a routine Saturday and Sunday staffed read out at the University hospital for the on-call fellow. In addition, the fellow will be responsible for 4-5 weeks of late shift (5-11pm).
How many fellows do you take?
We will be accepting and providing full funding and benefits to approximately 5 fellows .
Do you accept off-cycle start dates for the 12 month fellowship?
Absolutely. Some fellows may elect to have an off-cycle start date.
Where Excellence Meets Experience
The UC San Diego Interventional Radiology Residency Program offers unparalleled clinical training at some of the nation’s top medical institutions. Our diverse clinical sites provide a comprehensive learning environment, exposing residents to a wide range of complex cases and state-of-the-art procedures. This multi-site approach ensures that our trainees gain the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to excel in interventional radiology and beyond.
This 390-bed hospital has one of two Level I Trauma Centers in the region and the only Regional Burn Center for San Diego and Imperial counties, offering critical emergency and specialized care.
A state-of-the-art medical facility offering advanced surgical, cancer, and cardiovascular care, supported by cutting-edge technology and innovative research programs.
Located near the La Jolla campus, this 350-bed hospital provides exceptional care for veterans and active-duty military while fostering advancements through extensive federally funded research.
The largest pediatric hospital in California and the only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center in the region, Rady Children’s Hospital delivers top-tier specialized care for children.