Breast Imaging International Visiting Scholars

The purpose of this scholar program is to improve breast imaging knowledge and practice at foreign medical institutions. Candidates must be employed by and planning to return to an international institution. There is no tuition required for this program.

Visiting scholars will be in residence for a 2-month period in the Breast Imaging Division of the UVA Breast Care Center. Clinical observation will include all aspects of breast imaging—screening and diagnostic mammography, tomosynthesis, contrast-enhanced mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI—as well as breast procedures—US-guided biopsy, stereotactic guided biopsy, MRI-guided biopsy, cyst aspiration, wire localization, radioactive seed localization, and galactography. International Visiting Scholars are expected to be present during business hours and be actively engaged in the learning process.

Note: Program participants will not be granted clinical privileges or have a medical license, therefore they will have no hands-on patient contact.

Requirements for application:

• Must be an M.D., D.O., or other physician degree equivalent.
• Must have completed a residency program in diagnostic radiology (U.S. or international)
• Must be planning to return to practice in home country
• Must be proficient in spoken and written English language
• This is a non-salaried observership position. The scholar must provide evidence of financial support during the visiting scholar period; typically, salary is provided by the home institution or national government of your country. UVA does not provide financial support for housing, travel, or living expenses. Scholars are required to provide health insurance for themselves and any accompanying family members.

Once accepted, continuation in the program is dependent upon adequate progress, including professionalism, clinical performance, and completion of research projects. Scholars are evaluated monthly by the faculty. The visiting scholarship may be terminated at the discretion of the program director should performance fall below expectations for professionalism or commitment by the scholar.

Candidates must apply by contacting Nicole Vaughan via email at nicole.vaughan@virginia.edu.  You must include:

• desired length of fellowship/dates of interest
• cover letter
• CV
• three letters of reference
• medical school transcript

Visiting scholars will be selected through a competitive process that will include a virtual interview with the faculty. Strong English language skills are required. Applications will be reviewed throughout the year. One visiting scholar will be selected for each of the following two-month periods: August-September, October-November, and December-January.