St. Jude Research
Radiology

Pediatric Neuro-Oncological Imaging Fellowship

About the program

Join our Pediatric Neuro-Oncological Imaging Fellowship for an unparalleled opportunity to advance your expertise in neuroradiology. This second-year fellowship, following a year of ACGME-accredited training, spans up to 12 months and is uniquely tailored for an intimate learning experience granted to only one fellow per term. Under the mentorship of experienced St. Jude faculty, fellows will receive comprehensive training in pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors, as well as spinal, head, and neck tumors. The curriculum emphasizes mastery of tumor-specific imaging protocols, proficiency in various response assessment criteria such as RANO, RAPNO, and COG, and the integration of molecular tumor markers for sophisticated imaging interpretations. A significant portion of the program – up to half its duration – is dedicated to clinical and translational research, which provides a robust foundation for fellows to meaningfully contribute to the field. This fellowship is crafted to refine your skills and propel you to the forefront of neuro-oncological imaging excellence.

State of the art equipment includes:

One CT scanner (a photon counting CT to be installed next year)
Four clinical MRI scanners
A dedicated research MRI scanner
One total body PET/CT 
One uniplane interventional suite

Image processing and analysis

The Image Processing and Data Science Resources (IPDSR) allows for true bench-to-clinic research with highly trained medical/ research professionals and dedicated research imaging equipment.

Fellowship details

  1. Program aims

    • We are committed to training the next generation of neuroradiologists who excel in the clinical care of pediatric neuro-onocology and provide significant contributions to research.
    • We are dedicated to educating trainees in the comprehensive scope of oncology related to the central nervous system, encompassing a spectrum of imaging modalities such as MR and CT, along with advanced techniques like functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion and diffusion tensor MRI, perfusion imaging, MR spectroscopy and novel PET imaging.
    • Collaboration is key: Our trainees work alongside specialists – Neuro-oncologists, Medical Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, Neurosurgeons, and Head and Neck Surgeons – as well as with Neuro / Head & Neck Pathologists to obtain the clinical efficacy and reliability of novel imaging techniques.
    • The program offers training in different tumor assessment criteria (RAPNO, COG) to ensure trainees are ready to participate in and contribute to the development of clinical trials.
    • A critical aspect of the training involves developing trainees expertise in all aspects of pediatric CNS tumors, not just imaging. 
    • We facilitate skill development in post-processing advanced MRI techniques such as MRS, MR perfusion, and diffusion tensor imaging.

  2. Program overview

    Patient Care

    Fellows will learn which imaging techniques are necessary for the thorough evaluation of specific tumor types within clinical contexts. They will then select the appropriate imaging protocols, all while under the supervision of an attending neuroradiologist.

    The program will cover the fundamental principles of advanced MR imaging post-processing techniques, such as MR spectroscopy, perfusion MRI and diffusion tensor imaging. Beginning with didactic instruction, the fellowship will progress to practical, hands-on application, with fellows eventually conducting post-processing under the guidance of an attending neuroradiologist as they develop their proficiency.

    Fellows will also be integral to the performance and interpretation of CT and MRI studies and will consult with clinical staff. They are responsible for drafting preliminary reports, which will be refined and finalized by the attending neuroradiologist.

    Throughout the fellowship, as trainees deepen their expertise in scholarly research and the practical use of advanced imaging techniques for radiology-pathology correlations, their range of responsibilities will expand. This will include presenting at multidisciplinary tumor boards. During the fellowship, fellows will develop and execute their own research initiatives under the guidance of St. Jude faculty, with the aim of presenting their work and contributing a scholarly article.

  3. Eligibility

    US Applicants
    Candidates must have successfully completed a Diagnostic Radiology residency program accredited by the ACGME, followed by a one-year fellowship in Diagnostic Neuroradiology. They should either be certified by the American Board of Radiology or eligible for certification. Furthermore, all candidates must be eligible to receive a valid permit or license from the Tennessee Medical Board.

    International applicants
    International applicants must have completed a neuroradiology fellowship or equivalent from a well-recognized medical institution, be board-certified in their home country; have an ECFMG certification and be eligible for an appropriate visa.

    Applications are meticulously reviewed by the neuroradiology imaging program director in collaboration with departmental faculty. Selection for interviews is based on the strength of the candidates' credentials and recommendation letters. Interviews are conducted over a half-day session, involving the participation of departmental staff. The opportunity will provide candidates the chance to engage with both faculty and current fellows. Virtual interviews might be considered for international applicants. Final fellow selections are determined through collaborative discussions among all departmental staff members.

  4. How to apply

    Applications are now being accepted for academic year 2024-2025.

    Submit your application

    Required application documents for preliminary review

    • Curriculum Vitae
    • Medical school transcript
    • USMLE transcript
    • Three additional letters of recommendation (one from fellowship program director)
    • Personal statement
    • Recent photograph

    Additional documents for international applicants

    • ECFMG certificate

  5. Benefits at St. Jude

    As a clinical fellow at St. Jude, you will receive the same benefits as employees of the hospital, plus additional perks. These benefits begin on day one of your employment with St. Jude.

    Please see details here.

    Vacation: 4 weeks per year with flexibility on choice of vacation time.

    Parental/Family Leave: In concordance with ACGME requirements, we provide up to six weeks paid parental and family leave during training.

  6. Housing and relocation

    Memphis and its surrounding communities offer a wide variety of options for affordable, convenient and safe housing, from riverfront apartments and updated downtown lofts to beautiful single-family homes. Clinical fellows are eligible for a $2,500 relocation bonus. To make your move easier, temporary, furnished housing is available to incoming fellows at a reasonable rate for up to 90 days while you search for your perfect home.

  7. Life in Memphis

    Boasting a bustling metropolitan area with over a million residents, Memphis exudes the charm of a quaint town while offering an array of world-class attractions, including museums, parks, a rich musical heritage, fine dining, and diverse entertainment options

    Perched on a scenic bluff by the Mississippi River, Memphis presents stunning views and a gateway to outdoor pleasures like verdant woodlands, water activities, and extensive networks of trails for jogging, biking and exploring nature. The city enjoys a mild climate with four distinct seasons, all set against the backdrop of a relaxed Southern lifestyle.

    See how you can Have More in Memphis.

Find out about other training opportunities