Education

Breast Imaging Fellowship

Kirti Kulkarni, MD

Associate Professor of Radiology

Kirti Kulkarni, MD
Fellowship Program Director

History

The Breast Imaging Fellowship at the University of Chicago is a one-year non-accredited clinical fellowship program. The fellowship offers extensive clinical experience in screening, diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, and breast interventional procedures. This fellowship is closely supervised by fellowship-trained breast imaging faculty at University of Chicago and Endeavor Health System. The program has a multidisciplinary approach with a focus on diagnostic evaluations, consultations, image guided procedures, and appropriate recommendations. The fellowship is split between University of Chicago Medical Center and Endeavor Hospital, which provides a comprehensive learning experience. The ultimate goal of a fellowship program in breast imaging is for fellow graduates to be fully prepared to assume a leadership role in any breast imaging facility.

Prerequisite training

Prior to commencement of the Breast Imaging Fellowship Program, candidates for the fellowship program are expected to have completed an ACGME-accredited radiology residency training program or its equivalent and will be eligible for medical licensure through the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.

Selection Criteria

To apply for a breast fellowship position, applicants must provide their CV, personal statement, USMLE Score Card (Step 1,2, and 3), provide a copy of their ECFMG certificate if they are a foreign medical graduate, passport size photograph, and three letters of recommendation.

The fellowship program will participate in the National Resident Matching Program and will abide by its terms and conditions.

A Selection Committee will be responsible for generating a rank order list of qualified applicants following interview of selected applicants. The Committee will consist of the Program Director, and additional faculty members who show an interest in selecting qualified applicants for potential fellowship positions.

Credentials of interviewees will be discussed at subsequent meetings of the Selection Committee, and a preliminary ranking will be assigned.

Before assigning a final ranking, all interviewees will be discussed at a final ranking meeting.

Breast Imaging Locations

The Breast Imaging reading rooms are located on the first and second floors of the Duchossois

Center for Advanced Medicine (DCAM). Screening mammograms and breast MRIs (including MRI-guided breast biopsies) are performed on the first floor of DCAM. Diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and related image-guided procedures are performed on the second floor, DCAM 2B. University of Chicago Medicine offers breast imaging services at several locations, including Orland Park, River East, and the new Crown Point facility in Northwest Indiana.

1. Orland Park (14290 S. La Grange Rd., Suite 4200, Orland Park, IL 60462)

Services: This location provides 3D screening and diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, stereotactic and ultrasound-guided biopsies, and bone density screenings. The center is staffed by UChicago Medicine radiologists specializing in breast care.

2. River East (Downtown Chicago: 355 E. Grand Ave., Suite 202, Chicago, IL 60611)

Services: Similar to the Orland Park location, River East offers comprehensive breast imaging services, including 3D mammography, MRI and various biopsy procedures.

3. Crown Point (Northwest Indiana: 10855 Virginia St., Crown Point, IN 46307)

Services: Opened on April 29, 2024, UChicago Medicine Crown Point is the health system's largest offsite facility. It offers a full range of specialty services, including a breast imaging center equipped with MRI, mammography, ultrasound, and breast imaging capabilities.

Educational Program (Basic Curriculum)

The Breast Imaging Fellowship Program is designed to provide comprehensive training in all aspects of breast imaging and intervention over the course of one year. Fellows are expected to develop proficiency in performing and interpreting screening and diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI, including tomosynthesis and automated technologies. They will become skilled in image-guided interventional procedures such as ultrasound-guided biopsies, stereotactic biopsies, MRI-guided biopsies, needle localizations, cyst aspirations, and clip placements. Fellows will gain familiarity with breast radionuclide imaging techniques, including breast-specific gamma imaging and PET-based breast imaging, understanding their indications and limitations. A key component of the program is the development of effective and empathetic patient communication skills. Fellows will learn how to appropriately recommend biopsies, explain benign and malignant findings, and communicate a cancer diagnosis with sensitivity to patients' emotional needs. Regular participation in multidisciplinary conferences, such as tumor boards, provides fellows with the opportunity to interact with breast surgeons, pathologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists, and to understand their roles in patient care. Rotations or observational opportunities in surgery, pathology, and radiation oncology further enhance this multidisciplinary understanding. Fellows will also become familiar with quality assurance practices, including performing technologist-level quality control tests for both screen-film and digital mammography, and understanding the quality control processes conducted by medical physicists. They will participate in medical audits, learning to evaluate performance metrics such as recall rates, cancer detection rates, and biopsy outcomes, in compliance with MQSA and ACR standards.

In addition to clinical and technical training, the fellowship emphasizes academic involvement. Fellows will contribute to the teaching of radiology residents and medical students through didactic sessions and case-based learning. Participation in research is strongly encouraged, with support provided for project development, presentation at conferences, and publication.

Fellows are evaluated regularly through faculty assessments, case presentations, direct observation, and 360-degree feedback from staff and patients, ensuring progressive skill development and readiness for independent practice.

1. Clinical Proficiency in Breast Imaging and Interventions

Mammography (Screening & Diagnostic)
Digital 3D tomosynthesis
- Breast positioning and compression techniques
Ultrasound
Whole breast, targeted, and automated breast ultrasound
MRI
- Breast MRI protocol, contrast usage, interpretation
Interventional Procedures
- Ultrasound-guided core biopsy and cyst aspiration
- Stereotactic core biopsy
MRI-guided biopsy
Pre-surgical localization with savi scouts/wires
Placement of markers or clips

Goal: Demonstrate independent proficiency in all interventional procedures by the end of training.

2. Patient Communication and Empathy

Workshops and training on:
- Communicating biopsy recommendations
- Delivering cancer diagnoses with empathy
- Understanding and addressing patient anxiety and emotional concerns

Goal: Communicate effectively and compassionately, as evaluated through direct observation and feedback.

3. Multidisciplinary Team Integration

Weekly Tumor Boards and Case Conferences
- Present at radiology-pathology conference
- Collaborate on treatment planning with surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists at multi-disciplinary tumor board
- Elective Rotations in:
  - Breast surgery
  - Pathology labs (especially gross and microscopic correlation)
  - Radiation oncology

Goal: Participate effectively in multidisciplinary care and understand the full clinical management pathway.

4. Specialized Imaging Techniques

Radionuclide Breast Imaging
Introduction to SLNbx technique
Interpretation of breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI) and PET-based breast scans

Goal: Gain familiarity with indications, limitations, and interpretation of radionuclide techniques.

5. Quality Assurance and Medical Auditing

Medical Audits: Participate in data collection and analysis (e.g., BI-RADS outcomes, cancer detection rate, recall rate)
Understand FDA MQSA requirements
Physicist Quality Control
Familiarity with annual medical physics tests and performance metrics

Goal: Understand quality control systems and regulatory compliance (MQSA, ACR).

6. Teaching and Academic Engagement

Teaching Responsibilities
- Supervise and educate radiology residents and medical students during rotations
Research and Scholarly Activity
- Encourage development of a research project with goal of abstract submission or publication
- Participate in weekly journal club and imaging case reviews organized through Breast Imaging Fellowship Lecture Series

Goal: Contribute to academic environment and develop presentation/publication skills.

7. Evaluation and Feedback

End of Rotation Evaluations by faculty
Direct Observation and Procedure Logs
360-Degree Feedback from peers, technologists, and patients
End-of-Year Assessment

Program Goals and Expectations

The goal of the Breast Imaging Fellowship Program is to fully prepare the fellow to independently assume the role of lead interpreting physician in any breast imaging facility, without the need for further training. This intensive 12 program builds on foundational knowledge acquired during residency and is designed to deepen the fellow's expertise in all core areas of breast imaging. Throughout the fellowship, the fellow is expected to interpret a minimum of 3,000 breast imaging examinations and perform at least 100 interventional procedures. Under the close supervision of attending radiologists, the fellow will gain hands-on experience in mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, and a wide array of image-guided interventional procedures. The program emphasizes the development of technical proficiency in all types of breast biopsies, localizations, and aspirations. In addition to clinical skills, the fellowship prioritizes excellence in patient communication and multi-disciplinary approach to treatment of breast cancer. Fellows are trained to effectively recommend biopsies, explain a cancer diagnosis with empathy, and respond to patients' emotional needs. The fellow will also actively engage in multidisciplinary care, collaborating with breast surgeons, pathologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists to provide integrated patient management. Educational objectives extend beyond clinical duties. Fellows will become familiar with various clinical trials offered at UCM and learn to perform and analyze medical audits. They will be introduced to quality control procedures, including those conducted by technologists for both screen-film and digital mammography, as well as tests performed by medical physicists. Observation of related practices such as breast pathology, surgery, and radiation therapy is included to broaden the fellow’s understanding of the entire continuum of breast cancer care. The program also fosters a culture of academic engagement. Fellows are expected to participate in the teaching of residents, medical students, and technologists, and are strongly encouraged to contribute to research projects during their training. Active involvement in clinical decision-making and the assumption of responsibility for patient care are key components of the learning process. Fellows are encouraged to take the lead in managing the breast imaging service, making independent assessments, and presenting management plans to attending physicians. Assigned readings and guided study complement the hands-on clinical experience, ensuring a comprehensive educational environment. Above all, it is the program’s mission to deliver an outstanding educational experience that prepares the fellow for a successful and confident transition into independent practice as a highly competent, compassionate breast imaging specialist.

Didactic Sessions and Teaching Methods

In addition to contributing to the section teaching file and teaching residents and medical students at the workstation, the fellow will be expected to participate in the following conferences:

Radiologic-Pathology Correlation conference (Thursday, 12:45 pm)
Resident noon conference (as per the schedule)
Interdisciplinary breast conference (Thursday, 4 pm)
Journal Club (every Monday, 12 -1 pm)

Supervision and Evaluation Faculty Supervision of Fellows

The breast imaging fellowship is a supervised training program designed to ensure high-quality patient care and progressive educational development. Faculty supervision is structured, continuous, and tiered according to the fellow’s level of experience and demonstrated competency.

Breast Imaging Fellowship Update

Our program will not be accepting applications for the 2027–2028 academic year. We will also not be participating in the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) Match for this cycle, and SBI has been notified of this change.

We anticipate resuming the application process for the 2028–2029 fellowship year around the same time next year. Please check back on our website for updated timelines and application instructions.

We sincerely appreciate your interest in our program and wish all applicants the very best in their fellowship search and training journey.

To apply for a fellowship position, please send your application to Fellowship Program Administrator, including CV, a personal statement, USMLE Score Card (Step 1, 2, and 3), a copy of your ECFMG certificate if you are a foreign medical graduate, passport size photograph, and three letters of recommendation addressed to Kirti Kulkarni, MD, Director, Breast Imaging Fellowship. One letter must be from your current residency Program Director. All applicants must be eligible for Illinois Medical Licensure, and all application materials must be submitted (including all letters of recommendation, addressed to Dr. Kirti Kulkarni) to be considered.

Please scan and email your completed application including required materials and letters of recommendation to Adrian Gutierrez at adrian.gutierrez@bsd.uchicago.edu.

Click here for the Breast Imaging application.

Faculty

Teaching Staff at the University of Chicago Medical Center

Hiroyuki Abe, MD
Professor of Radiology & Director of Breast Imaging Research

Kirti Kulkarni, MD
Associate Professor of Radiology, Breast Imaging
Director of Breast Community Practices & Program Director, Breast Imaging Fellowship

Aiyah Jandali, MD
Assistant Professor of Radiology, Breast Imaging

Angela Whittington, MD
Assistant Professor of Radiology, Breast Imaging

Emily Sellers, MD
Clinical Associate, Breast Imaging

Derek Franco, MD
Clinical Associate

Gregory Henkle, MD
Assistant Professor of Radiology

Breast Imaging Teaching Staff at Endeavor Health

Dr. Alyssa Choate, Breast Imaging

Dr. David Ecanow, Breast Imaging

Dr. Jacob Ecanow, Breast Imaging

Dr. Sophia Economou, Breast Imaging

Dr. Lisa Fogt, Breast Imaging

Dr. Larry Goldstein, Breast Imaging