Thoracic cardiac imaging

The thoracic component of the combined fellowship program in cardiac and thoracic imaging offers complete and varied exposure to thoracic radiology and non-vascular adult thoracic intervention. To make the most of the expertise available in each of these milieus, the candidate rotates between three different hospital sites within the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM). The CHUM radiology department is equipped with digital graphics machines (DR, CR), eight CAT scans (including three 16-detector CAT scans and a fluoroCT) and five MRIs, with access to a PET and a complete thoracic imaging PACS; in terms of capacity, the department performs more than 90,000 chest X-rays, 8,000 thoracic CAT scans, 110 thoracic MRIs and 150 thoracic procedures per year.

The cardiac component of the program offers comprehensive exposure to a variety of adult cardiac imaging techniques. To benefit from the greatest possible exposure, candidates rotate between the MHI and the CHUM. The two centres combined are equipped with nine CAT scans (including one 64-detector CAT scan and three 16-detector CAT scans, GE and Siemens), six MRIs, 10 dedicated cardiac ultrasonographs (GE Vivid 7) and nine cardiac catheterization rooms. The MHI and the CHUM have a combined capacity of more than 1,000 cardiac and vascular CAT scans, 1,200 cardiac and vascular MRIs, 10,000 echocardiograms and 13,000 coronary angiographies per year.

A complementary training period in pediatric cardiac imaging is also served at Hôpital Sainte-Justine, with the possibility of additional exposure in a tertiary care traumatology milieu (Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur).

The candidate's clinical activities are carried out under supervision with a gradual increase in autonomy. The candidate also takes part in scientific meetings and in teaching. The fellowship includes protected time for research. The candidate is also expected to present at an international conference and to complete one scientific article during the training period. He or she is also required to perform on-call duty in the cardiothoracic section.