Breast Imaging

West Virginia University is seeking highly qualified applicants for its breast imaging fellowship. The Mission of WVU is to provide quality programs of instruction, to foster and stimulate research and scholarship, to engage in and encourage other artistic and creative work, and to make University resources accessible to all segments of society through continuing education, extension, and public service activities. 

This structured one year breast imaging fellowship will prepare the fellow trainee for a high level of success in academic and private practice settings in breast imaging, with training in digital mammography, tomosynthesis, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, automated breast ultrasound, as well as breast imaging procedures, including biopsies and localizations using stereotactic, ultrasound, and MR approaches.  The fellow will quickly become proficient in all diagnostic and interventional skills required of a breast imager.  Research is encouraged and supported, but not required. 

The breast imaging fellow will participate in providing care at the Betty Puskar Breast Care Center, a dedicated breast imaging center at West Virginia University.  The breast division participates in clinical imaging for West Virginia University Hospital (WVUH), the region’s leading tertiary care facility, and collaborates with other clinical and basic science departments in a number of ongoing research projects. 

The breast imaging fellow will participate in a weekly multidisciplinary conference, including pathologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgeons, to discuss the care of the patients with a breast cancer diagnosis. The fellow will also spend time rotating in breast-related fields including breast surgery, medical oncology, and pathology. Finally, the fellow will be expected to prepare resident conferences 2-3 times during the academic year. 

The WVU Breast Imaging Section has digital mammography machines (Hologic Selenia Dimensions with tomosynthesis), GE Logiq E9 ultrasound machines, as well as a GE Invenia ABUS machine. We utilize a Siemens Aero 1.5 T MRI with a 16 channel coil, as well as a Hologic upright stereotactic table. For ultrasound-guided biopsies we use Bard MaxCore, Achieve, and Mammotome Elite biopsy devices.  We use a Mammotome vacuum-assisted biopsy system for stereotactic and MRI-guided biopsies.  In addition, we provide localization procedures for our breast surgeons, including both radioactive seed localization and traditional wire localization. 

Sarah Palko, M.D. 

Assistant Professor, Breast Imaging 

Fellowship Program Director