Fellow Benefits

Program Information:

Breast Imaging Fellowship, 1 year program

Participate in the NRMP

Breast Imaging Fellows in Training: 1

Salary for Academic Year 2024-2025:  PG 6 - $70,769

Licensure - all residents apply for a West Virginia Medical License or Educational Training Permit as soon as possible after matching with the fellowship program.

BCLS/ACLS

All fellows are required to be currently certified in both basic cardiac life support and advanced cardiac life support. Both courses are provided by WVU Hospitals.

Benefits

Holidays - Official West Virginia University Hospital holidays include New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Payroll - Fellows are paid twice a month. Direct deposit is available.

Paid Health Insurance - Health insurance is available at no cost to all employees. Employees pay a portion of the premium cost for dependent. Employee may choose from PEIA's indemnity plan or one of several HMO plans. Premiums are pre-taxed.

Supplemental Health Insurance - A supplemental health plan to PEIA is offered for coverage of expenses not fully paid by PEIA. The premium is paid by the employee. Paid Life Insurance - Each employee is offered $10,000 term life insurance at no cost. Additional coverage may be purchased for a monthly premium based on age and the principal sum selection. Dependent life insurance may also be purchased.

Professional Liability Insurance - All residents are provided liability coverage by the State Board of Risk and Insurance Management. This is an occurrence leased coverage and provides one million dollars per occurrence with an aggregate of twenty-two million dollars. This coverage applies to all activities within the scope of the residents' assigned responsibilities.

Retirement - Employees contribute 6% of their gross pay to the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA/CREF) Retirement Program. West Virginia University matches the employee's contribution with an equal amount. Employees may choose to place all or part of the retirement contributions in either TIAA (which invests bonds, mortgages and loans to business and industry) or seven CREF funds (Stock account, Money Market account, Bond Market account, Social Choice account, Global Equities account, CREF Growth account and CREF Equity Index account). Vesting is immediate and retirement may begin at any age upon termination of employment.

Supplemental Retirement - In addition to the basic retirement plan, employees have the option of tax sheltering additional money through a supplemental retirement account.

TIAA Disability Insurance - A long term disability plan providing a non-taxable monthly income to age 65 in the event of total disability. The income is based on the employee's salary and begins after 6 months of total disability.

Mountaineer Flexible Benefit Plan - Four benefit plans are available on a pretax basis:

Medical Expenses Spending Account - enables employees to pay eligible uninsured medical expenses such as deductibles and co-payments tax free.

Dependent Day Care Spending Account - enables employees to pay eligible dependent day care expenses tax free

Dental Care - covers preventive dental care and more complex procedures.

Vision Care - covers routine eye care including eye exams, lenses and frames

Additional Departmental Benefits

Free parking

Slide/poster preparation

Computer literature search

Book allowance ($1500 per year)

Paid dues for the RSNA and American Roentgen Ray Society

Additional WVU Benefits

Library Privileges

Athletic and Cultural Events - eligible to purchase season tickets at a reduced rate to athletic events. May purchase season or individual event tickets to cultural events at a reduced rate.

University Club - $36/yr. membership

Recreation- may use during scheduled times the Shell Building (weight room gym, indoor and outdoor track), the Coliseum (racquetball, squash and tennis courts), Stansbury Hall (gym), Natatorium (pool). These facilities are also available to spouse and children. WVU also has a new $34 million, 179,000 square-foot Student Recreation Center located on the Evansdale campus. It sports two swimming pools --- one a 25-yard, six-lane lap pool: the other a leisure pool with warmer temperatures and a beach-style entry. The leisure pool also has two fitness lanes. Next to the leisure pool is a clover leaf-shaped whirlpool that seats about 20 people. Two gymnasiums - one with 4- courts; the other a 3-court gym-are marked for basketball, volleyball and badminton competition. One major feature is the 17000 square feet of weight and fitness space on two levels. Free weights are located in the downstairs portion, while the upstairs is geared to aerobic equipment. The center's focal point is the 50-foot climbing wall off the main entrance corridor.

Outdoor Recreation Center - Employees can rent ski equipment, tents, etc.

Credit Union - services include checking, savings, Christmas Club, CD's and loans

University Bookstores - employees receive discounts on most items except textbooks.

WVU ID Card - Allows use of university facilities for you and your family. Spouse ID cards are available.

Vacation and Sick leave

The Fellow accumulates a total of 15 hours (2 days) leave each month or 180 hours (24 days) per year. Annual leave cannot be taken until it is earned. Sick leave is accumulated at a total of 11.25 hours (1.5 days) each month or 135 hours (18 days) per year. This requirement includes annual leave and sick leave, annual leave not used [up to 24 days] will be paid upon departure from WVU).

Wellness Center

Residents are welcome to use the Wellness Center on the Hospital's 4th floor where they can take advantage of using exercise equipment for a one-time fee of $10. Conferences/Meetings

With prior approval, the fellow may attend meetings at departmental expense provided that the fellow seeking support is making a presentation at an approved major national or regional conference.

West Virginia University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

Contact Us

Breast Imaging Fellowship Program Director

A photo of Sarah Palko.
Sarah Palko, MD
West Virginia University
Positions
Assistant Professor and Program Director Breast Imaging Fellowship, Breast Imaging, Radiology
Radiologist, Betty Puskar Breast Care Center
Phone
304-293-3091

Fellowship Program Manager