Daniel Reich, MD, PhD

Overview
Imaging technologies are among the most effective ways of constructing links between basic neurobiology and clinical neurology. There is a need for clinical/translational neuroimaging researchers [Petrou, Foerster, & Reich. Translational research in radiology: challenges and role in a patient-based practice. Acad Radiol 16, 593–596 (2009)]. This need extends beyond the discipline of radiology, although radiology remains the only discipline that offers comprehensive, formalized training in the clinical interpretation of images of the central nervous system. The premise of the Neuroimaging Clinical Research Fellowship is that a solid background in clinical neuroimaging provides a critical foundation on which to build a top-flight neuroimaging research career.

Structure of the Clinical Training Program
This is a 3-year fellowship program, designed for individuals with a firm commitment to pursue an academic career at the completion of training. The main site of training is the NIH Clinical Center, a 240 bed Joint Commission accredited clinical research hospital with state-of-the art resources and services.

During the first year, a total of 6 months will be spent on clinical rotations, which will include general neuroradiology, brain tumors, and procedures (especially fluoroscopy-guided lumbar punctures). During clinical rotations, fellows will be expected to dictate preliminary reports (to be signed off by a staff neuroradiologist) and to function as the primary consulting neuroradiologist at the NIH Clinical Center (when covering general neuroradiology). The fellow will spend one day per week in their primary lab during this period. At the conclusion of the 6 months’ training period, selected fellows may enter into the neuroradiology call rotation (with staff backup). Fellows will attend the annual meeting of the American Society of Neuroradiology during their first year. As the goal of clinical training is to teach approaches to clinical image interpretation as a prerequisite for a successful career in neuroimaging research, no clinical accreditation will be offered through the clinical training portion of the program.

The remaining time (2.5 years) will be spent in the primary lab, which will be identified at the time of application, working on a project to be decided between the fellow and the lab chief. Only labs with a primary neuroimaging focus will be considered for trainees in this program. Projects and labs will be approved by the Steering Committee.

Candidates will have successfully completed a residency in neurology, radiology, or a related discipline. Foreign trainees must have completed the USMLE cycle so that they can be credentialed for supervised clinical work in the NIH Clinical Center. Applications, to be sent to the fellowship directory (daniel.reich@nih.gov), will consist of a CV, a personal statement, and the names and contact information of three references. Selected fellows will be invited for an on-site interview.

The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs.

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