Musculoskeletal Imaging and Intervention Fellowship

Welcome from the Fellowship Director

The University of Colorado Musculoskeletal Radiology and Intervention Section is passionate about providing an exceptional fellowship experience in both diagnostics and procedures. We represent a large energetic section of 8 fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists, with clinical applications extending throughout the entire spectrum of bone and joint imaging as well as intervention. We are always striving to create a phenomenal experience for trainees!

The MSK fellowship strives to provide an entirely comprehensive year-long experience encompassing the full breadth of MSK diagnostic imaging and intervention. Our section provides diagnostic services for the University of Colorado Hospital as well as over a dozen outlying hospitals, clinics, and urgent care facilities. Fellows will interpret MRI, CT, radiographs, and targeted ultrasound examinations of the extremities and spine.

The section works closely with our referrers from the Orthopedic, Oncology, Pain, Rheumatology, Sports Medicine, Primary Care, Spine, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pediatric clinics. In addition, we provide imaging and intervention services to local Denver NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, and NCAA teams.

Our fellow philosophy is structured around a system of graduated responsibility, as fellows are hired as “Clinical Instructors” within the School of Medicine. Throughout the year, fellows will develop and earn increased levels of independence in their work to help prepare for independent practice. In addition, fellows are a vital component in the education of our phenomenal residents at the University of Colorado Radiology Residency.

Fellows will receive multiple dedicated lectures throughout the year. Lectures are given by MSK faculty members from the University of Colorado as well as the University of Utah, University of Washington, and OHSU as part of the Western MSK Fellow Collaborative Lecture Series.

Fellows will split time between diagnostics and a robust procedural service based out of the University of Colorado Hospital utilizing state-of-the-art techniques and equipment.

Commonly performed procedures include:

Kyphoplasty/Vertebroplasty

Spinal Radiofrequency Ablations

Joint Injection and Aspirations

Bone and Soft Tissue Biopsies

Facet and Transforaminal Injections

Soft Tissue Cryoablation

Rhizotomies

Fellows will participate in multidisciplinary conferences:

Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Conference

Limb Preservation Conference

Orthopedic Spine Conference

Bone Tumor Ablation Conference

With such a wide variety of exposure, fellows will have the opportunity to participate in multiple research opportunities both on diagnostic and interventional subjects. We require that all fellows complete one research project during their year, ideally to be presented at a national conference. Our faculty and trainees regularly present at national conferences including SSR, RSNA, and ARRS to name a few. Dedicated time for these endeavors is provided as needed.

Thank you for your interest!

Mary "Liz" Buchanan, MD
Assistant Professor, Fellowship Director
mary.e.buchanan@cuanschutz.edu