USF Health Department of Radiology offers a 1-year PGY-6 Musculoskeletal Imaging Fellowship. We accept 3 fellows per year. We participate in the NRMP match and will follow the match participation guidelines provided by the Society of Skeletal Radiology. We will begin accepting application and scheduling interviews based on the SSR timeline. 

The Musculoskeletal Imaging Fellowship focuses on establishing clinical expertise in advanced orthopedic imaging. To achieve this objective, the program provides fellows with exposure to magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and digital radiography. There are extensive opportunities to perform injections for both therapeutic and diagnostic applications in the spine and joints. 

During this 1-year fellowship program, fellows will learn how to acquire and to interpret computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and radiographic imaging examinations of the extremities. Fellows will learn appropriateness criteria for each orthopedic imaging modality and serve as an advisor to referring clinicians on appropriate imaging modalities based on patient pathology. Fellows will formulate appropriate differential diagnoses and management recommendations for various orthopedic pathologies.

The program provides fellows with ample opportunities to participate in interdepartmental conferences including orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, and rheumatology. These conferences enhance knowledge of the various clinical problems faced by clinicians and form a basis for helping to guide imaging workup of such problems. Fellows play an active role in radiology resident education.

Dr. Neel Prakash is the Musculoskeletal Imaging Fellowship Program Director a program which he began back in 2009. He attended Drexel University for medical school, USF Health MCOM for residency, and Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN for fellowship. He is dedicated to teaching medical students, residents, and fellows and actively participates in many wellness activities for trainees and faculty which he organizes. 

Dr. Scott Anderson is one of our MSK faculty who has been with the fellowship program since inception. He attended USF Health MCOM for both medical school and his diagnostic radiology residency. Dr. Anderson has a background in engineering which shows through when teaching residents and fellows. 

Dr. Ashley Maru is a Musculoskeletal Radiologist and Assistant Professor of Radiology at the University of South Florida. He completed his MD at the Medical University of South Carolina, JD from Stetson University College of Law, and MBA from South University. Dr. Maru has had a variety of work-related experience in medicine, law, and business. He joined the University of South Florida in 2014. Dr. Maru is actively involved in training and teaching USF medical students, USF radiology residents, and USF musculoskeletal radiology fellows.

Dr. Hadi Bazzi is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he completed medical school education, internship, and residency. He finished fellowship at USF Health in June 2018. Since then, he joined the practice and is deeply involved in the internal operations of the Tampa ambulatory sites, serving as the division leader for Tampa General Hospital Imaging (TGHI). In this role, he leads MIPS/MACRA initiatives, oversees the RAF operational team, adapts and optimizes current workflows, worklists, and PACS systems to better suit everyone's needs, and expanded moonlighting opportunities for the team. Outside of Tampa, he is involved in the operational side of Radiology Partners (RP) at Radiology Associates of Florida (RAF), while also serving on the Local Practice Board (LPB) of RAF. Dr. Bazzi is passionate about teaching students, residents, and fellows, engaging in clinical and educational topics to improve trainees' awareness, education, and future planning.

Dr. Niketh Bandla is one of the newest additions to the USF Health MSK faculty. He attended St. George's University for medical school, Albany Medical Center for residency, and Henry Ford Hospital for fellowship. Dr. Bandla's favorite part of the job is working with trainees to ensure they receive the proper teaching and guidance in MSK radiology while creating a safe and collaborative environment.

"Loved my time at USF, great program and even better people. USF gives you all the tools to succeed as a musculoskeletal radiologist. 10/10 would recommend to any prospective fellow looking to hit the ground running in private practice or academia." 

"My experience as an MSK fellow at the University of South Florida was outstanding, and I couldn't recommend it more highly to future applicants. The attendings provided exceptional one-on-one teaching and were deeply invested in my growth and education. During the year, I was exposed to a wide range of cases, from bread-and-butter pathology to more complex sports imaging and oncologic conditions. Additionally, fellows participate in a weekly sarcoma tumor board, which fosters interdisciplinary collaboration with other medical specialties. The program creates an environment that encourages personal growth, allowing fellows to steadily increase their case volume and confidence throughout the year. Overall, it was a challenging and rewarding fellowship that prepared me well for independent private practice."