The Rendon C. Nelson, MD, Duke-Bracco Radiology Fellowship Program | A Long-term Commitment to Mentorship

Duke University’s Department of Radiology and Bracco Diagnostics Inc. have a long history of partnering and mentoring aspiring academic radiologists through the Rendon C. Nelson, MD, Duke-Bracco Radiology Fellowship Program.

Fostering the careers of radiologists for over 20 years, the fellowship program was conceived in 2003 by Rendon C. Nelson, MD, who served as division chief of abdominal imaging, vice chair of research, as well as vice chair of appointments and promotion in the department of radiology. At Dr. Nelson’s recent retirement, the program was renamed in his honor.

“To have the fellowship that I have been involved with for almost 20 years carry my name means a lot to me. This truly humbles me, and I hope it is more successful over the upcoming years,” says Dr. Nelson.

“We want our fellows to have a very rich mentoring experience so when they leave Duke, they are successful wherever they go,” he adds. “And we have seen that. Not only are they successful here but in whatever they do.”

Indeed, the two-year fellowship has been pivotal in jumpstarting the careers of 9 radiologists.

“So many divisions and their academic efforts have been enhanced by the presence of these fellows,” says Erik Paulson, MD, Duke’s chair of radiology. “Here at Duke, it has been about teaching our students, residents, fellows, and each other at a high level. In a short period, we became one of the best abdominal programs in the country, and the fellows have been a key part of our success.”

The fellowship’s criteria for eligibility have evolved over the years. Today, recruitment focuses on domestic and international candidates who can dedicate two years to clinical research. This approach has worked well, with many graduates moving on to remarkably successful careers.

Evolving and Expanding

Daniele Marin, MD, abdominal imaging faculty, associate professor, and director of the Multi-Dimensional Lab at Duke Radiology, is a former Duke-Bracco fellow. He is now taking on the role of leading the program.

Sharing his perspectives about the program, Dr. Marin states, “There are a lot of great places where you can do clinical research, but what makes Duke special is the connection between the radiology department and other departments within our network.” He continues, “This translates into innovative research that answers clinically relevant questions.”

The interdepartmental collaboration and intellectual exchange between radiology and other departments, such as medical physics, biomedical engineering, and clinical departments, offers a learning advantage to fellows and is key to Duke’s success. For instance, Dr. Marin cites the medical physics department, which provides the fellows with a background on physics principles and collaborates on quantitative statistical analyses to validate the clinical research, providing a complete assessment of each project.

“Our departments care about each other’s success, which is critical to overcoming challenges,” Dr. Marin says. “There will always be challenges, but the fact that you are part of a team makes success possible.”

A Growing Relationship

The fellowship program has strengthened the relationship between Duke Radiology and Bracco Diagnostics.

Cosimo DePinto, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Bracco Diagnostics Inc., states, “When I think about the partnership between Bracco and Duke Radiology, it is a special one. For us at Bracco, it is usually the reference point that highlights the very best that a relationship can be. Both organizations have deep regard and respect for one another and what they stand for in terms of supporting each other through investment in professional endeavors. And that is the undercurrent of what has made the relationship successful.”

DePinto explains the partnership is anchored in guiding principles that support a desire to give back to newer generations of radiologists. “This is why through an unrestricted educational grant, Bracco remains poised to support the Rendon C. Nelson, MD, Duke-Bracco fellowship for many years to come,” he says.

“The relationship and collaboration with Bracco Diagnostics Inc. has been phenomenal. The company has been very supportive of us at Duke Radiology. It is a successful collaboration and I'm very proud of that.”

– Rendon C. Nelson, MD

Dr. Marin plans to bring his experience as a Duke-Bracco fellow to expand research opportunities in the program. “I would love to see this fellowship evolve and grow into a network of fellows—graduates and current—who can work together to generate ideas and potentially collaborate on research projects,” he says. “I believe that will benefit and advance research in imaging and, ultimately, patient care. So that is a critical aspect of what I envision for this fellowship as we move forward.”

“The reason I am so passionate about the fellowship is the fact that I experienced firsthand the benefits of this opportunity. The idea of being able to impact the academic life and future of young radiologists is a great experience. It is a great feeling, and I feel like this is a special opportunity to really have an impact on people's lives.”

– Daniele Marin, MD

Dr. Paulson and DePinto both embrace the new leader’s vision.

“I would like to continue to recruit outstanding fellows from throughout the world. I am hoping we can grow it,” Dr. Paulson says. “This fellowship has focused on abdominal imaging, but it need not be limited in scope.” He would like to see the mentorship expand to other areas and recruit additional specialty fellows over the next couple of years.

DePinto agrees, “Dr. Marin knows firsthand the power of this program and what it can hold for a future leader. Under his leadership, the program has a bright future, and the sky's the limit. Let’s keep it going.”