ABR Interventional Radiology (IR) Alternate Pathway at Emory

The Emory Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences offers an exciting Alternate Pathway for international medical graduates (IMGs) to complete five years of radiology training and become eligible to sit for the American Board of Radiology (ABR) IR/DR certification exams.

Beginning July 1, 2024, we will be recruiting for two-to-four positions per year. The first Alternate Pathway fellows will begin training July 1, 2025.

The Alternate Pathway curriculum as set by the American Board of Radiology requires five years of fellowship-level clinical training. Alternate Pathway trainees will need to complete a 2-year fellowship-equivalent pathway in the Interventional Radiology-Independent program at Emory. After those two years, Alternate Pathway trainees can create their remaining 3-year pathway from the following Emory Radiology fellowship programs:

• Abdominal Imaging
• Breast Imaging
• Cardiothoracic Imaging
• Emergency and Trauma Imaging
• Musculoskeletal Imaging
• Neuroradiology
• Nuclear Radiology
• Pediatric Radiology
• Pediatric Neuroradiology
• Pediatric Interventional Radiology
• PET/CT (Molecular Imaging and Theragnostics)

Alternate Pathway trainees may want to supplement their IR training with "subspecialty experiences" such as Pediatric IR (with the fellowship listed above), Interventional Oncology (via the PET/CT (Molecular Imaging and Theragnostics) fellowship listed above), Interventional Pain/Palliation (via the Musculoskeletal Imaging fellowship listed above). Opportunities may be available for additional training in neurointerventions and trauma/vascular disease.

We ensure that all trainees' five-year pathways include at least one year of ACGME-accredited fellowship training to satisfy Georgia Composite Medical Board eligibility. Other states may require two years of ACGME-accredited training and trainees should keep that in mind when planning their pathway. Most trainees will be in the 2-year ACGME-accredited Interventional Radiology-Independent program at the beginning of their five-year pathway.

Trainees' preferences for the fellowship programs they wish to complete will be given every consideration; however, we may be unable to honor all preferences given the competitiveness of our fellowship programs. For that reason, trainees may be offered a pathway different from their initial request and once accepted, the trainee will be expected to complete the accepted pathway.

Alternate Pathway trainees will participate in board exam reviews along with the interventional radiology trainees in preparation for the new ABR oral board exam.

Alternate Pathway candidates must not be participating in the National Residency Matching Program^® (NRMP or The Match) process in the U.S. or Canada. Eligible applicants also must meet the following requirements:

• Have satisfied the medical training requirements of a non-United States, non-Canadian country; if trained in India, the applicant must have MBBS+DNB and/or MD;
• Have completed one year of clinical training;
• Have completed diagnostic radiology training that includes interventional radiology in a residency program outside the U.S. or Canada; AND
• Have documentation verifying they can practice interventional radiology independently in the country of training or board certification in the country of training (if applicable).

Applicants for the 2025 program year must submit their complete applications by October 30, 2024. Earlier submissions are strongly encouraged, as we will begin reviewing applications in July 2024. Only complete applications are considered.

A complete application includes ALL of the following:

• Completed application form;
• 3 letters of recommendation (including a letter from the applicant's residency program faculty and a letter from the applicant's current program director if enrolled in a fellowship training program);
• USMLE steps 1-3 score reports;
• Medical school transcript;
• Notarized copy of residency diploma;
• ECFMG certificate; and
• Copy of current visa (if held).

Complete applications, as well as questions, should be emailed to Ms. Ranitta McDowell, Program Coordinator, at rsmcdow@emory.edu.

The Emory Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences five-year ABR Alternate Pathway program is eligible for J1 and H-1B visa sponsorship.

Outstanding applicants will be invited to virtual interviews with faculty and staff from relevant clinical divisions and training programs. Along with the application package, our selection committee will assess candidates during the interview in order to determine which candidates will be offered an Alternative Pathway.

Selection is based on a combination of factors, including demonstrated clinical excellence, strength of scholarly/research activities, leadership qualities, professional service, and potential contributions to the field of radiology and interventional radiology.