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Program Overview and Scope of Training
Our four-year Alternate Pathway is available for international medical graduates (IMGs) who are board certified in radiology in their home country and do not plan to enter the standard residency pathway. This program allows IMGs to complete four years of radiology training at a single institution, within an eight-year period, making them eligible for certification by the American Board of Radiology (ABR). Becoming ABR-certified allows IMGs to practice radiology in the US, provided they also satisfy additional requirements regarding medical licensing and immigration status. More details about the IMG Alternate Pathway for Board Eligibility can be found on the ABR website.
At University of Utah Health, our Alternate Pathway Program can be fulfilled in the following subspecialties: Abdominal Imaging, Cardiothoracic Imaging, Musculoskeletal Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, and Breast Imaging. Up to 12 months of research within our department can also be applied toward the four-year pathway.
You may express preferences for the combination of years of radiology training you favor, and we will attempt to offer a four-year pathway that meets this as much as possible. However, our training positions are limited and you may be offered a four-year pathway that differs from your initial request. Once accepted, the trainee will be expected to complete the assigned pathway.
Please be aware that the requirements for practicing as a radiologist in the United States vary by state. The State of Utah requires two years of ACGME-accredited training in order to apply for unrestricted license to practice medicine. Due to the competitiveness of our programs, we are only able to offer one ACGME fellowship program to eligible candidates.
If you choose not to pursue or are not offered the four-year pathway but instead decide to undertake one or two years of radiology specialty training with us, we will not be able to offer you a four-year pathway at a later date. Individual fellowship training is not a route into the four-year ABR pathway. Candidates must request and be approved for the four-year pathway before beginning any training.
Appointment & Benefits
Fellows are typically appointed as Visiting Instructors, though candidates could be hired in a higher rank dependent on previous experience. The salary, vacation and meeting time, along with additional benefits are competitive with other fellowship programs. More detailed information is available when you apply for the fellowship.
Eligibility
We encourage outstanding applicants to apply, as we value the wide range of experiences and perspectives that enrich our programs. To be considered for an interview, please ensure the following criteria are met.
- ECFMG certified
- Passed USMLE Steps 1-3
- Must have a visa before training begins.
- Submit a complete application.
- Meet Utah licensing requirements.
Due to the large number of applications, the following traits are essential to be considered for an interview:
- Strong scores on USMLE Steps 1-3
- Outstanding letters of recommendation
- Active involvement in academic research
At this time, due to regulations related to non-accredited ACGME fellowship programs, we are not able to accommodate J-1 visa applicants. We support H-1 B visa sponsorship for fellows in the alternate pathway.
Positions typically entail annual contract renewals and are subject to satisfactory performance. To proceed with your training at the University of Utah Health, candidates must exhibit clinical competence and professionalism that are in accordance with the department's standards. The expectation for all candidates in the Alternate Pathway is to possess the skills and capabilities equivalent to a trainee in any of our fellowship programs.
Application Overview & Timeline
Candidates are encouraged to apply during our regular recruitment season. Applications for this next year will be accepted beginning November 1st.
All of our fellowship programs have pledged to follow the recruitment timelines outlined by the Society of Chairs of Academic Radiology Departments (SCARD). Additionally, our Musculoskeletal Imaging and Breast Imaging programs participate in the NRMP Match. This means both programs are unable to accept candidates outside the Match until after Match Day, and then only if positions in their program remain unfilled. The Abdominal Imaging, Cardiothoracic Imaging, and Nuclear Medicine programs will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis once the SCARD dates have passed, provided that positions remain available.
How to Apply
ABR Alternate Pathway Application Form
Submit Letters of Recommendation here
Applicants must submit the following:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Personal Statement
- USMLE Scores for steps 1, 2 and 3
- Medical School Transcript
- Dean’s Letter (MSPE)
- Personal Photograph
- Three Letters of Recommendation, one of which must be from your current program director
- Copy of Green Card, Visa, or Documentation of U.S. Citizenship
- Valid ECFMG Certificate with Clinical Skills Assessment Certification
Optional application documents:
- Evidence of previous training in the United States (if applicable)
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Verifications
We use the standardized “Verification of Graduate Medical Education Training” (VGMET) form released in 2018 by the ACGME, AHA, NAMSS, and OPDA. If you have a customized form, require program director signature and/or our institutional seal please select the appropriate option and email us the form.
A charge of $25.00 - $55.00 will be assessed for each comprehensive letter of verification, payable via credit card using our on-line payment portal (or by check, if submitting the request by US mail). This charge is in place to offset the fees we commonly incur while credentialing our own incoming residents and fellows. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Once the request has been submitted via the link below, please e-mail a completed Authorization for Release of Information form to RadiologyResidency@utah.edu.
When we have received the payment and trainee authorization, you will receive the completed verification of training form via e-mail. If you have further questions, please call 801-581-2868.
