Penn Radiology offers a 4-year program designed for international medical graduates aiming for radiology board certification. This program operates in collaboration with the ABR (American Board of Radiology) through the Alternate Pathway. We are actively seeking radiologists of exceptional talent, possessing profound clinical expertise, exemplary teaching abilities, and groundbreaking research acumen, to align with the esteemed legacy of Penn Radiology. By joining our distinguished department, you will not only deliver unparalleled care to our cherished patients, but also enhance the fabric of our educational milieu and foster an intellectually stimulating environment for our faculty, fellows, residents, and medical students.
Our department provides sponsorship to international medical graduates who wish to fulfill ABR eligibility requirements by enrolling in our program to complete the four-year plan. Upon finishing the program, participants can become eligible to take the ABR Certifying Exam provided that they comply with the ABR requirements. Please refer to the ABR website regarding the ABR Alternate Pathway for the most up-to-date information.
Our Program
At Penn Radiology, fulfilling the Alternate Pathway training requirements involves completing year-long fellowships in various divisions, such as abdominal imaging, cardiothoracic imaging, cardiovascular imaging, neuroradiology, musculoskeletal imaging, and nuclear medicine. While we make an effort to accommodate your preferences for the duration of radiology training, it's important to note that our training positions are limited. As a result, you may be offered a four-year pathway that differs from your initial request. An initial one-year research fellowship can be part of the 4-year plan and will count towards the 4-year ABR alternate pathway. Positions typically entail annual contract renewals and are subject to satisfactory performance. In order to proceed with their training at Penn Radiology, 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 fellow in any of the aforementioned sections.
Interview
Upon careful evaluation of your application materials by the selection committee, you may be offered a virtual interview with participating divisions. Following the interviews, the selection committee convenes to discuss your candidacy and provide recommendations regarding your acceptance into the Alternate Pathway program at Penn Radiology.
Medical Licensing and Visa
Foreign applicants must possess the legal ability to engage in employment within the United States or meet the necessary criteria to obtain work authorization. Please note that the fellowship candidates must meet the eligibility requirements for H-1B visas, which encompass the successful completion of all USMLEs including step 3. We will also extend an existing H1-B visa from another institution if a four-year pathway is offered to a candidate. We regret to inform you that we are unable to provide support for J-1 applicants necessitating a J-1 waiver for the purpose of qualifying for an H-1B visa. Any acceptance is contingent on acquiring a medical license appropriate for the training program.
Application Information
Applications are now being accepted for program years 2024 and onwards. Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications before October 1st of the year preceding their desired enrollment year. Applications are reviewed quarterly by the ABR Alternate Pathway selection committee.
If you are interested in applying for the four-year ABR alternate pathway, please complete the designated application form and submit the following documents:
- University of Pennsylvania Radiology Fellowship Application
- Current CV
- 3 letters of recommendation, including a letter from your Residency Program Director
- USMLE Score reports: We require successful completion of all USMLE Steps including step 3 before your application can be considered.
- Copy of ECFMG certificate
- Copy of medical school diploma
- Dean’s letter from medical school
- Medical school transcripts
- Personal statement (maximum 1 page)
- Certificate of completion of residency
FAQs:
1. I am currently holding a J1 visa, can I extend my J1 visa for the Penn Radiology alternate pathway program?
We regret to inform you that we are unable to provide support for J-1 applicants including those who require a J-1 waiver for the purpose of qualifying for an H-1B visa.
2. After completion of the 4-year alternate pathway program, for which states am I qualified to obtain a license?
Obtaining medical licensure is something that has variable requirements depending on the state. Most states require 1-3 years of postgraduate training in the US but they frequently have other state-specific requirements. Penn radiology cannot determine your eligibility for obtaining medical licensure. You are encouraged to check state-specific requirements. https://www.fsmb.org/step-3/state-licensure/
3. Can I choose which fellowships I want to do for the 4-year program?
Yes, we try to prioritize accommodating your preferences for the duration of radiology training, however, please note that our training positions are limited, and you may be offered a four-year pathway that differs from your initial request.
4. Can you provide more details about the admission process, including its timeline, available positions, and the start time of the first fellowship program for successful candidates?
The application will be open throughout the year. We will have positions available in different sections as mentioned on the website. The number of positions may vary from year to year depending on the needs of the department.
5. Should my letters of recommendation be emailed directly by the program director or I could email them myself?
As stated in the application form, all letters of recommendation should be emailed directly to us by the physician writing the letter.
6. In the part of the form that asks me to enter my internship, should I enter the internship program that I had in my country?
Yes
7. If I am awaiting my ECFMG certification and plan to take the USMLE exams in the future, can I send my application now and send the ECFMG certification and step 3 result later?
We do not consider incomplete applications. ECFMG certification and USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 are required to apply. Please apply once you have all the required documents.
8. Where can I find information on requirements on Pennsylvania Licensure?
Information on Pennsylvania State licensure can be found on the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) web site. Specific requirements by license can be viewed on the Application Checklist on the left side menu bar, and selecting the “State Board of Medicine” in the drop down. Additional information can be found on our License Requirements at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania on our How to Apply Page.
9. Can I apply for the Penn Radiology Imaging Informatics Fellowship?
The Informatics fellowship will not count toward the 4-year pathway; however, interested fellows could be considered for the Imaging Informatics fellowship during one of the 4 years with the agreement of the program director.
Leadership
Ali Nabavizadeh, MD
Director, Alternate Fellowship Pathway to Board Certification
Contacts
For additional questions relating to requirements of the pathway, contact: PennRadiologyEducation@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Submit completed applications and letters of recommendation to: Ms. Tiffany Lance, tiffany.lance@pennmedicine.upenn.edu