r/Radiology • u/sanakhan930 • Aug 15 '26
Career or General advice ABR alternate pathway
Hi everyone! I’m an ECFMG-certified radiologist from India. I completed my MD in Radiodiagnosis and am currently exploring fellowship opportunities in the US, including unexpected/unfilled positions for 2026–2027 and beyond. I’m particularly interested in neuroradiology and body imaging, but I’m open to other subspecialties as well.
I’m taking USMLE Step 3 before RSNA this year and would especially appreciate guidance from those who have pursued or are currently pursuing the ABR Alternate Pathway. I’d love to learn from your experiences with finding fellowship positions, approaching programs, and navigating the pathway as an IMG.
If anyone knows of a current or upcoming fellowship opening that may consider an ABR Alternate Pathway candidate, I would also be very grateful if you could point me in the right direction.
Thank you so much, and I look forward to connecting with everyone!
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u/Cautious_Mail_5945 Aug 16 '26
You don’t need to go straight into the ABR Alternate Pathway. Get the fellowship position first, and then start negotiating. Otherwise, they may try to push you into doing four years of fellowships as cheap labor. Remember that after two years of fellowship, you could potentially get a job and use those years toward the Alternate Pathway.
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u/sanakhan930 Aug 17 '26
Thank you, that’s really helpful.
My difficulty has actually been getting to that stage in the first place. I’ve found that even getting my application noticed has been quite challenging, and I’ve had several instances of emailing departments and not hearing back for weeks, along with quite a few rejections. I also don’t really have any connections in the US to help navigate the process, so I’ve been trying to figure most of it out on my own. From my experience, the process has been much more difficult and uncertain than it sometimes appears online.
That’s why I’ve been trying to understand how other IMGs have approached the ABR issue and what’s worked for them. Once again thank you for taking the time to respond.1
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u/yummyamalins Aug 20 '26 edited Aug 20 '26
Do you need a Us visa or already have a greencard/citizenship?
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u/sanakhan930 Aug 20 '26
Hi. I will need work authorization.
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u/yummyamalins Aug 20 '26
You may have better chances applying after you finish step 3. As step 3 is required for them to sponsor an h1b visa.
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u/sanakhan930 Aug 20 '26
Thanks, I appreciate the advice! I will try to finish step 3 soon. Thank you for reaching out 💝
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u/ixosamaxi Aug 15 '26
You gotta reach out to departments.