RADIOLOGY RESIDENCY & IMGS

Everyone and Everybody talks about how tough Radiology is for IMGs (even for AMGs). It sure is, but for those passionate about radiology, it would be wrong to give up the dream altogether. And before you read ahead, I must stress on the two big credentials needed are Very high USMLE scores (preferable 99s) and Research publications in Radiology. The average three-digit scores of candidates matching into Diagnostic Radiology in 2007 were around 230 to 235 in both USMLE Step 1 & Step 2 CK.

Direct residency positions are sure tough for IMGs, making IMGs try indirect routes. I got to speak to a IMG Radiology faculty doc at a University hospital and he told me about his journey and what people these days do to get in. It surely takes more time, but is worth it if that's where your passion lies. He himself did a residency in Internal Medicine first and during those rotations made good contacts in the Radiology Dept. , volunteered to research and off-day observations and got into the program AFTER completing his IM residency.

The other way, which may be easier, is first doing a Radiology residency in your own home country and then applying to Radiology fellowships in USA - Read my post on Direct Fellowships without Residency - not saying Radiology residency is easy in your own countries - Radiology is pretty much a highly sought specialty after all over the world, but a radiology residency back home may be a better way to spend time rather than trying, trying and trying for US residency positions.

The competition sure is tough - even a lot of AMGs with high scores end up doing prelims and transitional years and hope to get into a Radiology program the following year. Do check out USMLEtoMD.com/imgfriendly for updated information on IMG-accepting Radiology Programs. However, remember that even if they do accept IMG applications, American Graduates are always given the first preference. And of course the IMGs with Green cards / Citizenships have an advantage...


Take home message: Don't compromise on your scores, apply to Radiology residency programs, but also apply to Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine-Peds and 1-year Preliminary Medicine spots. In case Radiology does not happen, don't lose heart - take up the backup residency, work your towards your goal slowly and strategically through exposure, experience and contacts :-) You got a better chance that way than not taking up any residency at all and wasting a year. And my advice for any tough residency specialty - always have a plan B in your home country for a Radiology residency - coz that way, the option of direct fellowships stays open too.


Also See : ERAS Application Statistics by Specialty

Q. What are the Fellowship Options After Radiology ?

A.

• Abdominal Radiology
• Cardiothoracic Radiology
• Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology
• Musculoskeletal Radiology
• Neuroradiology
• Nuclear Radiology
• Pediatric Radiology
• Vascular and Interventional Radiology

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