After residency / Fellowship planning
Information for radiology residents choosing fellowship, diagnostic radiologists pursuing IR, and internationally trained radiologists reviewing U.S. fellowship or ABR alternate board pathways.
Updated Sep 03, 2026
Fellowship rules differ by subspecialty, Match sponsor, board pathway, visa status, and whether the position is ACGME-accredited. Confirm details directly with each program and certifying body.
Core routes
For U.S. trainees, the main decision is DR fellowship versus independent IR residency. For internationally trained radiologists, fellowship may help clinically, but board eligibility requires careful ABR planning.
Common areas include MSK, neuroradiology, breast, abdominal/body, emergency, cardiothoracic, pediatric, nuclear medicine, and informatics. Many but not all fellowships participate in a Match or use society-specific application timelines.
NRMP radiology fellowship match ↗︎Independent IR is classified as a fellowship for ERAS/NRMP purposes, but it is the post-DR route toward IR/DR training. ESIR can shorten training to one year; non-ESIR applicants generally complete two years.
SIR independent IR match ↗︎The ABR pathway can establish board eligibility through approved training in an ACGME or RCPSC radiology department. It is not simply a casual fellowship year; it requires documentation, sponsorship, exams, licensure, and time rules.
ABR alternate pathways ↗︎International radiologists
For applicants who completed radiology residency abroad and want U.S. fellowship, faculty-track training, or eventual ABR certification.
Read ABR 2026 update ↗︎ABR describes prerequisites that include clinical training, at least three years of diagnostic radiology residency outside the U.S./Canada, and documentation of independent radiology practice or certification where applicable.
The training plan must be housed in an institution with an ACGME or RCPSC diagnostic radiology program. ABR prefers one institution, but the current pathway can allow approved training across up to two institutions.
For DR certification, ABR describes four years of radiology training within eight years, using approved residency, fellowship, and/or faculty appointment time. Up to 12 months of approved research may count when it fits the approved plan.
Completing an independent IR residency alone does not by itself create IR/DR board eligibility for someone without the required DR pathway. Foreign-trained IR physicians should review the ABR IR/DR IMG pathway details before accepting a position.
Practical advice: before applying, ask programs whether they sponsor the ABR IMG Alternate Pathway, whether time can count toward board eligibility, what visa categories they support, and whether the role is clinical, research, faculty, or non-ACGME fellowship.
Subspecialty hubs
Use society directories first, then confirm openings, application method, Match participation, visa policy, and appointment year with the program coordinator.
Program list, Match resources, applicant guidance, training resources, and vacancy links
Program list, curriculum, ERAS resources, ACGME links, and fellowship Match guidance
Abdominal/body imaging and intervention fellowship listings, including ACGME-accredited programs
Breast imaging education, fellowship Match resources, mentorship, and career center links
MSK and GU radiologic-pathology fellowship opportunities for academic radiology careers
Application resources
Fellowship recruiting is not one single system. Some positions use NRMP and ERAS, some use society applications, and some openings are posted directly.
Start here to identify which radiology fellowship specialties use the Specialties Matching Service and to find the right calendar.
Use AAMC guidance for fellowship tokens, documents, applications, and season-specific application timing.
SIR/APDIR vacancy board for unexpected integrated and independent IR openings.
SSR vacancy board for open MSK fellowship positions by appointment year.
Before accepting
These are the questions that prevent painful surprises after you have already committed.
Is the position ACGME-accredited, non-ACGME clinical fellowship, faculty appointment, research fellowship, or independent IR residency?
Does the fellowship participate in NRMP, ERAS, a society common application, or direct institutional application?
For IMGs, can time count toward the ABR Alternate Pathway, and has the department sponsored candidates before?
What visa categories are supported, and what licensing steps must be completed before the start date?
What is the clinical case mix, call burden, procedure exposure, protected research time, moonlighting policy, and supervision model?
What are recent graduates doing: academic practice, private practice, 100% IR, hybrid DR/IR, second fellowship, or international practice?