Alternate Pathway Fellowship

Program Director: Cara Lombard, MD 

WVU is pleased to offer a comprehensive 4-year training program for exceptional international medical graduates working towards American Board of Radiology certification through the Alternate Pathway. 

Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong clinical, teaching and research skills and have an interest in academic radiology. We will place emphasis on candidates who have robust scholarly activity or prior research background, strong leadership skills, and who have demonstrated a commitment to clinical excellence.  

At West Virginia University, the required training for Alternate Pathway can be accomplished by combining year-long fellowships in one or more of the following divisions: 

• Abdominal Imaging Fellowship 
• Musculoskeletal Imaging Fellowship 
• Neuroradiology Fellowship
• Neuroradiology Interventional Fellowship
• Breast Imaging Fellowship   

We will attempt to offer a 4-year pathway that meets your training preferences as much as possible. However, our training positions are limited, and you may be offered a 4-year pathway different from your initial request. Alternate Pathway candidates can expect to fully function at the level of a fellow during their time in any of the Radiology divisions. 

Transfers from outside institutions will be considered as the Alternate Pathway can be completed at more than one institution.  

Annual contracts renewals will be based on performance evaluations per WVU and GME guidelines and successful completion of prior fellowships. Our program goal is that candidates will complete the entire 4-year pathway at our institution dependent on meeting the department minimum standards for clinical competency, performance and professionalism.  

There may be the possibility of satisfying 1 of the 4 years as an attending Radiologist for exceptional candidates that meet departmental performance criteria and both West Virginia licensure and Visa requirements; contingent on staffing needs. 

As a study resource, Alternate Pathway fellows receive access to the same online ABR Exam preparation resources which WVU Diagnostic Radiology Residents use. 

The WVU Department of Radiology’s 4-year ABR Alternate Pathway program is eligible for J-1 sponsorship currently. H-1B transfers are not supported.