Back to homeTier 2 · Accelerator Onboarding
Tier 2 · Accelerator

Your onboarding kit.
Built to move fast, with no guesswork.

Checklists, templates and playbooks used by clients inside the Pathway Mentorship program.

Step 1

Welcome to the Accelerator

Welcome to the Radiology USA Pathway — Tier 2 (Accelerator).

You’ve just entered a structured program designed to accelerate your preparation toward Radiology in the U.S.

In the next 48 hours you’ll receive:

  • Your initial diagnostic (IMG Readiness Score)
  • Review of your current CV and Personal Statement
  • Personalized Research and Networking plan
  • Access to bi-weekly mentorship calls

Step 2

Initial Checklist

Complete these items in your first week. Each unlocks the next layer of the program.

  • Submit current CV
    Full version, no page limit. We’ll restructure it.
  • Submit current Personal Statement
    Even if incomplete or in draft form.
  • Complete diagnostic questionnaire
    12 essential questions about timeline, goals & constraints.
  • Select Radiology subspecialty interests
    IR, MSK, Neuro, Body, Breast, Peds, etc.
  • Book first strategic alignment call
    60-minute kickoff to lock the 90-day plan.

Step 3

CV Checklist (U.S. Standard)

  • U.S. formatting
    No photo, no personal data (age, marital status, nationality).
  • Clinical experience
    USCE, observerships, clerkships — with dates, institutions & supervisors.
  • Research
    Publications, abstracts, posters, manuscripts in progress — PubMed/DOI links.
  • Leadership & teaching
    Highly valued in Radiology — committees, lectures, mentoring.
  • Relevant skills
    PACS, DICOM, Python, R, statistics, AI tools, languages.
  • Bullet structure
    Action verb + context + measurable impact.

Step 4

Personal Statement Checklist

  • One central story
    A single narrative thread — not three competing ones.
  • Motivation for Radiology
    Avoid clichés (“I love imaging”). Show the actual moment.
  • Connection to real experiences
    Tie to research, clinical work, mentorship — concrete evidence.
  • Clinical maturity
    Demonstrate judgment, not just enthusiasm.
  • Strong closing
    Future vision + how you’ll contribute to the program & field.

Step 5

Networking & Email Templates

Use these as starting points. Personalize the bracketed fields — never send raw.

Template 1 — Cold email for research

Template
Subject: Research Opportunity Inquiry — IMG with Radiology Focus
Dear Dr. [Last Name],

My name is [Your Name] and I am an international medical graduate with a strong interest in [subspecialty area]. I have been following your work on [specific paper / project] and would be grateful for the opportunity to contribute to your research team.

I have experience in [methodology / clinical area / tools] and am available to collaborate immediately, remotely or on-site.

Would you be open to a brief 15-minute conversation in the coming weeks?

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Email] · [LinkedIn] · [Phone]

Template 2 — Observership request

Template
Subject: Observership Inquiry — [Month/Year] · [Your Specialty]
Dear Dr. [Last Name],

I’m [Your Name], an IMG radiologist currently preparing to apply through the ABR Alternate Pathway. I’m writing to ask whether your department accepts clinical observers between [date range].

My background includes [residency / fellowship / years of experience] with focus on [area]. I’m especially interested in observing [specific modality / service] at [Institution] because of [specific reason — program, faculty, case mix].

I can provide ECFMG certification, malpractice coverage, and references on request.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Template 3 — Follow-up (after 7–10 days)

Template
Subject: Re: Research Opportunity Inquiry — [Your Name]
Dear Dr. [Last Name],

I wanted to gently follow up on my note from [date] regarding a possible research collaboration. I understand schedules are busy — I’m happy to wait, and equally happy to be redirected to a colleague or fellow who might be the right contact.

Thank you again for your time.

Best,
[Your Name]

Template 4 — Post-conference / introduction

Template
Subject: Great to meet you at [RSNA / ARRS / SIR] — follow-up
Dear Dr. [Last Name],

It was a pleasure meeting you at [event] during [session / poster / reception]. I really enjoyed our brief conversation about [topic].

As mentioned, I’m an IMG preparing for the U.S. Radiology pathway and would welcome the chance to stay in touch as I move through the process. If there’s ever an opportunity to contribute to your group — research, case review, anything — I’d be glad to hear about it.

Thank you again for the generous conversation.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

Outreach rules

  • One ask per email. Never two.
  • Reference something specific — a paper, talk, project. No mass-sends.
  • Follow up once. Then move on.
  • Always end with an easy “no” option.

Step 6

Mock Interview Playbook

Mock interviews follow a fixed 45-minute structure. You’ll do at least 3 rounds in the program, each with written feedback.

0–5 min · Opening
“Tell me about yourself” — your 90-second narrative.
5–15 min · Motivation
Why Radiology, why the U.S., why this program.
15–25 min · CV deep-dive
Pressure-tested questions on research, clinical work, gaps.
25–35 min · Behavioral
Conflict, failure, teamwork, ethics — STAR format.
35–42 min · Your questions
3 strong, specific, non-Googleable questions for the PD.
42–45 min · Debrief
Live feedback + 3 concrete action items before the next round.

Core question bank

  • → Walk me through your CV.
  • → Why Radiology and not your original specialty?
  • → Why the U.S. and not your home country?
  • → What attracts you specifically to our program?
  • → Tell me about a difficult case or error.
  • → Tell me about a time you disagreed with a senior.
  • → What’s the weakest part of your application?
  • → Where do you see yourself in 5 and 10 years?
  • → What subspecialty interests you and why?
  • → How do you handle long shifts and burnout?
  • → Tell me about a meaningful research project.
  • → What questions do you have for me?

Scoring rubric (per round)

  • Clarity of narrative (0–5)
  • Specificity & evidence (0–5)
  • Clinical maturity & judgment (0–5)
  • Communication & presence (0–5)
  • Questions asked at the end (0–5)

Honest take

Research Fellowship — when it’s NOT worth it

1. Cost / benefit is usually poor

Research fellowships can cost US$ 40k–70k/year in lost salary + cost of living + time invested. The return is often smaller than candidates expect.

2. It doesn’t boost your chances the way you think

Radiology programs value publications, networking, and strong letters— not necessarily a formal “fellowship” title. You can build all three without entering a fellowship.

3. When it IS worth it

  • You need U.S. clinical/research exposure on your CV and have no alternative.
  • The PI has a clear track record of placing IMGs into residency.
  • You have a concrete output plan (≥ 2–3 first-author papers in 12 months).
  • You can afford it without compromising your application timeline.

We’ll evaluate this together during your kickoff call and make the call based on your specific profile, timeline, and finances.

Ready to submit your first deliverables?

Email your CV + draft Personal Statement to begin Week 1 of the Accelerator.

Submit Week 1 deliverables