You can enter the alternate entry path without a USA residency by showcasing your accomplishments and expressing your interest in becoming a valuable part of the US academic system. This opportunity is available in Radiology, General Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, and Obstetrics & Gynecology.
For exceptional anesthesiologists, there’s a fantastic chance to become board certified in anesthesiology in the USA without residency. The American Board of Anesthesiology offers the Alternate Entry Path (AEP) program to support internationally trained and certified anesthesiologists in joining US academic anesthesiology programs.
In this article, I’ll explain everything about the Alternate Entry Path (AEP) program.

Dr. Rajeev Iyer, MBBS, MD, FASA
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
University of Pennsylvania, USA
The opinion in this article are authors own and do not represent the opinion of University of Pennsylvania or any other organization.

I have three years residency master degree in medicine from Egypt
MRCP from uk
Can I got fellow or faculty in internal medicine
Certainly, you can apply for a clinical fellowship in Internal Medicine. The selection process for clinical fellowships typically involves multiple factors, including your qualifications, experience, references, interview performance, and the specific requirements and criteria set by the fellowship program.
To increase your chances of being selected, it is essential to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for the specific fellowship program you are interested in. Make sure you meet the necessary qualifications and gather all the required documents, such as your CV, letters of recommendation, and any additional supporting materials.
Additionally, highlighting your relevant clinical experience, research work, and dedication to the field of Internal Medicine in your application can strengthen your candidacy. It is also beneficial to network and establish connections with professionals in the field who can provide guidance and potentially support your application.
Ultimately, the selection process is competitive, and the decision depends on various factors, including the number of available positions and the qualifications and merits of the applicants. It is important to approach the application process with a proactive mindset, put forth your best effort in presenting your qualifications and experiences, and be prepared for the possibility of multiple applications before securing a clinical fellowship in Internal Medicine.
Does this mean, the candidate can apply without USMLE step exams and getting an ECFMG certificate?
Thank you for reaching out to IMG Secrets, Doctor.
Your situation requires an individualized review before we can suggest the most appropriate pathway. We do guide doctors in similar scenarios.
If interested in one-on-one guidance, you can book a one-on-one consultation at http://www.IMGSecrets.com with Dr. Iyer or one of our other expert doctors, where we will review your profile in detail and help you understand the next steps.
Best wishes, The IMG Secrets Team
Is there a list of institutes which offer the Alternate pathway in Radiology ? I am interested in the Radiology alternate pathway.
There are many institutes that can potentially offer alternate entry path. Your application needs to be exceptionally strong and warrants an assessment of your credentials and background by our team. Would you like our assistance in taking specific steps to strengthen your application and ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to earn a high salary while enjoying a fulfilling career in Canada, working with patients? If so, please feel free to schedule an appointment at Calendly.com/IMGSecrets.
What includes a strong application in alternate pathway. Does a second attempt pass on step 1 during med school matter for IMG if they have home country residency and great credentials after that?
Hello dear IMG Secrets Team,
I’m an ENT surgeon, 35 years old from Germany. I finished my residency this year at the University Hospital Charité in Berlin and since my spouse is originally from Tennessee we are thinking of moving to the US. I would like to know if it would be possible for me to get a job as a specialist in that state. I’m planning on taking the USMLE next year in Germany.
What path would you recommend in my case? I have the opportunity to start a subspecialty and facial plastic surgery by the end of this year in Berlin and it takes a total of 2 years. Additionally, I hold a masters in Public Health from the University of London ( London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine).
Thank you so much!
Thank you for reaching out to IMG Secrets, Doctor.
Your situation requires an individualized review before we can suggest the most appropriate pathway. We do guide doctors in similar scenarios.
If interested in one-on-one guidance, you can book a one-on-one consultation at http://www.IMGSecrets.com with Dr. Iyer or one of our other expert doctors, where we will review your profile in detail and help you understand the next steps.
Best wishes, The IMG Secrets Team
Is there an alternate pathway for family medicine? Currently in UK residency in family medicine.
Thank you for reaching out to IMG Secrets, Doctor.
Your situation requires an individualized review before we can suggest the most appropriate pathway. We do guide doctors in similar scenarios.
If interested in one-on-one guidance, you can book a one-on-one consultation at http://www.IMGSecrets.com with Dr. Iyer or one of our other expert doctors, where we will review your profile in detail and help you understand the next steps.
Best wishes, The IMG Secrets Team
I have done MBBS from nepal in 2017. then I worked as medical officer for 3 years and 9 months. then I did 3 year internal medicine residency in nepal (finished in April 2024). since then I am working as consultant physician at a hospital in nepal. what are ways I can enter us medical system without repeating residency? one I know is applying unfilled fellowship position like nephro, geriatric, infectious disease . what are other ways.
Thank you for reaching out to IMG Secrets, Doctor.
Your situation requires an individualized review before we can suggest the most appropriate pathway. We do guide doctors in similar scenarios.
If interested in one-on-one guidance, you can book a one-on-one consultation at http://www.IMGSecrets.com with Dr. Iyer or one of our other expert doctors, where we will review your profile in detail and help you understand the next steps.
Best wishes, The IMG Secrets Team
Hi
I have specialist registration in uk from GMC on General internal medicine, please update chance of fellowship in USA and finally how to start?
Thanks
Thank you for reaching out to IMG Secrets, Doctor.
Your situation requires an individualized review before we can suggest the most appropriate pathway. We do guide doctors in similar scenarios.
If interested in one-on-one guidance, you can book a one-on-one consultation at http://www.IMGSecrets.com with Dr. Iyer or one of our other expert doctors, where we will review your profile in detail and help you understand the next steps.
Best wishes, The IMG Secrets Team
Is there a alternate entry pathway for doctors who’ve done pathology from home country (India)?! If yes which are the institutes?.
Thank you for reaching out to IMG Secrets, Doctor.
Your situation requires an individualized review before we can suggest the most appropriate pathway. We do guide doctors in similar scenarios.
If interested in one-on-one guidance, you can book a one-on-one consultation at http://www.IMGSecrets.com with Dr. Iyer or one of our other expert doctors, where we will review your profile in detail and help you understand the next steps.
Best wishes, The IMG Secrets Team
Hello dr i want to know about this that Which post residency fellowship program is easy to get between urology and plastic surgery field, ?I will very thanksfull
Thank you for reaching out to IMG Secrets, Doctor.
Your situation requires an individualized review before we can suggest the most appropriate pathway. We do guide doctors in similar scenarios.
If interested in one-on-one guidance, you can book a one-on-one consultation at http://www.IMGSecrets.com with Dr. Iyer or one of our other expert doctors, where we will review your profile in detail and help you understand the next steps.
Best wishes, The IMG Secrets Team
May i know is there any alternate pathway for emergency medicine
Thank you for reaching out to IMG Secrets, Doctor.
Your situation requires an individualized review before we can suggest the most appropriate pathway. We do guide doctors in similar scenarios.
If interested in one-on-one guidance, you can book a one-on-one consultation at http://www.IMGSecrets.com with Dr. Iyer or one of our other expert doctors, where we will review your profile in detail and help you understand the next steps.
Best wishes, The IMG Secrets Team
I With over 12 years of experience in anaesthetics, including 3 years formal core anesthetic training in East of England deanery , intensive care, critical care transfers (including international cases), and emergency medicine, Currently, I work as an Anaesthetics and ICU Specialist at in London, where I have developed extensive expertise in managing critically ill patients.
I am highly skilled in advanced airway management, including difficult intubations, tracheostomy care, and advanced airway techniques. Additionally, I have significant experience in difficult vascular access, chest drain insertions, total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA), and a range of essential ICU procedures. My international critical care transfer experience has further strengthened my ability to manage complex cases in high-pressure environments.
I do not have the USMLE, hence I was wonder if I would be eligible for alternate entry pathway.
Thank you for reaching out to IMG Secrets, Doctor.
Your situation requires an individualized review before we can suggest the most appropriate pathway. We do guide doctors in similar scenarios.
If interested in one-on-one guidance, you can book a one-on-one consultation at http://www.IMGSecrets.com with Dr. Iyer or one of our other expert doctors, where we will review your profile in detail and help you understand the next steps.
Best wishes, The IMG Secrets Team
I completed my PMQ from Egypt with distinction
Got a clinical attachment and a clinical fellowship in transplant medicine for 3 years from the UK with full GMC registration and license
Had 10 years of speciality and subspecialty experience in transplant gastroenterology/hepatology from Egypt, the UK and Saudi Arabia
I have published more than 10 research papers in Q1 journals like Lancet, Hepatology, Gastroenterology and others, with very good research experience from the UK and Egypt
I’m currently a consultant
Do I qualify to apply as a faculty member in USA directly without USMLE?
Thank you for reaching out to IMG Secrets, Doctor.
Your situation requires an individualized review before we can suggest the most appropriate pathway. We do guide doctors in similar scenarios.
If interested in one-on-one guidance, you can book a one-on-one consultation at http://www.IMGSecrets.com with Dr. Iyer or one of our other expert doctors, where we will review your profile in detail and help you understand the next steps.
Best wishes, The IMG Secrets Team
Is there an alternate pathway for cardiology?
I am working as Medical officer in Gurgaon Govt. of Haryana since last 25 years I want to serve in USA. What alternate pathway will be suitable to me I follow your U-Tube channel
Thank you for reaching out to IMG Secrets, Doctor.
Your situation requires an individualized review before we can suggest the most appropriate pathway. We do guide doctors in similar scenarios.
If interested in one-on-one guidance, you can book a one-on-one consultation at http://www.IMGSecrets.com with Dr. Iyer or one of our other expert doctors, where we will review your profile in detail and help you understand the next steps.
Best wishes, The IMG Secrets Team
I am an MBBS from Medical college Rohtak in1996. I did my Junior residency in Cardiology, Surgery, Emergency & ENT etc. before a job of Medical officer.
Thank you for reaching out to IMG Secrets, Doctor.
Your situation requires an individualized review before we can suggest the most appropriate pathway. We do guide doctors in similar scenarios.
If interested in one-on-one guidance, you can book a one-on-one consultation at http://www.IMGSecrets.com with Dr. Iyer or one of our other expert doctors, where we will review your profile in detail and help you understand the next steps.
Best wishes, The IMG Secrets Team
Is there any alternate pathway possible for IMG pathologist?
Thank you for reaching out to IMG Secrets, Doctor.
Your situation requires an individualized review before we can suggest the most appropriate pathway. We do guide doctors in similar scenarios.
If interested in one-on-one guidance, you can book a one-on-one consultation at http://www.IMGSecrets.com with Dr. Iyer or one of our other expert doctors, where we will review your profile in detail and help you understand the next steps.
Best wishes, The IMG Secrets Team
Is it possible to apply for a Palliative Care fellowship without doing a U.S. residency, outside the ACGME system, as an IMG?
And which institutions support this pathway?
Thank you for reaching out to IMG Secrets, Doctor.
Your situation requires an individualized review before we can suggest the most appropriate pathway. We do guide doctors in similar scenarios.
If interested in one-on-one guidance, you can book a one-on-one consultation at http://www.IMGSecrets.com with Dr. Iyer or one of our other expert doctors, where we will review your profile in detail and help you understand the next steps.
Best wishes, The IMG Secrets Team
hi , i have done my MBBS plus internship from maulana azad emdical college , many years ago.
i have 7 years of work experince and registred with indian medical council , delhi medical council , uttarakhand medical council. trying to clear usmle 1 and 2 . i have not been fortunate enough to do my postgraduation . am i eligible in state of massachusetts for the alternate physician pathway.?
please help
drkalsang mBBS
malden USA(MA)
Thank you for reaching out to IMG Secrets, Doctor.
Your situation requires an individualized review before we can suggest the most appropriate pathway. We do guide doctors in similar scenarios.
If interested in one-on-one guidance, you can book a one-on-one consultation at http://www.IMGSecrets.com with Dr. Iyer or one of our other expert doctors, where we will review your profile in detail and help you understand the next steps.
Best wishes, The IMG Secrets Team