By Sherwin Chan, MD 
ABR Pediatric Radiology Trustee 
 
Based on input and support from the Society for Pediatric Radiology, the ABR created a 15-Month Pediatric Radiology Alternate Pathway earlier this year that allows diagnostic radiology (DR) residents to be eligible for subspecialty certification in pediatric radiology. 

The goal is to offer a flexible alternative to the existing options of the traditional fellowship and clinical practice pathways, with the expectation that trainees might elect to concentrate a portion of their DR residency on imaging of children and young adults. 

Since the pathway was announced in March, we’ve seen significant interest, resulting in 22 approved applications from DR residents. These trainees come from 18 DR programs, 11 of which also offer an ACGME-accredited pediatric radiology fellowship.  

The geographic regions where these residents train are also diverse. There are approved applicants in five programs in the Northeast, six in the Midwest, six in the Southeast and five in the West. 

Of the approved pathway applicants, six will complete their residency training in 2026; 10 will finish in 2027; and six will follow in 2028. 

It has been heartwarming to see the degree of interest for this pathway. I have loved hearing stories of how various stakeholders have been able to make this work at their institutions. I am excited to see how this pathway will help address the workforce shortage in pediatric radiology.