IMG-friendly Research Residency tracks in the USA

As someone who is currently on a research “residency” (Specialised foundation programme) in the UK, I began to think whether anything similar existed in the US for those of those enthusiastic about research.

Well, yes, IMGs (international medical graduates) can pursue research-integrated residency tracks, though eligibility varies by pathway. Here's a quick breakdown:

📊 1. Research in Residency (RiR) Pathway

• Eligibility: Supported by institutions, not NIH—so IMGs with visas are eligible.

• Many categorical internal medicine programs (e.g., Yale, UConn, Griffin, Danbury) offer RiR tracks open to all residents regardless of citizenship (medicine.yale.edu, shemmassianconsulting.com).

• Training impact: Protects ~12 weeks for research during your 3-year residency.

  
  

🧬 2. Physician–Scientist Training Pathway (PSTP)

• Eligibility: IMG-friendly if the program supports visas.

• Typically structured as dual-match: residence + fellowship guaranteed.

• Requires substantial prior research (strong CV, publications, often dual-degree) (osr.ucsf.edu, residencyprogramslist.com).

  
  

🧪 3. NIH R25–Funded Residency Research Tracks

• Eligibility: ONLY U.S. citizens or permanent residents may be funded (R25 Research | Johns Hopkins Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Residency)—unavailable to non-U.S. IMGs.

• However, institutions with R25 grants (e.g., Mount Sinai, Otolaryngology, Neurology residencies) may offer limited non‑funded research time to IMGs.

  
  

🏥 4. Specialty-Specific & Grant-Supported Tracks

• Radiology: The SIR Foundation offers research grants; eligible to any resident in an ACGME‑accredited program—even IMGs (sirfoundation.org).

• Otolaryngology, Neurology, PM&R: Some NIH T32/R25–supported tracks exist but are typically restricted to U.S. citizens – though non-funded mentorship opportunities may still be available.

  
  

⚠️ 5. Stimulating Access to Research in Residency (StARR)

• Eligibility: Limited to U.S. MDs—NOT open to non-U.S. IMGs. Frequently Asked Questions for RFA-HL-18-023: Stimulating Access to Research in Residency (StARR) (R38) | NHLBI, NIH

Summary table

Pathway	IMG Eligibility	Extended Training	Notes
RiR	Yes	No	~12 weeks protected research
PSTP	Yes	Varies	Fellowship guaranteed; very competitive
NIH R25–funded (R25/T32) residency	No	Yes	Only U.S. citizens/permanent residents
Specialty tracks (Radiology grants etc.)	Yes	No/Varies	Often open to IMGs, with grant support
StARR	No	Yes (4 years)	Only U.S. MDs

🎯 Best Options for Non-U.S. IMGs

1. RiR Pathways in internal medicine (e.g. Yale) offer structured research time without extending training.

2. PSTP is a top choice if you have significant research experience and aim for an academic career.

3. Consider specialty-specific research grants/tracks (e.g., Radiology, PM&R, Psychiatry) that accept IMGs and allow you to build your research portfolio.

4. While R25/T32 funding isn’t available to IMGs, you may still benefit from similar programs via mentorship or program-sponsored research time.

   
   

✅ What You Should Do Next

• Review program websites for RiR and PSTP opportunities and check visa policies carefully.

• Reach out to program coordinators to clarify IMG eligibility and typical outcomes for research-inclined residents.

• Prepare your application—highlight US clinical experiences, research productivity, and desire for continued academic engagement!

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