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Information On International Medical Students And Young Physician Program

By Larry Howard


Hospitals in the United States continue to be a preferred learning and working destination for many foreign students. Foreign trained physicians have an opportunity to get clinical experience before they graduate from their medical schools. Many others intend to move to the States and practise in the country. There are a number of facts on international medical students and young physician program one may wish to know.

When coming to the United States, there are a number of requirements that must be met. Some of them are general and happy to any immigrant or tourist while others are specific to medical personnel. It is important that one understands these requirements and meets them to avoid a rejection of their application. Some differences exist in the process for temporary students and physicians intending to move permanently.

International medical graduates (IMGs) seeking clinical exposure in the United States can do so by applying for what are known as observerships. These are programs designed to help the graduate learn the American healthcare system. They are particularly useful for doctors who wish to undertake their residency in the United States. They typically last a minimum of 4 weeks and a maximum of 48 weeks.

To be eligible for an observership position, one must be as graduate of a medical school. They must also be certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). Applications are usually made online to specific universities. Foreign graduates are encouraged to look for the various programs advertised by hospitals and the additional requirements.

One should understand that these positions are quite competitive as they attract interest from physicians all over the world. It is important, therefore, to make sure that the application is written in a convincing manner and does not leave out the important details. A daily filled application form should accompany the cover letter. The desired rotation should be clearly stated and so should the desired period of stay.

Many of the other requirements are general and similar to what is required of any potential immigrant. One of such requirements is that the individual needs to have a duly certified copy of updated immunization record. They also must have a copy of their passport and visa, recent passport photos and a health insurance certificate. One may call their host university if they are unsure of what is needed.

Physicians who have graduated from foreign universities and wish to work in the United States, are required to apply for residency. They, in addition, need to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination, USMLE. This exam is taken in several steps with some being administered outside the States and others within the country. Once the individual passes, they can apply for a spot in a any of the American hospitals and await for an interview.

The residency positions in American hospitals are extremely competitive. The competition is even stiffer for some disciplines such as surgery and psychiatry. IMGs are in direct competition with locally trained doctors. The latter understand the system better hence have an edge. An IMG may need to make applications to multiple hospitals to increase the chances of getting a spot.




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