In the end I would rather get a H1 visa, however, many pre-liminary med spots are offering only J1 visas. Can I get a J1 visa for my prelim year then change to a H1 the next year when I start anesthesiology. Anyone have any experience with this? any info would be helpful.

Thanks,

One piece of advice, don't go with the J1, it's hell to get out of it.
it's hard but not impossible to find prelims that offer H1.

I am in the same boat, just take step 3 and make sure to check that the program DOES sponsor H1, I called each program to double check! a lot of work but well worth it.

K

One piece of advice, don't go with the J1, it's hell to get out of it.
it's hard but not impossible to find prelims that offer H1.

I am in the same boat, just take step 3 and make sure to check that the program DOES sponsor H1, I called each program to double check! a lot of work but well worth it.

K
Thanks for your reply Kima, I agree, from the info that I have received so far it looks like the H1 would be the better choice in my situation.