Moving to the US

[neurospr]

Hi all. Would really appreciate any insights you have. I'm a Neurology Specialist Registrar in the UK.

For various reasons I'm thinking about moving to the States. Some of the questions I have might be best answered by someone who has made this move already but am I am hoping U.S. neurology residents might be able to help me too.

I understand that I might not get any credit for the year of neuro SpR I have done so far nor the Neurology PhD I will have done by next year. Although correct me if I'm wrong. So I'm guessing that I will have to start with a year of internal medicine followed by three years of neuro (?).

My questions are as follows

(1) I realise that every residency is different but I was wondering what the hours are like? Is it true that you are limited to 80 hours/week. Does this happen in practice? Do you still have a social life?!

(2) Are most people well supported in their programmes. Is there more senior support available on the phone when you're on call at night?

(3) What sort of salaries do you receive as a neuro resident?


(4) If anyone has made the move from Europe to the US as a neuro resident, how were your experiences?


I suppose that these are basic questions but I am just starting to think about the move which would be a huge decision and I would really appreciate your opinions.

Many thanks.

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[neurologist]

(1) I realise that every residency is different but I was wondering what the hours are like? Is it true that you are limited to 80 hours/week. Does this happen in practice? Do you still have a social life?!

Yes it is true you are technically limited to 80 hours per week. Some programs are more observant of this than others. I think most neuro residents average well under 80 hours though, unless you are on an extremely busy hospital service. Yes, you will have a social life.

(2) Are most people well supported in their programmes. Is there more senior support available on the phone when you're on call at night?

Again, highly variable from place to place. In many large programs, you are on your own. You can call a more senior resident for backup. Some attendings are more willing than others to be called at night. Some programs actually require that every patient be staffed over the phone with an attending, but I suspect this is rare.

(3) What sort of salaries do you receive as a neuro resident?

Rough range from $40,000 -- $55,000 per year, depending on program and geographic location. Keep in mind that $55,000 doesn't go far in New York or San Francisco, but is quite nice in the midwest or parts of the south.

(4) If anyone has made the move from Europe to the US as a neuro resident, how were your experiences?

Sorry, can't help you with this one . . .

Good luck.

 

[neurospr]

Many thanks for taking the time to reply. Simple stuff but am starting to think about heading over so have to begin with the basics. Best wishes.

 

[Imhotep]

You might be able to get some credit for your prior training. Ultimately, it is something that depends on the program director....

In addition to repeating your training experience, you should also look into obtaining an academic (entry level-assistant professor) position at one of the teaching institutions. You can get a special (teaching) license in several states. It will limit you to one academic institution, but at least you wont have to repeat residency.

Alternatively, you may want to try for a fellowship position (stroke, headache, pain etc). Following the completion of which, you may become eligible for the aforementioned special license.

Please let me know if you have specific questions.

 

[neurospr]

Hi imhotep. Appreciate your reply.

The fellowship has always been an option for FMGs but the issue is that the type of visa we get means that we have to return to our home cuntry afterwards (I understand that there are exceptions but that this often means you can be shipped out to a hospital not of your choice).

I hadn't thought of the academic post option though. It's one I will look into.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Imhotep]

You're welcome. I think given your credentials (PhD in neurosciences), many academic centers would like to talk to you re:faculty positions. You may have to call/email the programs, however. Check out careermd.com, it has a list of all neurology residency and fellowship programs, along with their websites/contact info. You can use this list to get a hold of faculty/program chairs.

Also, despite the fact that many programs only sponsor JI visa (I think that's what you were referring to), there are several that might offer H1. Again, you should broach this subject with the appropriate people.

Good luck.