What happens if you don’t match into a residency?

[Proconsul1981]

You just have the MD? Can you still write prescriptions?

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[DrStephenStrange]

You just have the MD? Can you still write prescriptions?

If you don't match in residency, you try again the next application cycle. And no you can't write prescriptions without a licence. The MD degree is nothing without residency training. Best you could probably do is work for some insurance companies.

 

[Redpancreas]

You just have the MD? Can you still write prescriptions?

At the beginning of your fourth year, you take your medical student profile (USMLE scores, class grades, extracurricular involvement) and apply to residency. The odds are in your favor given American graduates are heavily favored, but every year for a variety of reasons students fail to match (applying to a competitive field, underapplying, red flags, etc.). If you fail to match you can not practice medicine (i.e. write prescriptions, etc.) until you reapply and match into a US residency program. This is because you do not have a medical license. Residents are able to do these things because they apply for a "training license".

What you can do with just an MD/DO
You can either switch careers entirely OR reapply to residency/another accepted training route. If you want to maintain the viability of your career in medicine you can not go very long (>1 year) without clinical training.

Other Careers: Medical Sales/Pharmaceutical Representative, Basic Science Teaching, Medical Writing, and Insurance Company Claims.

Non-Residency Medical Training: Apply for a research externship/clinical training hybrid that some institutions offer. You have to work to find these positions and many are designed for those looking to take a research year before applying to highly competitive specialties but may end up settling for medical graduates if the position does not fill. Many reputable institutions and physician clinics can be willing to take unmatched students under their wing to offer them pay and clinical experience to allow them for more time to apply to residency.

What you can do with an incomplete residency:
In order to independently practice medicine legally (write Rxs), you need a full medical license. The criteria for obtaining a full medical license varies by state, but the general formula is graduation from medical school, completion of a minimum of X years of residency (varies by state), and completion of either the USMLE/COMLEX series . The main barrier, however, will be that most insurance companies and hospitals require board certification for reimbursement and hiring respectively...effectively pidgeonholing you into a cash-based practice. Below are some options and a helpful website:

-https://lookforzebras.com/can-physicians-obtain-board-certification-without-residency/
-Work for an insurance company completing medical assessmentsm but not exams.
-Providing healthcare for a correctional facility, Native American reserve.
-Joining a wound care company (ex. Vohra Wound Care) to do clinical work based on your experience.
-Find a place willing to hire you as a General Practitioner without board certification.

 

[Med Ed]

You just have the MD? Can you still write prescriptions?

Depends on if you want the prescriptions to be legal.

 

[TeddyBoomBoom]

You just have the MD? Can you still write prescriptions?

No. Think of the MD as a college degree. You need a state license to practice medicine/write prescriptions.

edit- above poster nailed it

 

[Goro]

You just have the MD? Can you still write prescriptions?

OP, based upon your post history, I strongly suggest that you read this:
Med School Rx: Getting In, Getting Through, and Getting On with Doctoring Original Edition by Walter Hartwig
ISBN-13: 978-1607140627

ISBN-10: 1607140624