Any help for a neurobiologist wannabe?

[Dr026]

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I'm a foreign med student who intends to go into neurobiology (majorly research) in the US.
Since it's more of a post-graduate specialty rather than a residency program (I guess), would there be exams like the USMLE?
What are the steps? any tips?
Or anyone also interested in neurobiology?

 

[OveractiveBrain]

Neurobiology isnt a fellowship or residency to my knowledge.

It sounds like PhD work; graduate school is the way to go. As in, an MD from anywhere really doesn't make that much of a difference. As such, there wont be any steps to take, you wouldn't go to med school, and, as far as I know, you are posting in the wrong place.

Unless Neurobiology is somehow a research track in Neurology.... Perhaps there is a disconnect between what you are saying and what you are meaning to say, give us a little more detail?

 

[Yope]

At the moment, I couldn't loathe neurobiology more. But good luck anyway.

 

[richse]

I'm a foreign med student who intends to go into neurobiology (majorly research) in the US.
Since it's more of a post-graduate specialty rather than a residency program (I guess), would there be exams like the USMLE?
What are the steps? any tips?
Or anyone also interested in neurobiology?

Once you get the MD from your home institution your best bet would be to look for post-doc positions in neuro/psych labs around the US. These positions generally come with a 1-2 year commitment. Most of the time PhDs take those jobs right after graduation as a stepping stop to either a faculty academic position or entrance into industry. You will need to explain clearly that you are only interested in research. I worked with a MD before medical school who only did research and he had climbed through the ranks as a post-doc while never having done a residency. I don't think what you want to do is very common, but it is certainly possible. A lot of institutions have their post-doc positions up on teh web as a searchable format and you could start looking now if you are close to completion of the MD. My wife just defended her thesis and is starting a post-doc in May so we recently did a lot of the same type of searching. Don't be put off, many investigators are extremely busy and it can take a while to hear back. There are some who can be very responsive and willing to discuss your career goals. I wish you luck in finding some of the later type.

 

[Dr026]

I'm a foreign med student who intends to go into neurobiology (majorly research) in the US.
Since it's more of a post-graduate specialty rather than a residency program (I guess), would there be exams like the USMLE?
What are the steps? any tips?
Or anyone also interested in neurobiology?

I've always been fascinated by the brain so I've chosen neuro to specialise in. Possibly neurobiology, cognitive neuroscience or something that involves working with the brain other than neurosurgery.
I'd also wish to get into a faculty academic position.
What are the career options other than research?