Applying for Residency in the States with training already in Emergency Medicine

[username22]

I know Emergency Medicine is very competitive (from what I have read), and that board scores are generally high.

I'm currently working in the UK, and look to specialize in Emergency Medicine here. With some background in this field, would it be easier for me to get into a residency program in the States?

I've already taken my Step 1 and 2 exams, and I do have citizenship in the States. However, I did average on my steps. And I don't have anything else to add on my resume, except for one day having qualification as an EMP.


I was wondering if this was true for other Resdiency programs, and not just Emergency Medicine. I mean to say, a doctor with the qualifications in his specialty from another country, applying to that residency in the States, with both Step 1 and 2 exams completed, and already has US Citizenship. Are chances to match high, despite very average step scores, and not much else to add on the application (audits, presentations, research, etc).

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Apollyon]

People come from Pakistan and India all the time having completed residency there, and have to start over.

It's definitely helpful to be a US citizen (so the program doesn't have to worry about visa issues). There's something weird about your post, though - like there's something you're not saying. Are you a Carib grad, or did you go to school in the UK, or something else? If you've taken Step I and Step II already, you know something of the intricacies, but don't know the details of residency that are closely interleaved. Why did you take Step I and II already? I've not sat the PLAB or whatever is the successor exam, and I don't think many UK docs sit the USMLE steps just for kicks or "what if?".

 

[username22]

People come from Pakistan and India all the time having completed residency there, and have to start over.

It's definitely helpful to be a US citizen (so the program doesn't have to worry about visa issues). There's something weird about your post, though - like there's something you're not saying. Are you a Carib grad, or did you go to school in the UK, or something else? If you've taken Step I and Step II already, you know something of the intricacies, but don't know the details of residency that are closely interleaved. Why did you take Step I and II already? I've not sat the PLAB or whatever is the successor exam, and I don't think many UK docs sit the USMLE steps just for kicks or "what if?".

thanks for your reply. yeah, my situation is unique, in that most people don't follow this path at all. im from the UK, and completed my undergrad in the US, went to medical school in Caribbean, and took my Steps along with my classmates as a backup. But I always had the intention of returning to the UK. i am in my second year of foundation programme in the UK, and hopefully specialize in Emergency Medicine. I already have Citizenship in the US aswell, so based on that, I was wondering how the process of getting a resdiency in the States might be. I've tried looking online for information, but not many are in my boat. And I keep running into information about Visas, which seems like a headache!

Was wondering what my chances would be with Emergency Medicine resdiency in the states, again my Step scores are not competitive. Thanks again for your reply.

 

[Apollyon]

If you're a US citizen, you don't need a visa to return to the US or work here. Anyone who says otherwise doesn't know about which they're talking. Period.

 

[username22]

If you're a US citizen, you don't need a visa to return to the US or work here. Anyone who says otherwise doesn't know about which they're talking. Period.

Yes, I already know this. I was just asking how competitive Emergency Medicine is.

But coming from my situation, with already some background in post medical school work, and some background in the field, would it compensate for my average Step scores?

 

[Apollyon]

And I keep running into information about Visas, which seems like a headache!

Yes, I already know this. I was just asking how competitive Emergency Medicine is.

That's why I said it. It would seem like a non-issue.

But coming from my situation, with already some background in post medical school work, and some background in the field, would it compensate for my average Step scores?

You could play it to your advantage. Being a Carib, you're going in the circular file right away at some programs. However, if you've ever watched "COPS", there's more than one police officer in the United States with an English/UK accent. Also, you can "social engineer" a bit, if you call programs and are charming and "exotic" speaking with the program co-ördinator with your accent (provided you have one) you can stand out - in a good way. When you mention that with working in an A&E, then you could help yourself.

By numbers alone, though - that's much tougher.

 

[McGillGrad]

You will apply as an independent student without any visa issues and will have the same, or better, chances than any non-US grad.

EM is not that competitive if you apply to all the programs. You have practical experience which will help you insomuch that you will have advanced skills, but you have to be retrained in the US 'way' of doing things.

I would go for it but the biggest issue you face is getting time off to go to 10-15 interviews...and the flights over.

 

[ozzidoc]

Agree with the above. Also, take step 3 sooner rather than later, as there are changes afoot with the USMLEs, and who knows how you might be affected by it several years down the track.

Finally, seek help and support on dnuk.