Greetings, everyone,
I must offer my sincerest apologies for the tardiness of my response. The journey commences with selecting a reciprocity pathway to sidestep residency, undertaking the USMLE examinations, petitioning relevant licensing authorities, securing a job offer, all while juggling the complexities of immigration paperwork. The entire process spanned roughly a year and was rather taxing, yet undeniably worthwhile, particularly when considering its enduring benefits in terms of financial reward and the maintenance of a harmonious work-life equilibrium.
Undoubtedly, there were two main hurdles along the way: conquering USMLE Step 1 and navigating the labyrinthine realm of paperwork.
1. The trials of USMLE Step 1 proved vexatious indeed, necessitating a revisit to the fundamentals of basic science. Personally, the prospect of delving back into the depths of biochemistry filled me with a sense of trepidation, yet with steadfast determination, I managed to prevail. Step 2 and 3, by comparison, proved relatively straightforward for a General Practitioner; the AKT was much harder than both.
2. Wrestling with paperwork felt akin to engaging in a high-stakes game of three-dimensional chess, replete with its intricate complexities, plethora of unfamiliar licensing terminology, and pressing time constraints. Thankfully, resources such as the "Road to USA" website shared by Elementa proved to be invaluable lifesavers. They offer comprehensive elucidation of the entire process on their MRCGP to USA page, should one opt for a self-guided approach. Nevertheless, upon deeper reflection, I found solace in enlisting the expertise of their consultants to shepherd me through this intricate process, safeguarding against potential pitfalls, given the substantial financial and emotional investment at stake.
Reflecting on the transition, I find myself attending to a diminished patient load, yet reaping greater financial rewards and enjoying a lighter tax burden compared to my previous tenure in the UK. Residing on the East Coast has afforded numerous opportunities, with our family embarking on five jaunts to Europe in the past year alone. Gone are the days of tending to a relentless stream of 20 patients per session, as I now attend to a more manageable 10. Financially, I now earn approximately 230K per annum, whilst shouldering a significantly lesser tax burden compared to the UK. Housing costs per square foot are markedly more affordable here, and my son benefits from attending an esteemed British school. Nestled in the suburbs of a bustling metropolis, we relish in a plethora of social and cultural events. Whilst I could have opted for a more lucrative position in a smaller locale, I recognized the potential challenges such a move might pose for an immigrant family. Although the initial settling period was fraught with challenges, we have since found our footing and are relishing in our newfound sense of contentment.
Here's to smoother seas ahead!
