Can FMG/IMG enroll in MD-PhD program in US medical school?

[Mithrandir111]

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I am interested in applying for a MD/PhD program in the US. I will be applying for the MD/PhD programs that will commence from 2021. I am 27 years old.

About Me : I am an international medical graduate (IMG/FMG). I completed my Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from India in 2016. My USMLE Step 1 score is 197. I have 2 years of clinical experience working in India, followed by 1 year of research experience in India. I am currently enrolled in a research-based 2-year Master’s program in Pharmacology at a US university. By the time I apply for the MD/PhD programs, I would have 2 years of research experience in the US. I have multiple articles published in reputed peer-reviewed journals.


These are the following points that may work against me when I plan to apply for American medical schools:
- I have already completed my medical school in India. Most American schools do not consider such candidates favorably.
- I do not have a Bachelor degree from US. Hence, I have not taken the required prerequisite courses from a US university that are required by medical schools.
- I am neither a US citizen nor a permanent resident.

I understand that:
- This is a lengthy process. I am willing to go through it.

My question is this- Which medical schools in the US can I apply to? Are there any medical schools which consider foreign medical graduates favorably? Are there any medical schools that accept FMGs who have not done their Pre-Med prerequisites in the US? My primary preference is to apply to a medical school with a MD/PhD program.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

 

[Fencer]

If you are interested in research, your best bet is to apply for a PhD in the area of your interest. After passing your qualifiers, you can then take the other step exams and make a decision. Most MD/PhD programs would not consider you.

 

[Mithrandir111]

@Fencer Thank you for your response. I really appreciate it.
I am planning on applying to PhD programs as well. However, it is my Plan-B or C.

I am very interested in research. Over the last 18 to 24 months, I have published 2 research papers as second author, 2 book chapters and a review article (under review) as first author. I believe I have a good aptitude for research. The research was on a neurological cancer.
My current research might be on Alzheimer's disease or cancer cell biology.

But, I also do not want to give up on clinical medicine. Staying in touch with patients and helping them is very important to me. I would feel empty without it. I already miss it. It is really hard to think of doing something else for the rest of my life. It gives me purpose and is a part of my identity.

I want to do research that also involves patient-contact. However, I cannot do that without a medical license.

I understand both the rewards and the challenges of this career.

Is there something/anything I can do to improve my chances of getting into a MD-PhD program? I would go to any program that gave me an opportunity.

 

[Fencer]

Without a US/Canadian bachelor's degree and being an international applicant, the plain answer is very very unlikely. There are other ways to Rome... Seek a PhD programs in Europe or US. Many of them will pay for you to do your research while taking courses.

 

[Mithrandir111]

@Fencer Thank you for your honest blunt straightforward answer. It helps clear out so many cobwebs in my mind.
I have been so consumed by this question recently. The stress was affecting my daily life.
Again, thank you so much.