Foreign Medical Graduate Seeking help!

[Adenocarcinoma]

Hello, everyone! I have been a long time reader of this forum. I have recently come to America. I am a permanent green card holder. I graduated from medical school in 2017. I studied in an EU medical school. However, due to life circumstances, I had to come to America (long story). I understand getting matched to a specialty in America is quite hard and even after years, it may never happen. I personally know two people who tried for years and had OK USMLE scores. One of them finally got into a residency after doing research for 6 years, and the other one never got into a residency. I do not want to go the same route as them. If I were to do undergrad in America and apply for medical school or a DO school why would be my chances since I already hold an M.D degree from Europe? Would this be a red flag? How about if I apply for a dental or doctor of physiotherapy school?Would this be considered a red flag as well? And if you are wondering why I do not want to try to get into residency instead of studying here all over again is that I just do not want to spend years of my life for something that is not promised and chances are so low (getting matched).

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[Goro]

I believe NYITCOM has a pathway for FMGs -> DO

 

[Adenocarcinoma]

I have heard they need the USMLE exams in order to get in that program. Anyways, thank you for your reply.

 

[de Ribas]

Hello, everyone! I have been a long time reader of this forum. I have recently come to America. I am a permanent green card holder. I graduated from medical school in 2017. I studied in an EU medical school. However, due to life circumstances, I had to come to America (long story). I understand getting matched to a specialty in America is quite hard and even after years, it may never happen. I personally know two people who tried for years and had OK USMLE scores. One of them finally got into a residency after doing research for 6 years, and the other one never got into a residency. I do not want to go the same route as them. If I were to do undergrad in America and apply for medical school or a DO school why would be my chances since I already hold an M.D degree from Europe? Would this be a red flag? How about if I apply for a dental or doctor of physiotherapy school?Would this be considered a red flag as well? And if you are wondering why I do not want to try to get into residency instead of studying here all over again is that I just do not want to spend years of my life for something that is not promised and chances are so low (getting matched).

My friend from Europe got into residency with first try into his top choice. Study for USMLE and go from there.

 

[workaholic181]

I second the above; I’ve also known fmgs who completed a masters in public health at an American university and then matched.

 

[Adenocarcinoma]

The two people I mentioned also studied in Europe. And a lot of people from Carribean schools don't match. Still, nobody really answered my question if me being an M.D would be a red flag when I apply for medical or DO school here. I would really appreciate if someone could give me advice on that.

 

[de Ribas]

The two people I mentioned also studied in Europe. And a lot of people from Carribean schools don't match. Still, nobody really answered my question if me being an M.D would be a red flag when I apply for medical or DO school here. I would really appreciate if someone could give me advice on that.

I don't think it would be. Why would it be a red flag?

I think it's faster and easier for you to study for USMLE and get good score then go through 4 years of schooling. You still have to get to med school. Do you have any college done here in US?

 

[de Ribas]

The two people I mentioned also studied in Europe. And a lot of people from Carribean schools don't match. Still, nobody really answered my question if me being an M.D would be a red flag when I apply for medical or DO school here. I would really appreciate if someone could give me advice on that.

FMGs and IMGs are a bit different

 

[Adenocarcinoma]

Thank you PashaOdesit for your reply. No, I never studied in America. However, I am going to apply for MPH, but that would be an online program. Do you think I would need to get a B.S or just need to do pre-medical classes if I get a Masters in public health? I am sorry if my questions are dumb I am not really familiar with the American system.

 

[de Ribas]

Thank you PashaOdesit for your reply. No, I never studied in America. However, I am going to apply for MPH, but that would be an online program. Do you think I would need to get a B.S or just need to do pre-medical classes if I get a Masters in public health? I am sorry if my questions are dumb I am not really familiar with the American system.

Master's degree comes after Bachelor's. Why would you need bachelor's after Master's?

From what I know, to get into Master's you need to have bachelor's unless somehow you can have your degree in Europe count in US.

I do not know how this online MPH degree will do anything for you on your path to becoming a physician.

 

[Adenocarcinoma]

You are right. I guess I will not pursue the MPH and instead will do all pre-med courses. Thanks for your help.

 

[Magus5454]

Honestly, your story makes no sense. If you hold an MD degree, why won't you take the USMLE, but you're willing to go through undergrad and med school again? Yeah, doesn't add up.

 

[Adenocarcinoma]

Honestly, your story makes no sense. If you hold an MD degree, why won't you take the USMLE, but you're willing to go through undergrad and med school again? Yeah, doesn't add up.

Go look at the forums on this website about FMGs and IMGs not matching. A lot of them end up studying to be a PA.

 

[Magus5454]

Yes but you aren't even willing to try to take the test. In my opinion there's something off here.

 

[Adenocarcinoma]

Once you take the USMLE exams it will always be there. Meaning if I don't match I will not be able to get into any medical schools since I will not be able to retake the USMLE exams.

 

[de Ribas]

Go look at the forums on this website about FMGs and IMGs not matching. A lot of them end up studying to be a PA.

Why do you care about others?

Why would your story be the same. Do something differently and you will get in. Unless you didn't get accredited MD degree from overseas or can't prove with the docs.

It wouldn't be smart idea to go through med school again and get in debt if you have completed it. It's better to have a full-time job and trying 4 years in a row to get matched than spending these 4 years in college again.

 

[Adenocarcinoma]

Isn't everyone saying that in a few years the number of US graduates are going be almost the same as residency spots? How about if I take the USMLE exams and let's say this happens? I guess I am just freaking out and worry too much. I have heard so many horror stories about the matching process that makes me scared about the whole process. Also, a lot of programs have 2 or 3 YOG cutoffs.

 

[Fun1nth3sun1]

Isn't everyone saying that in a few years the number of US graduates are going be almost the same as residency spots? How about if I take the USMLE exams and let's say this happens? I guess I am just freaking out and worry too much. I have heard so many horror stories about the matching process that makes me scared about the whole process. Also, a lot of programs have 2 or 3 YOG cutoffs.

I know a lot of people who graduated Medical School overseas and took the USMLE Exams and matched. While I understand it may take time and its a risk, I think it is worth it to try. You should study for the exam and attempt to take it at least.