FRCPath transplant from UK..trying to figure options

[ToothFairy1979]

Hi Folks,

Just signed up to this awesome forum. I'm a recent transplant from UK with FRCPath and about 8 years of experience as consultant pathologist. I understand that my path in USA = USMLE+Residency+Fellowship/Jobsearch. Are there any shortcuts from IMG folks' experience here that can get me a jump start in lieu of investing another 4-6 years?

Many thanks in advance!

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[octopusprime]

Did Chris Fletcher jump through all those hoops? All I've ever seen on his CV is his UK-based training. Come to think of it I don't recall seeing any non-UK education/training from all the MBBSs I've encountered...
The path you mentioned is the most common...not sure if the route is different for a respectable, civilized country that previously ruled our land...
Maybe there's some round-about way to obtain reciprocity like we have with Canada that just involves taking some exams...

There is no federal requirement...the states make their own individual requirements. Here's the list of licensure requirements by state:
http://www.visalaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/physicianchart.pdf

 

[ToothFairy1979]

lol, thanks! The licensure requirements would be handy when i get to past USMLE bridge. I've read Chris Fletcher's tumour patho books but didn't realize he's from UK. I think it was just UK that ruled USA, and hence they've made sure we don't get any reciprocity 🙂.

Cheers and thanks for your take!

 

[NeurologyHopeful2018]

Unless you meant UK as in University of Kentucky, you must do your residency in the USA.

 

[octopusprime]

Unless you meant UK as in University of Kentucky, you must do your residency in the USA.

So where did Fletcher do his US-based residency?

 

[tiredguy]

So where did Fletcher do his US-based residency?

Perhaps he is not ABP board certified.

 

[NeurologyHopeful2018]

So where did Fletcher do his US-based residency?

How do you know he actually practices? Many academic faculty do not actually have clinical priviledges.

 

[icpshootyz]

How do you know he actually practices? Many academic faculty do not actually have clinical priviledges.

He definitely practices US medicine since he signs out my soft tissue consults at BWH.

 

[NeurologyHopeful2018]

Then there must be indeed some loophole that I am not aware of..

 

[Zarniwoop]

He didn't do a US residency. I think that he has privileges at his hospital, but doesn't hold a state license, but I'm just guessing.
Unless you're as famous as him, not worth speculating. A regular path wouldn't get whatever deal he has. I think anyone else from outside the US would need to repeat training.

 

[octopusprime]

He didn't do a US residency. I think that he has privileges at his hospital, but doesn't hold a state license, but I'm just guessing.
Unless you're as famous as him, not worth speculating. A regular path wouldn't get whatever deal he has. I think anyone else from outside the US would need to repeat training.

Individual states determine licensure, not the federal government, so perhaps some states accept equivalent training if there's academic sponsorship or something. Maybe worth a call/email to various state medical societies as they would presumably be most knowledgeable.

 

[turtle1966]

Individual states determine licensure, not the federal government, ...

Granting a license is an absolute discretion of a state licensing board. Florida granted licenses "en mass" to Mayo senior staff when Mayo Jacksonville was setup, through a state Assembly exemption. This route was clearly prescribed in the bylaws of all state boards that I had looked into.

ABP certificate is not a requirement for practice of medicine. I have seen an instance AB of dermatology exempting a guy (who was awful) from a formal residency because he knew the right boss. Who you know is worth more than what you know.

 

[coroner]

Unless you're as famous as him, not worth speculating. A regular path wouldn't get whatever deal he has.

Individual states determine licensure, not the federal government, so perhaps some states accept equivalent training if there's academic sponsorship or something.

Granting a license is an absolute discretion of a state licensing board...ABP certificate is not a requirement for practice of medicine.

All of the above is correct. If a foreign (non-U.S.) trained physician is an individual of exceptional merit or talent, and they have influential institutions or persons vouching for their qualifications, they can be granted a license to practice medicine and do not have to repeat residency+USMLEs and/or fellowship.

As mentioned, a state medical board is a political institution made up of people. They can vote to grant a medical license to whomever they deem worthy even if that individual didn't go the traditional route, which is a select few. There was a time when an ordinary UK grad could bypass residency and just take the ?SPEX/FLEX exam (circa 1980s - early 90s) and get a state medical license, depending on the state. I know of an anesthesiologist on staff at my hospital who did so. However, I'm fairly certain that time has passed. So, as mentioned, unless you're a superstar in your field or know some big shots in the upper echelons of gov't, don't bother...you gotta hack it just like the rest of the plebes.

And for the record, Fletcher is not board certified, but just about everyone here would be more confident with him signing out their cases vs someone who did pass AP boards and graduated from the University of Kentucky...

 

[deleted57552]

Exactly. Not all states may have the flexibility in giving out these “exceptional” licenses. Given that BWH likely had to jump through hoops to get this done, it is possible that moving to other institutions may be tough given individual state medical licensing boards rules. I’m sure any institution would vouch for him and do whatever it would takes to jump through the hoops should he want to move.

All of the above is correct. If a foreign (non-U.S.) trained physician is an individual of exceptional merit or talent, and they have influential institutions or persons vouching for their qualifications, they can be granted a license to practice medicine and do not have to repeat residency+USMLEs and/or fellowship.

As mentioned, a state medial board is a political institution made up of people. They can vote to grant a medical license to whomever they deem worthy even if that individual didn't go the traditional route, which is a select few. There was a time when an ordinary UK grad could bypass residency and just take the ?SPEX/FLEX exam (circa 1980s - early 90s) and get a state medical license, depending on the state. I know of an anesthesiologist on staff at my hospital who did so. However, I believe that time has passed. So, as mentioned, unless you're a superstar in your field or know some big shots in the upper echelons of gov't, don't bother...you gotta hack it just like the rest of the plebes.

And for the record, Fletcher is not board certified, but just about everyone here would be more confident with him signing out their cases vs someone who did pass AP boards and graduated from the University of Kentucky...

 

[ToothFairy1979]

United Kingdom, not University of Kentucky. In UK and commonwealth countries FRCPath is quite reputed and after 8 years of experience with NHS as a consulting pathologist, i had to relocate to Los Angeles and hence the question about the long road vs alternatives. Many thanks!

 

[terriermed]

Our director of surgical pathology came from London in the middle of his career after he was already an internationally-recognized expert. I don't know the details, but I have heard that the Illinois assembly voted on a special exemption for him due to his stature. Apparently quite uncommon... but we're talking about an uncommonly amazing pathologist.

 

[ToothFairy1979]

Our director of surgical pathology came from London in the middle of his career after he was already an internationally-recognized expert. I don't know the details, but I have heard that the Illinois assembly voted on a special exemption for him due to his stature. Apparently quite uncommon... but we're talking about an uncommonly amazing pathologist.

That's quite impressive..must be an exceptional talent!!!

BTW, i just heard horror stories of 80 hour work weeks for AP/CP residency and i'm kinda freaking out about the long road. Anyone here who is currently doing or finished residency that can shed some light on the travails of residency in USA. Im knocking on 40 and don;t know if i have it in me after 8 years of post-FRCPath experience from London, to redo this whole thing. Any insights,pointers are very much appreciated. Cheers!

 

[Pathbusiness]

There is hardly any 40 hour a week residency in Pathology.