Getting into a PhD program in the US w/ a foreign MD?

[graviton]

How difficult would it be to get into an American PhD program after getting a foreign MD degree? I'm a European going to a legit European medical school. What should I do in preparation for applying?

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[Fencer]

Take the GRE. It is relatively easy to get in American PhD program.

PM me if you need more information.

 

[Solara]

Are you sure you don't want to look into a residency in the US and then do research as a physician? I'm not saying don't do the PhD, but becoming a licensed physician in the US gives you so much flexibility with what you want to do (incase you ever want to go back into clinical practice, or do research at an academic institution as a practicing physician.

 

[Fencer]

To be competitive for a top residency/fellowship with potential for research as a FMG, you need the PhD. It is possible with high USMLE scores to get into a top residency, but doubt you would be consider for the research track without significant research experience.

 

[madeyedhl]

To be competitive for a top residency/fellowship with potential for research as a FMG, you need the PhD. It is possible with high USMLE scores to get into a top residency, but doubt you would be consider for the research track without significant research experience.

Hey, I am FMG from Korea in Phd course in Europe.

I was wondering about the five year graduation rule. Do any of you know whether by doing Phd after MD and then applying for residency in the States would have a negative impact because it has been five years since graduating med school?
I heard some resident programs don't even accept people who graduated more than five years ago.

 

[gbwillner]

Hey, I am FMG from Korea in Phd course in Europe.

I was wondering about the five year graduation rule. Do any of you know whether by doing Phd after MD and then applying for residency in the States would have a negative impact because it has been five years since graduating med school?
I heard some resident programs don't even accept people who graduated more than five years ago.

It won't be easy for you. Yes, lots and lots of IMGs come to the US for residency. But in general, many have PhDs, and those that don't are typically the cream of the crop, even in not-particularly competitive specialties like pathology. And it is only getting harder now with an increase in medical school positions in the US and a lack of funding for residency positions.

That said, I'd advise against getting a PhD for the sole purpose of getting into a US residency. I can't imagine a bigger waste of time. I guess the point is you probably should have a very good reason for wanting to come to the US as our medical system is being overhauled and no one in the profession is particularly optimistic about the future. That and the PhD will be essentially useless for you if you do not intend on doing research- even worse, it won't help you at all past a select group of residencies and will be long and painful for you.

 

[madeyedhl]

It won't be easy for you. Yes, lots and lots of IMGs come to the US for residency. But in general, many have PhDs, and those that don't are typically the cream of the crop, even in not-particularly competitive specialties like pathology. And it is only getting harder now with an increase in medical school positions in the US and a lack of funding for residency positions.

That said, I'd advise against getting a PhD for the sole purpose of getting into a US residency. I can't imagine a bigger waste of time. I guess the point is you probably should have a very good reason for wanting to come to the US as our medical system is being overhauled and no one in the profession is particularly optimistic about the future. That and the PhD will be essentially useless for you if you do not intend on doing research- even worse, it won't help you at all past a select group of residencies and will be long and painful for you.

Oh, Thanks for your reply!

I wrote my question via ipad so didn't say the whole story! But I am in no means doing PhD just for the CV. I love doing PhD, currently doing it, but I was just wondering whether the "years since graduation cutoff" is 5 years including or excluding PhD course.

I have done some searching! and found that it is # years of graduation since medical school.

Anyway, I am relatively young, graduated med school 2 years ago and I am a South Korean, so have to do the army for three years. That is why I was worried about the five year rule that someone wrote.

Thanks anyway!