I want to do my Clerkship/Internship year rotations in the US

[A'Jay Edwards]

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Hi
I am A’Jay Jadeja Edwards, a 5th-year medical student at Wenzhou Medical University in Zhejiang, China, pursuing my dream of becoming an Otolaryngologist. Currently in my clinical phase, I am preparing for my 6th year, which involves a comprehensive 48-week clerkship across several specialties required for graduation. I am highly motivated to complete this clerkship in the United States to gain hands-on clinical experience and a deeper understanding of the healthcare system as I work toward matching into a US-based ENT residency program.

My planned rotations, per my program’s curriculum, include:

Internal Medicine – 16 weeks

Surgery – 16 weeks

Gynecology and Obstetrics– 4 weeks

Pediatrics– 4 weeks

Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)*

Ophthalmology*

Dermatology*

Radiology*

Psychiatry*– 2 weeks

Community/Family Medicine*– 2 weeks

For departments marked with an asterisk (*), students select two areas for two-week rotations each, with flexibility to complete one two-week rotation if needed.
But I don't know where to even start or look to find Clerkship spots or hospitals or Unis offering these services. Any help regarding this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

You're not going to like my answer.

First, you're very unlikely to get an ENT spot in the US, no matter what you do. ENT is crazy competitive and international medical grads have great difficulty getting a spot. You'd need to be a top performer, get US experience, and likely lots of research -- often takes a few years of dedicated research in the US (and quite a bit of luck).

Next, you might be able to get some clinical time in the US, but there's little chance of doing your entire year of clerkships here. First, you'll need to take USMLE Step 1 and 2 exams. Step 1 is pass/fail, Step 2 is scored. You'd need to pass S1 on the first try, and score well on S2. Very few, if any, hospitals will let you rotate without those exams done, although there's no law requiring it. Most programs limit the amount of time you can rotate, and only allow it in your final year of training. And it can be very expensive. You're unlikely to be picky and choose the types of rotations you might be offered.

And then there's the issue of a visa if you're not a US citizen. It's relatively easy to get a student visa for rotations, but you cannot generate any income. Living in the US is quite expensive compared to many other parts of the world. To be a resident, you'll need a work visa which may further limit your options.

Bottom line is that you certainly can consider being a resident in the US. If this is your final year of medical school, you're already somewhat behind. You'd need to take and do well on the USMLE exams first (usually). Then try to set up some US clinical experience. The VSLO helps students find rotations, but you're unlikely to get more than 2 or maybe 3 months -- and some students get nothing. Rotations at academic centers can be more difficult to obtain. You should be prepared to apply for spots in less competitive fields unless you're willing to commit to several years of prep to be competitive in ENT -- and even that is a crap shoot. Any stumbles along the way bring the dream to an end.

 

[A'Jay Edwards]

You're not going to like my answer.

First, you're very unlikely to get an ENT spot in the US, no matter what you do. ENT is crazy competitive and international medical grads have great difficulty getting a spot. You'd need to be a top performer, get US experience, and likely lots of research -- often takes a few years of dedicated research in the US (and quite a bit of luck).

Next, you might be able to get some clinical time in the US, but there's little chance of doing your entire year of clerkships here. First, you'll need to take USMLE Step 1 and 2 exams. Step 1 is pass/fail, Step 2 is scored. You'd need to pass S1 on the first try, and score well on S2. Very few, if any, hospitals will let you rotate without those exams done, although there's no law requiring it. Most programs limit the amount of time you can rotate, and only allow it in your final year of training. And it can be very expensive. You're unlikely to be picky and choose the types of rotations you might be offered.

And then there's the issue of a visa if you're not a US citizen. It's relatively easy to get a student visa for rotations, but you cannot generate any income. Living in the US is quite expensive compared to many other parts of the world. To be a resident, you'll need a work visa which may further limit your options.

Bottom line is that you certainly can consider being a resident in the US. If this is your final year of medical school, you're already somewhat behind. You'd need to take and do well on the USMLE exams first (usually). Then try to set up some US clinical experience. The VSLO helps students find rotations, but you're unlikely to get more than 2 or maybe 3 months -- and some students get nothing. Rotations at academic centers can be more difficult to obtain. You should be prepared to apply for spots in less competitive fields unless you're willing to commit to several years of prep to be competitive in ENT -- and even that is a crap shoot. Any stumbles along the way bring the dream to an end.

Thank you for the raw truth. Honestly I love your answer and I will definitely take it into consideration. Actually I already know how competitive ENT is and that I am walking on a thin line chasing a dream. But I think I am ready to commit to my dream and achieve it. Thanks again