International student questions

[blairemagnetica]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi everyone 🙂

I am a final year medial student living in Malta, and would like to ask a few questions about residency in the United States. I'd like to give you some background info on myself so that it would be easier to understand my situation..

I am both Maltese and Canadian and my boyfriend is American. We would like to eventually move to the United States together. I should not have a problem with Visa etc.. considering the circumstances. And Malta is in fact listed in IMED 🙂
(Thank you Blade for sending me the appropriate link🙂 )

However, I still have many questions, I won't bore you all at once though 😉

1. I graduate from med school in June '08, and would like to spend 2 years training here in Malta to gain more clinical experience, during which I would like to take at least the 1st and 2nd parts of the USMLE (from what I understood I can then take the ecfmg). Taking into consideration the time frame of 2 years and assuming I pass on my first try, will I be able to complete these exams AND possible match? Or is this really impossible?

2. What website/s are available for locating hospitals in specific states accepting residency applications?

3. How much importance is given to research during the matching process?

4. Is there any other seemingly important info I should know about residency in the US as an international student?

I apologise if these questions have already been asked in previous threads, I have tried browsing through other threads but still did not find the info I was looking for.. I am still green here 😳 ..

I'd really appreciate any help! sorry for the long msg and the many questions!

 

[NotAProgDirector]

1. I graduate from med school in June '08, and would like to spend 2 years training here in Malta to gain more clinical experience, during which I would like to take at least the 1st and 2nd parts of the USMLE (from what I understood I can then take the ecfmg). Taking into consideration the time frame of 2 years and assuming I pass on my first try, will I be able to complete these exams AND possible match? Or is this really impossible?

It's possible but difficult. You will need to take Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS. The first two are multiple choice and offered in many countries. The last is a clinical exam and only offered in the US, so it can be expensive and a pain to take.

Your error is assuming that as long as you pass, you'll be fine. USMLE scores are used as a "first cut" for IMG's -- you need to do as well as possible on these exams to have a good chance of getting a US spot.

You don't "take" the ECFMG. ECFMG Certification = first two steps of USMLE passed + graduation from international school confirmed.

So, assuming you would want to match into a residency for July 2010, you will need to have all of this done by Feb 2009, although many programs require it for application so better to have it all done by Sept 2009.

Then, you will need to interview at a bunch of programs. Doing so while enrolled as a resident can be a logistical nightmare, although I don't know how flexible training time is in Malta.

Do not underestimate the difficulties getting visas, even for spouses. new marriages are scrutinized closely, and when I was a medical student one of my classmate's spouses (married to a US cit) was deported -- and that was before Sept 11th.

2. What website/s are available for locating hospitals in specific states accepting residency applications?

You want FREIDA.

3. How much importance is given to research during the matching process?

You can look at Charting Outcomes in the Match on the NRMP website. It's helpful, but IMHO not as helpful as clinical experience in the US/Canada (which is difficult to get).

4. Is there any other seemingly important info I should know about residency in the US as an international student?

Have you read all the stickies at the top of the IMG forum?

 

[Blade28]

Is English your first language? 2 years of straight studying seems excessive to me, if you're preparing for the USMLE Step 1 and 2 CK - most US med students take 2 months and 2 weeks, respectively, to prepare.

If English isn't your first language, then you should definitely allow more time.

 

[buckley]

Hi there!
APD is right. If you are a serious IMG, I will tell you to aim for a 95-99 on your USMLEs. I am not kidding. It really is very competitive, and more importantly, it can be done. Study well. EAT FIRST AID! (that is the motto for step 1). I lumped my review for Step 1 and CK at the same time. For Step 2 CS, practice with a friend. And yes, english is very important. If you are serious about living in the US, you should also take Step 3 before matching because this is necessary for an H1 visa that allows you to stay here even beyond your training. There are many issues to be met as an IMG. It can be overwhelming sometimes. And very expensive especially when you convert to USD!!! Hahaha...All in all, try to allot at least 5 to 10K USD for the entire process. A relative or a friend (or in your case, a honey! 🙂) living in the US is a must for this budget, as housing here is incredibly expensive. And you cant work on a B1/B2 visa.
The visa is a lottery...I do know 99/99 people who did not get the visa to take their CS exam (Cs and Step 3 can only be taken in the US)...but they are more often the exception. But again, if you can secure a spousal visa (hint!hint!), you'd be better off I think.
My biggest regret is that I did not do any US electives as a medical student (going to the US was not in my plans then)--try to get that as that is a big factor! US experience is understandably important. Not so much that you would be an inept doctor without it, but just to give the program directors the peace of mind I think. I don't have that but I'm still hoping some directors would be open-minded enough to consider my application despite my lack of that and my visa status. Just remember that being an IMG is a hurdle that you have to jump through. Accept that with humility and a sense of humor, and remember that many have done the same and have managed to get through.
Choice of specialty is also very important. In general, FM, IM, peds and psych are the most IMG-friendly. But, I believe in going after what you really want. Just make sure you enter it grounded in reality. Some opt for a 2nd residency but I think there are complications with that too which you can find on this forum.
It take a lot of research beginning with reading that wonderfully loooong ECFMG booklet (downloadable from the web) that apears to be designed to scare you away! Hahaha!
There are a tad many more tips for IMGs present all over the internet, just google them. I dont advise using any paid programs. I personally refuse to even consider them. I am still going for the match on my own. It's pretty hard on the nerves, but I'm hoping I can also be the one to say "It can be done."

Good luck!

 

[iamcatwoman]

I agree with everything Buckley says. I too regret not doing US electives (for the same reason - i didnt see myself in the US) and I wished that I had researched the USMLE requirements and studied harder for them. I did fine in the exams, but like Buckley says, as an IMG you should aim for above average scores. Studying for the exams can be very intensive, and you will need to be really disciplined to study and work at the same time - I was not!

You should also try to get US Clinical Experience before applying.