US or Europe?!

[Nikoo87]

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Hi everybody!
I am a non-EU citizen, 2 years past graduation from a non-EU medical school. I have been considering specialty training in US or Europe. But I'm not yet sure where to go! US has always been tempting. The path to residency is well known and the residency curriculum is well-structured. All my professors and friends who have been to the US say I should undoubtedly opt for there. But the life condition in EEA along with some other issues have made me consider European countries esp. Norway, Sweden, Germany and Austria. I should mention that I have not visited any of these countries, nor have I a relative there. I would be very grateful if someone can give me a comparison of these countries regarding medical specialty training for an IMG and quality of life. As you see my options have way different requirements from USMLE to learning Swedish, so I have to firm my decision up before I can take action.
Thank you in advance!

 

[Medstart108]

Are you currently doing some sort of medical training in your home country? Make sure you don't go out of clinical practice.

I heard Germany is open, not sure about other countries. I would go for the US as well. Otherwise because you are non-EU for both med school and citizenship, Europe is usually a closed door.

 

[Nikoo87]

Are you currently doing some sort of medical training in your home country? Make sure you don't go out of clinical practice.

I heard Germany is open, not sure about other countries. I would go for the US as well. Otherwise because you are non-EU for both med school and citizenship, Europe is usually a closed door.

My training is over. I graduted September 2013 and I am currently working as general practitioner in emergency department.

 

[Medstart108]

I would go for the US probably. But then again I'm not too familiar with European countries and their programs, almost all will make you learn another language. I think if you are fluent in English, just apply to the US.

 

[Nikoo87]

I would go for the US probably. But then again I'm not too familiar with European countries and their programs, almost all will make you learn another language. I think if you are fluhat in English, just apply to the US.

That's exactly the point. I should decide wether to prepare myself for USMLE or attend a language course. I have IELTS band 8 (9 being the highest score) and basic knowledge of German and Swedish. Thanks for your comments. By the way, what is so fascinating about US in your opinion?

 

[Medstart108]

That's exactly the point. I should decide wether to prepare myself for USMLE or attend a language course. I have IELTS band 8 (9 being the highest score) and basic knowledge of German and Swedish. Thanks for your comments. By the way, what is so fascinating about US in your opinion?

Well in my opinion its the best for people interested in research, the US is one of the best places for immigrants as they tend to view themselves as a nation of immigrants, you won't see as much discrimination as in Europe likely.

On top of that pay for doctors is higher in the US and the US is likely to be more merit based. Europe may give you a chance if they need doctors but not every country does, so it all depends on what they need and whether or not you fit the bill. In the US, there is always need but they only want the best and thats why there is the USMLE.

The problem for you with the US is your lack of electives i'm assuming, since you graduated you will find it difficult to get electives. What you need are observerships or some sort of US clinical experience. This will allow you to go to the US.

 

[Nikoo87]

Interesing. Thanks Medstart108.