how so? many of my seniors have completed basic surgical training in singapore (they get FRCS edinburgh when they complete and fulfil their requirements) and then go overseas for a year or 2 of fellowship, under this governmental scholarship called HMDP (human manpower development program), essentially singapore MOH pays your year's wages, u just need to get accepted as a fellow somewhere, and in return, u make sure u come back and have a "bond" to work in the government hospital for 3 years. if u go for 2 years fellowship the bond is 5.
anyway, strangely after 15 publications (incl a letter in Lancet, an editorial in Archives of Surg, some others in TMIH, JSE, Am Surgeon, Surgery, etc) and a top grade during my surgical internship (PGY1), i still didnt get through the national panel interviews (which were some ethics based questions, in a 4-station OSCE style manner). despite the program director telling me he will rank me and take me, but he couldnt since i didnt get through the 1st stage!! its a strange system still in its infancy (see
link if interested).
and co-incidentally, fiance and wife to be going to NY to finish up her phd and research (she's a 3rd yr phd student), so i applied for some MPH programs in the meantime, (as i havent completed my USMLE steps), will aim for residency!
just contemplating -- between march to july -- step1,2ck,2cs. should i then start my MPH ((fingers crossed at Hopkins), or go to Seattle do their sub-i 8 week program to get clinical LORs. i suppose the time at Seattle will be much better spent and the clinical LOR is more valuable?