What does it take to get into a low tier PhD program as an IMG?

[underdog10]

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This is with the assumption you have finished a medical degree overseas and you barely passed Step 1.

Two questions:
1) Would this get you into ANY low tier PhD programs?
2) Would the PhD you get help your chances of landing into a low tier IM
residency?

 

[Inuranic]

You'd be applying to PhD programs just like any international applicant, which is done all the time. So, yes, you could probably get into a program somewhere (assuming you have the proper credentials).

As for increasing your chances at a residency here, I have no idea.

 

[underdog10]

Sorry for asking such a stupid question, but what qualifies as "proper credentials"?

In my situation, all I will have is an international medical degree and a passing Step 1/Step 2/Step 3 score, nothing spectacular.

 

[Inuranic]

The easiest way for you to do this is simply Google programs you'd be interested in.

Your degree needs to be recognized as at least the equivalent of a U.S. baccalaureate degree from an accredited university, and you'll need to take tests such as the GRE/other standardized admissions test that specific programs may require. You'll also need a Visa if you're not a U.S. citizen.

Google "international applicant to american graduate programs" or something along those lines. There are plenty of sites dedicated to this sort of thing.

 

[QofQuimica]

Sorry for asking such a stupid question, but what qualifies as "proper credentials"?

In my situation, all I will have is an international medical degree and a passing Step 1/Step 2/Step 3 score, nothing spectacular.

Most of us are American students and grads, so we really aren't the right people to advise you about how to get into an American residency as an IMG (which I assume is your main goal with the PhD as a stopgap). You should really talk to some program directors at residencies where you want to apply, and maybe also to some past grads from your school who have come to the US for residency. Anecdotally, I have seen some foreign grads at my school's hospital work for a year or two as research fellows while getting their paperwork in order so that they can apply for residency. I have also seen some of them doing observerships to get letters of recommendation from American attendings, which may be something you should consider doing as well. The other thing is that if you aren't already in the US and haven't taken the CS part of Step 2 yet, you're definitely going to need to do that. But most importantly, you need to find a mentor who is knowledgeable about preparing foreign grads for the US match (and/or prematching) and who can guide you through the process. Best of luck. 🙂

 

[Neuronix]

Getting a PhD is not a good strategy for trying to land a US residency. Programs don't want to hire someone who has been out of clinics for the 5 or so years a PhD will take. That amount of research also won't significantly boost your application. Most PhDs are not well connected to the clinical world and can not help you get a residency themselves, even if they are faculty in a clinical department.

1-2 years of research with a MD or MD/PhD in a clinical department with you getting publications is what you want.