what to do in the US?

[leorl]

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I am sure this has been answered before, but I can't use the search function.

For FMGs who're US citizens planning on returning to the US for residencies, what *must* be done? I know we should do rotations/electives/clerkships in the US, but for the whole rotation time (normally about 2-3 years), or just during final year? What kinds of things should be done in the US? Actual core rotations, or just electives?

thanks much!

 

[P]

Hey Leorl did you decide what you are doing yet?
-p

 

[leorl]

not yet, I have to apply to AUS schools first. So nothing decisive yet! I just wanted to know what I should plan for - being back in the US for final year only or doing more rotations, etc back here...or what? 🙂

 

[The Pill Counter]

Most schools won't take you in third year. Most require you to have done the core rotations of medicine, surgery, obgyn, peds before you can apply. And then it's for the specialty elective rotations you can apply for (ie. card, GI, one of the surgical subspecialties). That's what I've been told by some of the schools that I've contacted. But I'm sure there must be a place that accepts students in the third year for a core rotation - I haven't found it yet.

 

[docronmd1]

Most schools in the US require that you have completed clinical rotations in the 5 core specialties. Also, most schools require that you have taken step 1 of the USMLE. They also require your vaccination record and some want recommendation letters.

 

[Annette]

Some schools have 3rd year cores set up in US hospitals with preceptors. You have to be careful because some don't have residencies associated with the hospital. This can cause licensing troubles in some states later.

Doing your cores outside the US is probably the safest, but then it doesn't give you US letters of rec for applying to residency, or the experience.

 

[Winged Scapula]

From someone who has been there...

Unless your medical school has US affiliations (ie, 3rd year Core rotations: IM, Surgery, Ob-Gyn, Psych and FP) already arranged for its students, MOST US medical schools will not allow visiting clerks to due such rotations.

Many US medical schools will allow international clerks to do 4th year elective rotations. None of the schools I looked at or applied to required USMLE Step 1, EXCEPT schools in the state of NY (which require a letter of approval from the state).

Nearly all schools require you to have or purchase malpractice and health insurance in effect in the US. All will require that you be in good academic standing at your school. Some require application fees.

Do your rotations preferably at schools with an ACGME residency, preferably in the field in which you are doing your elective. Keep adequate records of your time there as you will need it when it comes time to apply for your license.

Do your elective rotations early in your final year - that way your grade and LORs will be available in time for the residency match.

Best of luck.