Will A Phd help an IMG ?

[thewildleo]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hello Everyone,

I had a question on IMG's. Do you feel that spending 4-5 years to get a Phd in Neuroscience and trying to work on some ophthalmology related project during that time will help the cause of an IMG to get into a residency. Or would you say that the time is better spent working as a research fellow in an ophthalmology department and hoping that the PD will push for you?
or would you suggest doing a residency in the home country, then coming and working as a research fellow for a while and then applying ?
I am 2006 Grad. Doing a Phd and then applying will make me a 5 year old grad. Does that go against me in my application. But i guess the same applies even if i spend time working as a research fellow.

Thank you for taking the time to answer.

Thewildleo

 

[Wolverine98]

I don't think it's a strong help or a strong hinderance to matching. I do think it's better to do clinical research in ophthalmology or neuroscience.
One of the big questions with IMGs is always how well they will do clnically dealing with patients in the US. If you add onto that 4-5 years away from direct patient care, that can raise red flags.

Dave