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Importance of externship/observeship and recommendation letters

10K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  medcsmedcs 
#1 ·
I wanted to take the steps, and I thought that was all I had to do in order to get into a Pediatrics residency in the states. And then someone told me that if I don't have recommendation letters I should just forget all about it. Is that really the case? If so, should I apply for an externship or observeship? How much $$ do those ammount to? Does that include housing, etc or is that extra?

Thanks =)

Agus
 
#2 ·
Pediatrics in general is more competitive than IM and FM. Many PDs prefer applicants with peds experience back home or US LORs from peds observerships you done in the states. In general I advice the residency seekeres to apply to IM or FM as a back up when you are applying to competitive specialty. For now I advice you to get observership for 2-3 month in different states to get some LORs.
 
#3 ·
Thank you, Applicant! I have done a 2 month internship in my home country (Argentina) and I could get a recommendation letter from them. How much weight would that have? Or would you recommend I do a couple of years of Residency here and then apply?

Agustina
 
#4 ·
Residency in your home country would be appreciated but a US LoR is appreciated more.

I suggest instead of doing residency in Argentina, you come here and do some USCE (observership or externship)

It will cost you around $5,000 that will be paid off immediately when you join residency in the US.

-
 
#6 ·
Hi ApplicantGuide!

I am curious: Why are you suggesting we do USCE in different states?
What's the thought behind that?

Thank you!
 
#8 ·
ExternConnect

The professionals at ExternConnect understand the importance of a hands on clinical experience through externship. They specialize in securing placement for international medical graduates of all types and a letter of recommendation from the supervising physician at the end of each term. Based in Houston,TX, the administrators ensure that the supervising physicians in our network are highly skilled in their field. With regard to costs, room and transportation within the city are included in the fees per term for a price less than those previously quoted. Feel free to visit our website at www.externconnect.com and visit our contact page to discuss your externship possibilities. We hope to see you soon.
 
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