USMLE Forums banner

Philipines Core Clerkships Readiness for US Rotations

3K views 4 replies 2 participants last post by  Ambrogio 
#1 ·
Hi,

I'm still a second year student studying in the Philippines.

I think one reason why I would be interested in enrolling in the services of externship agencies is because they offer 'acculturation' programs and insurance.

I'm an American citizen, raised in Chicago, did all of my primary, secondary, and university in Illinois, but I still feel that I need some acculturation into the medical practice in the US (and this is despite having parents that have worked in the system from when I grew up until now).

I really don't know what to expect for rotations or even if I've been adequately prepared for rotations in the States. It's that uncertainty that makes me want to enroll-- even though I know that it's quite pricey and that most institutions that offer clerkships offer them at much lower prices.

Could someone shed some light on this? I guess then that my main reason would be that I don't want to go for a rotation at a renowned teaching hospital and mess up my chances of getting a good evaluation and slash any chances of networking and getting my foot through the door.
 
See less See more
#2 ·
I was just looking for any input on my situation. I guess my biggest issue is my readiness after third year core clerkships in the Philippines.

My question is for those that have done elective rotations in the States. How well prepared did you feel you were from your home country's curriculum? We here in the Philippines read the same textbooks as are used in the States, but the biggest difference is our curriculum is more discussion based than lecture based (Problem Based Learning).

Also, the Philippines definitely lags behind in terms of technology, chart taking, and healthcare policy (we're still on a paper-based system). There are a lot of things that are readily available in the States that aren't options for healthcare here due to costs.

How were you perceived by the attendings and residents that handled you during your electives? Did your background hurt you at all in the evaluation?
 
#3 ·
You still need USCE

The main advantage of enrolling in US clinicals whether in the form of electives, observerships, or externships is to get you acquainted with the US healthcare system and to get you hooked up with doctors here in the US.

Your US background won't get you any benefit, you are still perceived as a complete IMG since you will be graduating from Philippines.

I suggest you plan for some kind of USCE once you grad from Philippines.
 
#4 ·
Thank you for your reply!

Yes, I know that I would still need USCE. I'm still only a second year student at this moment, and I am planning to do my fourth year electives in the States. My question was regarding whether my background as an international student in the Philippines would hurt me in the evaluation during the electives (see my post above).

I guess a good follow up question would be how many international students are generally enrolled in audition electives compared to US students.

Thanks again :)
 
#5 ·
Electives won't be hurt, it's your residency chance

Your IMG background won't hurt you while doing the electives, every year there are thousands of IMGs doing elective rotations in USA, take for example the Caribbean Med Students (They are just like you, US born, US educated, US citizens, yet still they are IMGs).

The "hurt" will come when you apply for residency. At that time your category (IMG) will get much less chances than the other category (AMG).
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top