[dr_mhm]

Hello,
I'm just starting to prepare for step 1, I'm an IMG that worked until May 2010 (when I moved to the US) - been working ever since graduation in Europe (have an European specialty and 10 yrs work experience). I read that doing some externships or observerships in the U.S. could help me with the match later.
Here are my questions:
1. Do I need to have the USMLE certificate in order to do an externship?
2. Can I do them at any clinic / local hospital?
I do know some people at the local hospital here, it's small but it could be a start for an observership possibly.
3. How long should these externships / observerships be?

Thanks for your help!

 

[good_boy_1234]

Hmm...I noticed that you mentioned that have 10 years work experience...This means that you are graduate for at least 10 years.
I am so sorry to tell you it is very very difficult to be matched even with high scores...

But on the other hand, You can make it...How ?
You said that you moved to U.S...You have to make connections with doctors & program directors & ask them about your chances.
If you make a good relationships with them & they told you they will back you, you will be matched!

For your questions :

1-No it is not required...but generally in increases your chances
2-Every place has its rules, if these people could help you...go with them. But try also to find better places of you could
3-More you do...more you get benefits (for your case, I suggest at least for 1 year & apply for steps within that year)

P.S : Externships are far better that Observerships since the former are hands-on

Good Luck

 

[lee-usmle]

Answers

Hello,
1. Do I need to have the USMLE certificate in order to do an externship?

No you don't need but it's better if you have at least one score in hand.

2. Can I do them at any clinic / local hospital?
I do know some people at the local hospital here, it's small but it could be a start for an observership possibly.

Yes, that's a great start

,
3. How long should these externships / observerships be?

Most program require 3 months. Some of them say 6 months.
Most programs require hands-on experience (externships) and few of them accept (observerships)

 

[dr_mhm]

"old" IMG

Hmm...I noticed that you mentioned that have 10 years work experience...This means that you are graduate for at least 10 years.
I am so sorry to tell you it is very very difficult to be matched even with high scores...

But on the other hand, You can make it...How ?
You said that you moved to U.S...You have to make connections with doctors & program directors & ask them about your chances.
If you make a good relationships with them & they told you they will back you, you will be matched!

For your questions :

1-No it is not required...but generally in increases your chances
2-Every place has its rules, if these people could help you...go with them. But try also to find better places of you could
3-More you do...more you get benefits (for your case, I suggest at least for 1 year & apply for steps within that year)

P.S : Externships are far better that Observerships since the former are hands-on

Good Luck

I suppose I'm an "old" IMG, if being in the mid 30s is being old .
I know it's gonna be tough but it´s doable, and I think that my background will actually help me!

I'm already looking into doing an observership, as I understand that in order to do an externship you must have your ECFMG certificate?!

Thanks!

 

[dr_mhm]

thanks

No you don't need but it's better if you have at least one score in hand.

Yes, that's a great start

Most program require 3 months. Some of them say 6 months.
Most programs require hands-on experience (externships) and few of them accept (observerships)

Thanks, I hadn't seen this post until I posted the other one.

 

[Sabio]

Not all externships require ECFMG

as I understand that in order to do an externship you must have your ECFMG certificate?!

Not all externships require ECFMG certification.
Consult these companies and they may find you externships without the need for ECFMG certification.

 

[docgod]

Externships @ group practices

Will externships/observerships @ group practices be considered as USCE. I might be able to find work @ a group practice of 5 GI physicians.