What should I do? observership or externship?

[koolkiller88]

I know this question has been asked multiple times and yes i read all that threads but here i want to discuss about my personal situation. So I request experienced fellows to give there valuable comments. Thanks

1. I emailed more then 60 to 70 programs asking about "Externship or Observership. Even tried in New mexico
but most of them reply that " Thanks for your interest in our program but we don't provide any kind of externship or observership."
From all those 60 to 70 programs only 1 program gave a positive reply regarding an observership with a whole list of rules and regulations. hehe
AND here is the point by one program director which i want to discuss here.
One of program director replied that- As AMGs and IMGs are increasing day by day. So there are more strict regulations. Just take an example of here hospital. She said in there hospital they want minimum of 3 months of externship (no observership or research).
and i read few internal medicine residency program application criteria. They also mention the same point. That they only consider externship not observership.
If it is so then why other programs are offering observership (that also 500-1000$ and even more/month)?
So basically i have only 3-4 months to do either observership or externship. So which one i should choose?
Even regarding externship. I came to know about so many agencies but no updated reviews from graduates. How i can know after paying 2000$/ month i would be able to get a externship in good reputed hospital not in any random private clinic.
I welcome those students who are doing an observership or externship to give some reviews or comments. All your valuable comments will be appreciated.

[Sabio]

Externships is certainly better than observerships.

The next question is the place, is it a big university teaching hospital or is it just a random private clinic as you said.

I personally think that the letterhead of the LoR is more important than the content ( read more here, http://www.usmle-forums.com/img-resi...r-content.html )

So for example; I'd say observership in Harvard or Mayo Clinic is better than an externship in a small unknown private clinic.

As for the agencies that can help you getting USCE, I highly recommend this poll http://www.usmle-forums.com/usce-cli...hips-imgs.html the votes in that poll are real votes and we monitor it.

Anyway, whatever you do will be good for you because it shows that you are enthusiastic and that you are not just sitting idle at home. US LoRs are very important to get into residency, so gather as much as you can.

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