Post-graduate studies

Do you recommend I do a Masters program and when should it be done?

A master’s program is definitely a plus in every application but remember it costs money to obtain one.

So, do it if you will absolutely enjoy it and if you have a great source to pay for it. Some places have scholarships though.

I recommend as soon as possible after medical school graduation, that way your gap years don’t get longer. 

Are there Non-US IMG friendly universities for MPH?

When it comes to Masters programs, a lot of universities are IMG friendly.

Visa requirements for obtaining a Masters degree for non-US IMG in most cases is F1. This is more easily sponsored by schools (than residency training requirement- J1 or H1B). 

Also there are more available opportunities for MPH than there is for residency slots.

– Firstly, decide if you want an accelerated program, like i did or the regular one.

-Here’s a list of 20 Accelerated programs (completion in 12 to 16 months): https://www.mphonline.org/best-accelerated-mph/

-Here’s a list of ALL accredited Public health programs: https://ceph.org/about/org-info/who-we-accredit/accredited/#programs

I recommend you decide on your preferred locations (based on family etc) and apply to those one first in addition to others

NB: Don’t assume you can’t get into great schools. You can!!

How do I know if my medical school is eligible for the whole IMG process before I begin.

You can check for your medical school eligibility on this link: https://search.wdoms.org/

ECFMG is a great resource for all IMG information:  https://www.ecfmg.org/online-services-emswp.html

USMLE EXAMS

What score should I aim for when i take the steps?

Firstly, Step 1 will be transitioning to a Pass/ Fail reporting by January 2022. This means that numbers won’t matter by then. However,  if you are planning to take it prior to that, aim for a score as high as possible. Here are the average step 1 scores per specialty (2020). You can find more on NRMP.

Is there a benefit to taking Step 2ck before Step 1?

It depends on what stage of your education or career you are taking the steps. Step 1 is mostly about the basics of medicine- anatomy, biochemistry etc and if you have been out of medical school for a while, might take a longer time to prepare for.

Step 2ck is more clinical and for a practicing doctor, might be easier to study for.

Nope. I worked full time as a medical practitioner and the public health physician. I was also a mom, but had a nanny to help at home

Do i take step 3 or not?

Step 3 is not required to match or start residency but definitely helps boost your application, especially if you had other low scores or red flags.

However, Step 3 is definitely required to obtain an H1-B visa.  

I wanted H1-B visa so i completed and passed Step 3 just before Match day.

VISAS

What are the visa options for non-US IMGS for residency

The 2 main visa types for non-US IMG are J1 and H1-B visas

J1 is more commonly obtained, as this is sponsored by ECFMG.

H1-B is a work permit

After residency on a J1, what are options to continue working in the US?

Upon completion of residency (and fellowship), J1 visa holders are either expected to return to their home country for 2 years to practice OR apply for a J-1 waiver job while in the US

What about J1- waiver jobs?

I am not aware of any dedicated sites for J1 waiver jobs but this helps search for places with shortages (and may qualify as J1 waiver jobs)- Find Shortage Areas by Address (hrsa.gov)

 Also, some medical job sites allow you to filter based on the visa offered. Here are some job sites: https://www.practicelink.com/JobBoard/JobSearchResults?Professions=physician&JobId=0&J1=4859&Specialties=54068

 https://www.practicematch.com/physicians/jobs/pediatrics

Firstly, Step 1 will be transitioning to a Pass/ Fail reporting by January 2022. This means that numbers won’t matter by then.

You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take.

                                                        -Wayne Gretzky