International Medical Graduate Dilemma: Where to Start?

Doing a medical specialty like for example Family Medicine in the US it is not simple. I mean to be accepted into a residency program. There are lot of new terms to learn (ECFMG, ERAS, NRMP, FREIDA, USCE, Observership, transcripts, Dean's letter, PTAL , etc). There is a lot of paper work to do also. Challenging things like to get hand on experiences in the US. Passing really difficult tests (like USMLE Step 1). And many other things that, for you sure, you have to learn and to understand before you can be accepted into a medical residency program. On top of all that you have to have money. And of course, I almost forget, yes you need to know English too. In summary I would say that it is not easy at all, but not impossible. You will have to do one of your biggest efforts to reach this goal, if this is what you really want.

But, where to start? This is one of the most common questions International Medical Graudates ask. In my opinion, the first thing to do, it is to define your goal. Do you really want to become a doctor in the US, or not? Are you 100% sure you want to leave your country where you are already a doctor who can practice medicine, to move to the US and practice medicine here.

I am luckily connected with many of my medical school classmates, some of them are practicing medicine in my country (Peru). Others are in Spain doing their specialties in first, second, third year. A small group is here in the US (Virginia, Michigan, Texas, Philadelphia and Indiana). I always talk and ask questions to all of them. I have learned from them that it is not the same to prepare for a specialty in Peru than in the US or in Spain, each process is different. It is because of that I believe you have to define with 100% security if you want or not to do your medical specialty in the US. You will have to gather all your energies and focus in only one goal to succeed.

The participants from the UCLA International Medical (IMG) Graduate have created this site to share our many different experiences and point of views about this process. We will like to have your feedback and opinions. Please share with us any question you could have.