Completing an AMOpportunities clinical experience is a helpful first step in beginning the residency process in the United States. Upon concluding an AMOpportunities experience, you will gain a better sense of U.S. medical practices to help you decide if you would like to pursue a residency here. An AMOpportunities experience will enrich not only your medical knowledge but also your resume with physician references and, if earned, a letter of recommendation that you can use to apply for residency in the U.S., Europe, or any other country you choose.

Regardless of the training, received in your home country, you will have to complete a U.S. residency program should you wish to practice medicine in the United States. The residency process requires some degree of preparation. The American Medical Association provides a guide for international medical graduates to plan and prepare for an American residency program.

Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates

The process begins with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates certification. The ECFMG certification assesses if IMGs are ready to enter a residency or fellowship program in the United States. Certification by the ECFMG is also a requirement for IMGs to take the third and final step of the United States Medical Licensing Examination. IMGs must take the first two steps of the USMLE before taking the third step. Certification ensures IMGs have met a minimum standard for patient care. While certification allows eligibility for residency programs, it does not guarantee acceptance into such programs, as the number of applicants exceeds the number of residency positions.

You are eligible to apply for a residency program in the United States once you have received a visa. Obtaining a visa is done through the United States Consulate in your home country.

 

National Resident Matching Program

The residency application process starts upon registering with the National Resident Matching Program to participate in the Match. The NRMP matches applicants to hospital residency programs based on applicant and hospital preferences. Over the years, the Match has become an incredibly competitive process. IMGs should submit applications to a minimum of 25 programs to heighten their chances of being matched. Because interviews are granted based on the application, you should spend time perfecting and polishing your application.

 

The AMO Experience

In 2017, 53.3 percent of IMGs participating in the Match were successful. An AMOpportunities clinical experience will help build your foundation for pursuing an American residency program. Your experience with AMOpportunities allows you to establish connections with your physician preceptor, who may have connections with a U.S. residency program. The enrichment and connections made through an AMOpportunities experience will help set you apart as a unique candidate in the Match.

 

Get started on your path toward the Match by applying for a U.S. clinical rotation with AMOpportunities.

Head to our website now to find yours.