The AMA on Why Observerships are Beneficial

The American Medical Association (AMA) recently published an article outlining how international medical graduates (IMGs) can better their chances for success in the Residency Match Process. According to AMA statistics, 51.2% of U.S. IMGs and 51.4% of IMGs matched with their preferred specialties in 2018. The AMA believes observership programs, such as those offered with AMO can help Match prospects in a number of ways:

Experience U.S. medical culture
  • Experience an electronic medical record system
  • Collaborate with a care team to implement a patient care plan
  • Undergo a performance review
  • Attend social events
  • Participate in cultural experiences with local social groups
  • Take language courses to better one’s proficiency with English
Refine medical skills
  • Improve history and note-taking skills
  • Attend lectures
  • Discuss diagnosis and care
  • Be part of daily rounds
  • Interpret basic lab results
  • Observe physical exams
Boost residency application
  • Receive a letter of recommendation
  • Opportunities to participate in research studies or reports
  • Mock-interview opportunities

AMOpportunities offers numerous observership programs for IMGs all across the United States in a variety of different specialties. These observership programs help IMGs acclimate to the healthcare system in the United States and prepare them for application to a U.S. medical residency program. Check out some of our rotations!