Is USMLE is right for an IMG?: A step by step approach

Every one of us want to be compassionate pioneering doctors that bring a difference in the society in their own way. The method to decide the optimum route to that ideal depends on how we paint the image of such a Doctor. Is it with innovate hues of research, colors of compassion for patient care etc. Our priorities of how we see ourselves in the future is highly important to decide this path. Each country has its own set of positives. Some international educational hubs include USA, UK, Singapore, Australia. If one ventures abroad its always to learn something new so that they can make a difference back home and the world at a large scale. 
Steps to decide that include:
1. Setting up priorities: how do you envision your future, where your passion lies. Some particulars to consider include diversity of patients, clinical exposure, research potential, fellowship prospects while balancing one’s personal life.

2. Research: if research is something close to someone heart they need to analyze research potential along their education. Pioneer institutes in U.S.A. and U.K. provide platforms for cutting edge research with appropriate technology and support in form of grants for deserving candidates.

3. Quality of education is a very important factor. This along with clinical exposure in terms of quantitative and qualitative patient exposure is highly important.

4. Match rate: the degree of acceptance of international students is important to consider.This varies for each specialty in different countries and it would not be proper to generalize it into one statement. It can vary across surgical and medical branches.
This can be analysed by looking into appropriate match statistics provided by international bodies for their programs.
Some of these include:

1. A) For U.S.A.: Match data provided by National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) is an ideal way to analyze it the match rate in the specific specialty of  your choice. (http://www.nrmp.org/main-residency-match-data/)
2. B) For U.K.: Competition ratios can be looked into, which provide a measure of approximate no of candidates for a seat available in the said specialty.  (https://specialtytraining.hee.nhs.uk/Competition-Ratios)

5. Clinical exposure: number of cases and degree of clinical exposure and clinical experience available. This is based on the setting university hospital/private hospital and further streamlined based on the logistics of the hospital one gets the opportunity to learn in.

6. Acceptability of current education: It is important to research the validity and acceptance of your current educational qualification in the 'registrable' degrees register of the country you want to study in. You should check that your medical school is a part of world directory of medical schools which is generally widely accepted.  (https://www.wdoms.org/)

7. Prospects for fellowship: is important to be considered if one wants to specialize in a particular field to gain expertise. Countries like U.S.A., U.K. and Australia provide unique fellowship opportunities leading to exposure to latest medical advancements which add as a valuable skill set once you return to your home country. One must also ensure that if one has completed post-graduation/residency in one’s home country then international institutions that have formal affiliation with one’s home school offer a potential bright pathway to pursue further higher academic opportunities like clinical physician observerships and fellowships.

8. Value upon returning to home country: is a factor that needs to be considered. As bringing a new skill set and most importantly acceptability of the international qualification/ degree is highly important in the place you want to settle. For example, for India one must check the list of recognized post graduate/residency qualifications.
 
9. Experience of seniors: is like the guiding torch to decide the pathway. Discussion with seniors who are studying abroad or have returned home after their international education is important to understand the social and economic factors which play a vital role besides the academic aspects. It helps chalk out possible routes and academic opportunities besides providing unflinching emotional and moral support.
All the best!

Dr. Nitya Beriwal, USMLESarthi's campus ambassador from Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, wrote this informative post.

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