US Clinical Experience: A Comprehensive Guide for IMGs

If you are an international medical graduate (IMG) preparing to apply for US medical residency, you probably understand the role US clinical experience (USCE) can play in your residency application. While it is an essential part of the application process, obtaining and participating in these clinical experiences can be an overwhelming and stressful process. However, there are some key tips you can implement to help alleviate your anxiety.

For residency programs and program directors, having previous US clinical experience is important to demonstrate your clinical abilities and your readiness for medical residency in the United States. US medical students already have this experience built into their medical school curriculum. Therefore, it is essential for IMGs to have USCE to compete against US MD students and graduates. In addition, it provides you with the opportunity to gain a letter of recommendation for your residency application, build professional relationships and network, and enhance your residency application as a whole. 

In this guide, we'll provide you with the tools and advice to help you find a rewarding clinical experience in the US.

Let's dive deeper into this!

What is US Clinical Experience?

USCE is an experience where you are actively involved in patient care, learning under the physician preceptor, and working alongside the medical care team. These experiences can be referred to as:

• Externships (a hands-on experience that typically takes place after medical school)

• Clerkships (hands-on experiences that are typically part of the medical school curriculum)

• Electives (experiences that are part of the medical school curriculum but can be done outside of the university or school)

• Clinical rotations (a hands-on experience where the student or graduate learns under the physician preceptor. These are typically obtained through third parties or outside resources.)

Some other experiences, such as shadowing experiences and observerships, can be useful. However, residency programs do not place as much value on them. For more information on what is and isn't considered US clinical experience, please check out our related blog post.

Now that we have identified what is considered US clinical experience, let's discuss how to find these experiences.

How to Find US Clinical Experiences

There are numerous ways for IMGs to find USCE. However, each way requires a different level of time, effort, and money.

• Your Network and Connections

  • One of the easiest ways is to utilize your network and connections. Any personal connections, such as alumni of your medical school. It could also be family friends who may know someone they can connect you with. These are both great opportunities for you to get your foot in the door. Getting USCE through these connections typically requires the least amount of resources.

• Agencies

  • These are companies that set up clinical experiences for the student or graduate. They are directly involved with the logistical and administrative aspects of setting up the experience. While agencies do charge varying costs for their USCE, this method requires less time and effort. You can look for various agencies on this AMA website blog.

• University Rotations

  • Universities offer the opportunity for students and graduates to get USCE at their affiliated institutions and hospitals. However, many university rotation programs do have an admissions process as well as a fee to be able to participate in their program. Although it can be an exceptional opportunity, this option can be a bit uncertain as it can be frustrating if your application is not accepted. Then you may find yourself in a situation where you have to find USCE elsewhere or at the last minute. Because of this, it is a good idea to have a backup plan in case it falls through. Learn more about university rotations through our University Rotations & Observership Programs blog post.

• Cold Emailing

  • Another method commonly used is to cold email as many physicians as you can. This means reaching out to as many doctors as possible to see if they would be able to have you learn under them. Although this is free, please keep in mind that this method requires a lot of time and effort. Additionally, it is typically not very effective.

It is important to do your own research before deciding on a method that works best for you. When looking for USCE, these experiences should align with your goals and available resources. Consider additional costs such as accommodations, liability insurance, and additional fees. While there is no one-size-fits-all clinical experience, there are some important things to keep in mind when searching for valuable experiences:

• You should look for preceptors who have had experience teaching.

• You should have the ability to build a connection with preceptor in order to gain a good LOR and create good rapport.

• You should make sure that you'll have one-on-one time with the preceptor.

Why US Clinical Experience is Important for IMGs

It's no secret that the residency match process has progressively become more competitive over time. With limited positions and so many applicants, programs have to sift through a sea of applicants. Because of this, the criteria for matching has increased, requiring applicants to find new ways to stand out. One of those ways is through gaining USCE.

For example, in the Charting Outcomes™: Program Director Survey Results, 2024 Main Residency Match® findings by the NRMP, it was revealed that 84% of program directors considered "letters of recommendation in the specialty" to be an important factor in deciding interview considerations. This indicates that programs place great importance on LORs when deciding whom to invite for interviews. However, this is just one reason.

Other reasons why having USCE is important for IMGs applying to US medical residency are:

1. Familiarity with the US medical system

2. Gaining LORs for your application

3. Building your connections and networking

4. Finding mentors who can advocate for you

5. Demonstrating you are prepared for US medical residency

6. Be competitive against US MD students and graduates

7. Enhance your application

To sum up, USCE is essential for IMGs applying for US medical residency due to the competitiveness of the residency match process. Having USCE can help you stand out from other applicants, gain precious LORs, demonstrate your capability, and prove you have what it takes for US medical residency. There are a variety of methods to find clinical experiences, including through your connections and network, agencies, university rotations, and cold emailing. It is crucial to choose a method that matches your present circumstances and lifestyle. It's important to remember that each of these approaches differs in effectiveness, time, cost, and level of effort. Whatever route you take, we wish you nothing but the best on your US medical journey. We hope this blog provides you with the tools and resources to help you reach your goals in medicine.

---

Additional Resources:

MD2B Connect Program

If interested, MD2B Connect's US Clinical Experience program includes liability insurance in the cost of all rotations (excluding telerotations). Additionally, there are no hidden or additional costs or fees in our pricing. Also included is a free 1-hour introductory meeting (that includes a comprehensive match strategy discussion) and a rotation recommendation plan hand-selected by Dr. Desai and our team. If you'd like to learn more about our program, you can visit our US Clinical Experience page or click on the button below.

MD2B Connect US Clinical Experiences

Related blog posts:

• How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation - https://www.md2bconnect.com/post/how-to-ask-for-a-letter-of-recommendation

• How to Perform Highly During Your US Clinical Experience - https://www.md2bconnect.com/post/how-to-perform-highly-during-your-us-clinical-experience

• What Counts as US Clinical Experience - https://www.md2bconnect.com/post/what-counts-as-us-clinical-experience