Why US Clinical Experience Is Needed
Having US Clinical Experience is REQUIRED to obtain US medical residencies and fellowships.
While you will not see it listed, per se, in applications and in the NRMP Program Director Survey, International Medical Graduates MUST have US Clinical Experience when applying to medical residency and pre-residency fellowship programs in the United States.
When evaluating applications from IMGs, Program Directors depend upon US Clinical Experience…
- To demonstrate that the applicant has familiarity and experience in the US healthcare system
- To demonstrate that the applicant has familiarity and experience with the US standards of doctor-patient relationships
- To demonstrate that the applicant has familiarity and experience with the US standards of peer relationships in healthcare settings
- To allow US physicians to evaluate the applicant's professionalism versus US standards and expectations
- To allow US physicians to evaluate the applicant's aptitude for and likelihood of success in a US residency or fellowship program — and in eventual US practice
US Clinical Experience rotations also give you opportunities to obtain Letters of Recommendation from US-practicing physicians, and they allow you to demonstrate commitment to specialty.
Simply put… Without US Clinical Experience, your ERAS® application is almost worthless.
