Medical PG in USA offers clinical challenges all throughout its roadmap due to the fact that the whole system is thoughtfully designed. Many Indian doctors seek advice to pursue MD in USA after MBBS in India. Many of the Indian doctors who could not get PG seat through NEET PG or AIPGMEE in India look for this option.
If you are a MBBS student, Indian medical graduate, foreign medical graduate (FMG) or completed MD, who wish to settle in the United States (US) in future, United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is the only option for you to get certified and start a medical practice in the US.
The system for healthcare professionals or physicians in USA is closely monitored by USMLE. Indian students trying to pursue postgraduate medicine in USA after MBBS need to prove themselves at every level again by giving USMLE-1 and USMLE 2CK exams. This exam is highly competitive (Though much easier than Indian NEET PG!). The exam is online and can be given from India.
There are 3 different ways to prepare for USMLE exams.
In USA, an Indian student after completion of MBBS cannot practice directly. USMLE has clearly defined the medical courses after MBBS to be completed in USA. The Indian doctors have to pass the above exams with high marks (230+). During this period, the students can give USMLE-2 CK exam in India to qualify for the Residency in USA.
The USMLE step 1 preparation can be done from the 2nd year of MBBS in India. The USMLE step 1 preparation courses provided are from Beckers and Kaplan. It also has live classes conducted by the US based experienced doctors.
The cost for this entire route is around US$ 30,000 (with 6 months of Clinical Rotation / Clerkship) and can be US$ 20,000 if you can crack USMLE-2CK/CS after only 3 months of Clinical rotation.
Most of the doctors prefer to pursue medical post graduation in USA by taking admission to Masters in Public Health (MPH). A doctor can pursue different courses after MBBS in India but MPH course in USA is the best option. This postgraduate course in USA gives a breathing period for the students since generally, the student Visa issued by the US consulate for Indian students are for 5 years for Masters Program.
The cost to complete Medical PG in USA with this entire route is around US$ 50,000 (with 3 months of Clinical Rotation / Clerkship).
There are other advantages of pursuing MPH programs in USA leading to medical PG such as:
Few Indian doctors are looking to complete Medical PG in USA with options which does not involve Non-Clinical program such as MPH. For these doctors, we suggest this 3rd and final option. This option allows them to pursue 2 years of USMLE preferred Green book clinical rotation (NOT AN OBSERVER-SHIP since that is not accepted by USMLE) at a ACGME approved hospital.
The first step towards Medical PG in USA is naturally USMLE 1. The MCQ based test has multiple answers, sometimes more than 5–6 answers and you may be asked to give all the correct answers! This competitive exam tests the foundation of your knowledge with analytical and diagnostic mind. Indian Doctors with clear fundamentals and ability to apply knowledge logically are able to crack it well.
Remember: Only one attempt can be given for this exam and accordingly, the students always prepare their best and give lot of Mock tests before appearing for this most important exam of their academic life.
To pursue Medical PG in USA (USMLE pathway), you need: