What are the requirements for USCE like observerships, electives and externships?
The requirements will vary from program to another but in general here what most might request from IMGs:
i- If you are seeking electives some programs will request that you be in your clinical years in medical school (equivalent to 3rd and 4th medical school years in the US. You can not do electives after you graduate, however, you can still do observerships and externships after graduation.
ii- Most of the programs will put a certain fee for each month of such experience which usually ranges from 500 to 1000 $.
iii- Evidence of immunizations: this will vary from program to another but will usually
- Varicella, rubella, titers, and/or immunizations MMR (mumps, measles and rubella)
- Recent documented TB test or recent chest X-ray (<1year) if known TB positive
- Proof of hepatitis B immunity (serology)
iv- Apply EARLY ahead of time. These spots are limited and fly like hot cookies. Some programs are even booked 1 year ahead. In most cases spots are given on first come first serve basis.
v- If you are not a US Citizen or Green Card holder IMG then you will need B-1, B-2, J-1, H-1b, or O-1 visa. You can ask the sponsoring institution to send you a support letter for the visa application where you can present it to the local US embassy in your country.
NB: If you are seeking US LORs that will help you match, you need to do observership in an ACGME certified program, you can find the full list of those offering such experiences to IMGs in this list: USCE.
v- If you are not a US Citizen or Green Card holder IMG then you will need B-1, B-2, J-1, H-1b, or O-1 visa. You can ask the sponsoring institution to send you a support letter for the visa application where you can present it to the local US embassy in your country.
NB: If you are seeking US LORs that will help you match, you need to do observership in an ACGME certified program, you can find the full list of those offering such experiences to IMGs in this list: USCE.
