Research versus observerships!

This is a dilemma to many applicants. Yes, especially those who are not familiar with what program directors of different specialties seek in an applicant. Actually it is not only the type of specialty you are seeking that determine your plans but also the type of program do matter which have same impact on your decisions. Feels confusing, right! Let me make it simpler for you. Community programs which are stud with IMGs will seek hard working folks rather than those chilling in research. They would pick up those with more clinical experience specifically externships and observerships. However those programs which are less IMG friendly which means more relaxed programs and usually these are the higher tier university programs they care to have candidates who can help them on with there research projects. Also tough specialties like neurosurgery and orthopedics would select those with research more than would an internal or family medicine program care.  So it's not really only whether research or observership that matter but also which specialty and where you are applying to matters too.

General Requirements for USCE

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

1. Varicella, rubella, titers, and/or immunizations MMR (mumps, measles and rubella)
2. Recent documented TB test or recent chest X-ray (<1year) if known TB positive
3. 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.