Family Medicine Observerships for IMGs @ ETSU

Though Family Medicine probably has the highest number unfilled residency positions each year, IMGs may not find it very easy to secure spots. A big concern among program directors is that candidates try to switch specialties after their first year, in essence, using family medicine as an experience building gig to apply to other specialties. Hence what they are looking for is signs of commitment to the specialty on your resume - and a specific family medicine clinical experience along with recommendations from family physicians should be a big plus. The Family medicine residency at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is "IMG friendly" , only allows J1 visas for residency. A good tip for IMGs is to read up profiles of IMGs accepted into their residency program to get an idea of what they are looking for.

They offer a 2-week observership for IMGs who meet the criteria to apply to their residency program. So start with looking at that first. Next, Download their Application form (Word document) . Plus you need supporting documents - which are enlisted on their website along with the mailing address to post application to - Click Here !

Once selected, you will also need to complete online training course for Occupation Safety and HIPAA - both of which are provided for free on the same website linked above.

ICU Observerships for IMGs @ Univ. Pittsburgh

Earlier on this blog, I had hinted at this possibility based on circumstantial evidence and now the Univ. Pittsburgh website does carry information about full fledged observership program for IMGs interested in Critical care medicine, which it appears has been around for a while... Also the program has unpaid and paid J1-research scholar programs.

Critical Care medicine, as you may know, can be done as a fellowship (either alone or in combination with Pulmonology), after Internal Medicine residency and is a popular fellowship amongst IMGs, but this ICU Observership experience will be useful even for the likes of IMGs applying for Anesthesiology, Trauma Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics (NICU experience) etc.

Observership Details:

Duration: 1 week to 2 months

Visa: Visitors (B1/B2) or J1 (this is not a ECFMG / clinical J1 and will NOT be subject to 2-year rule). If on F1 student visa, then I guess you could do this during your summer break or on OPT status.

Cost: Observership itself is free - but of course you have to make your own arrangements for staying, food and travel. An optional $200 course in Critical Care Medicine can be completed at their simulation lab for things like running Code-blues, inserting central lines and intubation - If your wallets allow, I highly recommend getting this course completion on your resume !!

For documents needed and Application info - Click here

Recommended Books:
- The Washington Manual of Critical Care
- Tarascon Internal Medicine & Critical Care Pocketbook
- The ICU Book, 3rd Edition