08-07-2017, 03:12 PM
With the rise in the number of American graduates, it is becoming increasingly difficult for an IMG to match. Clinical experience in the U.S. and a letter of recommendation from a U.S. physician can give our application the edge it needs to obtain interviews and match.
Most IMGs are afraid or unable to get clinical experience in California as they fear the stringent conditions laid down by the Medical Board of California. The Board permits an intern/extern to gain experience in a clinical setting as long as it does NOT exceed the scope of a medical assistant. One such clinic offering good quality clinical experience to IMGs is Roger Washington Family Practice.
Dr. Roger Washington is a graduate of Stanford University and is currently a Board Certified Family Physician. He is an experienced teacher who is friendly, open-minded and humorous. He ensures that you have a fairly complete idea of the American health care system at the end of 4 weeks. He works on your weaknesses and patiently guides you through your mistakes.
My experience involved the following –
• Checking patients into the examination rooms & carefully preparing patient notes.
• Obtaining the patients’ permission and observing pertinent physical findings with relevant medical instruments under the physician’s supervision.
• Preparing laboratory and radiology requests, writing prescriptions and refilling medications as advised by the physician.
• Carefully analyzing test results and information gathered during examinations to discuss the differential diagnoses.
• Regularly preparing referral letters for patients in need of more specialized treatment.
• Vaccinating patients and performing tests like EKG, Spirometry, PPD test under the supervision of the Registered Nurse.
• Observing procedures like cryotherapy and intra-articular injections
• Presenting topics of medical interest to the health care team.
• Learning about the various insurance companies, prior authorizations and drug formularies.
• Learning the art of defensive medicine.
The nurses at the clinic are knowledgeable and friendly too. There is a lot to learn from them as well. Reena especially, is a very warm and welcoming person.
One thing most IMGs are worried about is the expense of the externship. Although 3000$ is a lot of money, this experience is worth every cent of it. I know of applicants who go to other states from California for an observership/externship through a third party and end up spending almost the same amount of money. So, if you are looking for a good opportunity in the Bay area for gaining clinical experience, you might want to consider this. It will definitely help you understand the various facets of health care in the United States.
Most IMGs are afraid or unable to get clinical experience in California as they fear the stringent conditions laid down by the Medical Board of California. The Board permits an intern/extern to gain experience in a clinical setting as long as it does NOT exceed the scope of a medical assistant. One such clinic offering good quality clinical experience to IMGs is Roger Washington Family Practice.
Dr. Roger Washington is a graduate of Stanford University and is currently a Board Certified Family Physician. He is an experienced teacher who is friendly, open-minded and humorous. He ensures that you have a fairly complete idea of the American health care system at the end of 4 weeks. He works on your weaknesses and patiently guides you through your mistakes.
My experience involved the following –
• Checking patients into the examination rooms & carefully preparing patient notes.
• Obtaining the patients’ permission and observing pertinent physical findings with relevant medical instruments under the physician’s supervision.
• Preparing laboratory and radiology requests, writing prescriptions and refilling medications as advised by the physician.
• Carefully analyzing test results and information gathered during examinations to discuss the differential diagnoses.
• Regularly preparing referral letters for patients in need of more specialized treatment.
• Vaccinating patients and performing tests like EKG, Spirometry, PPD test under the supervision of the Registered Nurse.
• Observing procedures like cryotherapy and intra-articular injections
• Presenting topics of medical interest to the health care team.
• Learning about the various insurance companies, prior authorizations and drug formularies.
• Learning the art of defensive medicine.
The nurses at the clinic are knowledgeable and friendly too. There is a lot to learn from them as well. Reena especially, is a very warm and welcoming person.
One thing most IMGs are worried about is the expense of the externship. Although 3000$ is a lot of money, this experience is worth every cent of it. I know of applicants who go to other states from California for an observership/externship through a third party and end up spending almost the same amount of money. So, if you are looking for a good opportunity in the Bay area for gaining clinical experience, you might want to consider this. It will definitely help you understand the various facets of health care in the United States.