How to Get Fellowship in USA | A Step-by-Step Guide For IMGs

[@NúriaAgustíGarcia]

Hi Sir, Congratulations on your very well-explained video! I’m a gynecologist from Spain, currently doing a postdoc fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center. I’ll be taking Step 2 soon and want to apply for a gynecologic oncology fellowship. However, I keep finding that board certification is required, making it difficult for me. Could you offer any advice? I’d be happy to set up an appointment if possible. Thanks!

[@IMGSecrets]

Hello doctor, yes it's almost never possible that you will find a position saying you don't need board certification. This is typical of not just you but all other specialties. This does not mean IMGs cannot apply. When we guide IMGs, we do this based on individual background and training. We will be happy to take a look into your situation if you decide to speak to us. www.imgsecrets.com

[@Tasfia185]

Hello Sir, I’m a final year medical student from Bangladesh. Which pathway (e.g., pathway 1,2,3,4,5) is needed to apply for ECFMG certification from now?

[@drehsanrem]

Hello sir. Your video is very informative. Thanks so much. I have completed my Emergency medicine training in Qatar and then in UK. I have been working at a Consultant in UK for almost 7 years now..I have strong family ties to USA. Do you think I should do USMLE step and apply for a fellowship or the new alternative pathway to work under supervision.plz guide me…Thanks

[@IMGSecrets]

Either fellowship or attending. In most cases USMLE will be required. If interested to explore your options, you can speak to use via appointments at www.IMGSecrets.com

[@tasneemahmed4308]

Hi Dr Rajeev I am an anaesthesiologist from India. I am looking for fellowship programs in the USA and would like to ask u two things. What’s the average test marks I need to get in Step2K to get into a good fellowship program or it doesn’t matter ? And also would like to know about the letter of recommendation for this. Is it enough to get LORs from my attending faculty here in India ? Or do I need to do some observership in usa to get an LOR. Thank you for all your videos, hoping you would be able to answer my questions.

[@IMGSecrets]

The fellowships typically don't stress too much on USMLE scores but rather the overall strength of the candidate www.IMGSecrets.com

[@rachitachugh9965]

Hy sir..how important is step 2 ck and step 3 scores for fellowship application in diagnostic radiology?

[@IMGSecrets]

Not much. Programs look at the overall package of the candidate and typically don't focus on MLE scores www.IMGSecrets.com

[@taisircleanin]

I am certified anaesthesiologist in my country but did not cleared my USMLE YET .

[@monikabadhan2422]

Hello Dr. Rajeev, I'm thankful to you for all of this information. I have 1 question, sir. My brother is MBBS graduate witb 5 yrs of working exp. Back in India and now pursuing MD in blood tranfusion. So my first question is how easy it would be for him to land a job in his stream? 2. If he applies after his MD then does he need to take license or he can start working directly? 3. Does blood transfusion comes in clinical or non clinical ? I hope ypu will clear my doubts.

[@IMGSecrets]

Your brother can use that experience to get into a residency program and then become a fully licensed physician. www.IMGSecrets.com

[@monikabadhan2422]

@@IMGSecrets thank you sir but how's the jobs in Canada in blood transfusion? Does he need license for it?

[@bhavyakolloju6778]

Good day dr. Rajeev sir, I am a pulmonology resident, i have cleared my step 1 and 2, I am hoping to know more about a pulmonology fellowship program, and eligibility criteria for it, requirements for the same, Will it include a interventional training too Will i be able to practice in the US after the fellowship without residency. Thank you!

[@IMGSecrets]

If you are looking for guidance, this can be obtained by appointments that can be booked directly from our website www.IMGSecrets.com

[@ishimwerobert9620]

Hello Dr. I am finishing my neurology residency in two years time and i want to apply for a neurology fellowship program in Canada that starts in two years time after finishing my training, can my application be considered before i finish my training? Thanks

[@IMGSecrets]

We don’t see why not, more important is a strong application and justifying why you want to apply now www.IMGSecrets.com

[@Trixie4752]

Good Day Dr. Rajeev. I have completed IM residency and cardiology fellowship in my home country. I have completed all USMLE steps and I am ECFMG certified. Can I do advance cardiology fellowship training in ACHD? What are my chances of getting accepted without US residency or cardio fellowship? Thank you.

[@IMGSecrets]

ACHD fellowships are extremely competitive. In theory you can apply and getting it would depend on how strong a candidate you are and the existing opportunities www.IMGSecrets.com

[@dudufrechiani]

Hello Dr. Rajeev, I'm a resident in Intern Medicine in Brazil and I've also graduated in Engineering before. I'm really interested in getting a mentorship as my ultimate goal is to become an attending physician in USA. Both fellowship and Tenessee pathways interest me a lot. How would you approach this goal if you were me?

[@IMGSecrets]

Strong application, complete necessary requirements and by talking to experienced people for help www.IMGSecrets.com

[@vijaysivaraj806]

Good evening Sir, I'm currently doing my 2nd year PM&R Residency in India. Will i be able to pursue Sports medicine fellowship in USA and Canada?

[@IMGSecrets]

We cannot comment on your situation. In general, there are many specialties that are eligible to apply for a sports medicine fellowship and PM&R is one of them www.IMGSecrets.com

[@zafarshah429]

Hi Dr Rajeev I’m MCPS pulmonary medicine, MRGP uk, MRCP London, i don’t have usmle, can I go for fellowship in pulmonology?

[@IMGSecrets]

Although not impossible to transition to the USA, its going to be difficult without MLE. Difficult to comment without knowing much about your background www.IMGSecrets.com

[@syedmohsin8825]

Hope You will be enjoying good health. Is there any pathway to work as public health specialist in USA after doing Msph after Mbbs

[@IMGSecrets]

Research track or getting back to residency www.IMGSecrets.com

[@syedahmed763]

Hi Dr. Rajeev. I'm a final year surgery PG trainee in Pakistan (finishing in Jan'25) and wish to pursue trauma critical care fellowships in the US, through alternate entry path. As the fellowships begin in August'25, is it ok to send emails to the chairs of the departments now, or should I wait for my training to be completed before doing so?

[@IMGSecrets]

You could apply. Your approach must be well thought about and perhaps focus only on fellowship assuming you have a strong background and can come up with a strong application www.IMGSecrets.com

[@syedahmed763]

@@IMGSecrets Thank you Sir!

[@sireeshakuruganti5723]

Greetings. I am an Orthopaedic Surgeon back in India. Im in USA now. Im interested in Urology. Can I look for fellowship in Urology. Preparing for USMLE steps. Please advise. Thanks!

[@IMGSecrets]

Your options are urology residency or ortho fellowship (not urology fellowship) www.IMGSecrets.com

[@johnborrison8627]

Hi Dr Rajeev , thanks for the amazing work you do to help out your comrades. I have MBBS from India CMC Vellore and Graduate diploma in family medicine from Singapore . Can I apply for fellowship in family medicine ,move to USA or Canada permanently ?

[@IMGSecrets]

You can apply for a fellowship, but relocating permanently involves additional considerations. It's challenging to provide detailed advice without more information. For further guidance, please visit www.IMGSecrets.com.

[@ramahanuman]

Hello Dr.Rajeev , i have completed my DM cardiology from india now i want to do interventional cardiology fellowship in usa , is usmle mandatory or is there any other path . I have 2 years of post DM work experience

[@IMGSecrets]

Without a detailed review of your CV and background, in general yes USMLE will be required www.IMGSecrets.com

[@afsheenilyas7532]

Can anyone tell me , after doing fellowship from USA , can you continue to work as a consultant there? provided that my institute is ACJME accredited

[@IMGSecrets]

Yes if you get successful in getting a position www.IMGSecrets.com

[@DrDewSpeaks]

Does applying for fellowship require USCE or Observership experience in USA before applying just like in Residency?

[@IMGSecrets]

May help, but not mandatory www.IMGSecrets.com

[@brendaakinyi3354]

Hi, how do I know my medical college is recognised by WHO and how do I get a sponsor note?

[@IMGSecrets]

You can check the world directory of medical schools website wdoms.org www.IMGSecrets.com

[@user-bd6se2fx7i]

Hello sir i have done my FCPS in GYNAE and OBS from Pakistan,how can i get fellowship in sub fertility in USA., kindly guide me.

[@user-bd6se2fx7i]

Kindly reply

[@IMGSecrets]

Find a fellowship based on your experience and apply with a strong application. www.IMGSecrets.com

[@aminahahmad6943]

Hi sir plz reply. I have mbbs from a who recognized institute and completed my internal medicine residency, I have the training completion certificate. but haven't passed my speciality exam fcpsll yet.. from Pakistan. Can I get fellowship in usa after steps n ecfmg. ? Or do I have to first clear my post residency exams in pak.

[@IMGSecrets]

Completing exit exams and having a license is what we recommend as this puts you at a competitive advantage www.imgsecrets.com

[@drstrange115]

Hello sir , i have completed my MD medicine in 2021 amd now working as a assistant professor in medical college india , i am interested to join a fellowship in usa , so just want to know the details and is usmle compulsory for that? With my experience and degree ..

[@codingtiger290]

What is the process of getting neurosurgery fellowship in usa after completing my neurosurgery residency from NIMHANS, do i need to complete my steps, and do we need to do residency ones again in usa, and if a person have given his steps during his mbbs do they need to give it again bcoz i heard that usmle steps are only valid for 6 yrs or so, as we know NIMHANS neurosurgery program is 6yr long so will my scores be expired??

[@IMGSecrets]

You need USMLE steps. Here is an example of an IMG who became successful with neurosurgery fellowship after home country residency kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqKzh3eYrNqfoLc www.IMGSecrets.com

[@nidhig2644]

Hello sir, I'm from India and have completed my MS in General Surgery from SMS Jaipur. My problem is that most fellowships in USA esp in the top institutes require my post grad to be ACGME accredited - which no residency in India is. So. Despite an ECFMG certification how do I ever become applicable for these or go through SAFAs?

[@IMGSecrets]

You are correct. When we guide IMGs we help them towards less competitive options. Obviously, you won't find things advertised, which is why there is ample data to suggest IMGs with guidance/appropriate mentorship tend to be more successful.. www.IMGSecrets.com

[@turewako2531]

Hi Sir.Iam General Surgeon at my country and want to go for fellowship in endocrinology. But my college is not WHO accredited. AmI eligible ? If so how can I go?

[@IMGSecrets]

How about your medical college/school? It must be WHO recognized www.IMGSecrets.com

[@maielbadawi7129]

I'm pediatrician with MD graduated from medical school recognized by WHO. Can i apply for pediatric endocrinology fellowship

[@IMGSecrets]

In theory yes www.IMGSecrets.com

[@TanishkaSingh-m2c]

Hii sir ... I'm a bit confused as I've heard many things related to usmle .....in an video there was a guy commenting that first he'll do fellowship earn in usd and then with that money he'll apply for residency.... I don't get it that what is he trying to say...so can you pls tell me what should i do after my mbbs to get into usmle ....or you can recommend a video ...thanks in advance

[@IMGSecrets]

Money yes if the plan is to go back to home country but more importantly experience is what matters to build the profile for next steps. After MBBS, complete MLE and apply for matching. In the interim build your CV www.IMGSecrets.com

[@drahmadbhatti8906]

Hi....dr rajeev I m a gyenacologist with MCPS ,MRCOG degrees n 8 yrs of clinical experience as consultant. I have passed usmle step 1 n preparing for step 2 ..I want to b board certified in gynae n obs.which pathway u will suggest for me?kindly reply

[@IMGSecrets]

What country are you certified in? www.IMGSecrets.com

[@official.rajarshidutta]

Hi Dr Rajeev. Ill be soon entering DM Cardiology in India is to say that il be having my cardiology residency from India Itself. I want to pursue a fellowship in interventional cardiology at Mount Sinai. Do i have to appear for usmle ? Or is there a workaround? A reply would mean a lot. Thanks.

[@IMGSecrets]

Generally USMLE is required www.imgsecrets.com

[@archanasingla6398]

I am radiologist in my home country. Working as professor and head of department but now want to enhance my knowledge. Can I get fellowship in body imaging radiology without ECFG. I have published more than 18 papers in different journals and experience of more than 25years. Please help me

[@IMGSecrets]

Potentially but there are two problems - 1. Lack of ECFMG and 2. Overqualified to do a fellowship www.IMGSecrets.com

[@srinivas7125]

Is dnb in India recognised

[@IMGSecrets]

DNB, MD, MS are all considered clinical experiences www.imgsecrets.com

[@kartikeytyagi9271]

Greetings sir, I am currently studying for NEET PG. Which residency from India do you think would be most beneficial if I wish to move to the US? Thanks in advance.

[@IMGSecrets]

Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine www.IMGSecrets.com

[@kartikeytyagi9271]

@@IMGSecrets Thank you so much sir. What is your opinion about ABR pathway for Radiology?

[@yaasirbinmalick7911]

Sir is there any fellowships for anaesthesia after mbbs in india... Plz do answer.

[@IMGSecrets]

yes - research fellowships. Clinical fellowship post PG www.IMGSecrets.com

[@poonamkainth657]

Hello rajeev , iam a general surgery resident in india about to complete residency in 2025 and ecfmgcertified wish to apply for neurosurgery fellowship in usa , there on try to match in neurosurgery residency .Can you plz suggest

[@IMGSecrets]

Good planning, but, getting a neurosurgery fellowship for an IMG without prior experience can be challenging www.IMGSecrets.com

[@poonamkainth657]

Plz guide me how to get prior experience for neurosurgery in usa

[@dipasmitasarma3338]

Hi Sir I am a plastic surgery resident in India. Apart from clearing USMLE what all do i have to do to become a consultant in US Please guide

[@IMGSecrets]

There is not enough details for specific comments. In general residency www.IMGSecrets.com

[@SAEED2HK]

❤

[@HinaSabir-u1d]

Usmle steps are mendatoty for clinical fellowship or just a golden ticket??? When you have a work permit too???

[@IMGSecrets]

Its a must! what is the work permit? www.IMGSecrets.com

[@HinaSabir-u1d]

Hone county exit exam is mandatory or training is sufficient

[@austinemagno3071]

Hello Dr. Rajeev. I am a Filipino, and I am a Fellow in Internal Medicine in my homecountry. I am planning to apply for fellowship in endocrinology in the US, do I have to get a USMLE exam before I apply?

[@IMGSecrets]

Yes www.IMGSecrets.com

[@Trixie4752]

Good Day Dr. Rajeev. I have completed IM residency and cardiology fellowship in my home country. I have completed all USMLE steps and I am ECFMG certified. Can I do advance cardiology fellowship training in ACHD? What are my chances of getting accepted without US residency or cardio fellowship? Thank you.

[@IMGSecrets]

ACHD fellowships are extremely competitive. In theory you can apply and getting it would depend on how strong a candidate you are and the existing opportunities www.IMGSecrets.com