US clerkship for Phil FMGs

[wa_xavi]

Since there is a deficiency in the number of hours acquired by Phil med grads according to the standards set by US requirements, is it possible for an FMG to enter a US clerkship program to make up for it after graduating from a Phil med school? Are there schools/hospitals in CA that would take FMGs under there clerkship programs?

I am asking this question because I understand that FMGs with US clinical experience and recommendations have a much better chance of getting into residency programs in the US.

[pinoydoc]

hey wa_xavi...having finished 3 years ago from fatima i can tell you that you can do your 4 th year rotations in a US training hosp. Now its filipino school specific. you are short in training weeks, but it doesnt quit affect your status. except for psych which should be 4weeks not 2(which was fatima's guideline) Post graduation....its is very hard to get "clerkship" cause you are a graduate. it would observership(look dont touch) or externship(a fancy word for post-grad clerk), of which you must get your own insurance depending on CA law i think like 1 million incidental/3 million total coverage. more over you have to find a hosp that will allow you to come in for observership. many place i encountered dont not take graduates and place preference to students.

my advice would be to clear it with your school and extend your 4th year to do the required additional weeks. that throws you off the 4 year plan but it gives you the USCE that is recommended. also note that some CA/NJ/NY school to do clerkship rotations you have to have passed Step 1. what you can do is email programs in CA and see if they will take you as an clerk and ask the necessary paperwork and tutition fees(some schools are affliated to US hosp that you can go to---but in the end you have to pay more to do it. something not in any filipino phamplets)

Good luck i hope it helps.

[wa_xavi]

thanks pinoydoc! your post was really informative. are you a practicing doc in the US now? fatima grad ka di ba? im actually still going to go into med school next year. probably in SLU, baguio. thats where i got my ** in Bio