Thread: PUMS Alumni... any out there?

I would love to talk to some of you to find out what it was like trying to get residency and clinicals in the US. I have talked to two alumni so far in different specialties who said they didn't have problems. I am dying to talk to someone who went into emergency medicine!!!! I have read the powerpoint on the ASG website about how to get clinical rotations in the US, but I am worried b/c when I was visiting the school a student told me that it is somewhat difficult and it's all on you to figure out how it works (he said there is not really anyone that will tell you how to do it, or give advice, so if you are interested you have to start researching from the beginning). Please please respond if you are out there, I would really appreciate it!

i second your request ...!

Originally Posted by danse4life

I would love to talk to some of you to find out what it was like trying to get residency and clinicals in the US. I have talked to two alumni so far in different specialties who said they didn't have problems. I am dying to talk to someone who went into emergency medicine!!!! I have read the powerpoint on the ASG website about how to get clinical rotations in the US, but I am worried b/c when I was visiting the school a student told me that it is somewhat difficult and it's all on you to figure out how it works (he said there is not really anyone that will tell you how to do it, or give advice, so if you are interested you have to start researching from the beginning). Please please respond if you are out there, I would really appreciate it!

danse,

While there maybe someone who got an EM residency from PUMS, you ought to know that it is a very, very competitive specialty for IMGs. Narcan, who attends PUMS (and if memory serves me right) has extensive EMS experience and might be able to give you more info about possible graduates

Just 5.7% of all EM residents are IMGs, and they are out competed by DOs (see my post on the other thread). This specialty has the potential to become even more competitive by the time you graduate, as it offers shift work along with very good compensation: in other words, a lifestyle specialty.

If you are serious about EM, I think you would be very well served by getting into either a US allopathic or osteopathic school. Failing that, I would recommend that you look at the top Carib schools with the understanding that EM may be a long reach for you. Also, USCE is probably almost obligatory to compete for this specialty.

Originally Posted by danse4life

I would love to talk to some of you to find out what it was like trying to get residency and clinicals in the US. I have talked to two alumni so far in different specialties who said they didn't have problems. I am dying to talk to someone who went into emergency medicine!!!! I have read the powerpoint on the ASG website about how to get clinical rotations in the US, but I am worried b/c when I was visiting the school a student told me that it is somewhat difficult and it's all on you to figure out how it works (he said there is not really anyone that will tell you how to do it, or give advice, so if you are interested you have to start researching from the beginning). Please please respond if you are out there, I would really appreciate it!

yes and no...you are somewhat independent on getting your electives setup, however, its not difficult. you have already read the website so you know what steps you need to do to get a US clinical elective (i didn't have that when i was there). the school will fill out any paper work that you might need, however, the initial contact to the desired program is made by you.

the one challenging part of getting electives in the US is finding hospitals/programs that take FMG's. it is unfortunate, but many programs are closing their doors to FMG's or have have strict requirements that the student has to meet. reason for it, there are many but mostly revolve around the notion of language/knowledge of medicine.

however, even if the door is closed to a particular program there are routes that can be taken to go around the blocks. most commonly is knowing someone from the states that could write a letter of support for you/contact the program (esp if they are affiliated with) or setup a meeting with the department head the a year prior and talk to them...you might get special permission. if you do that route, then i advise that you have your step1 done, have a copy of your transcript, and be able to talk the talk.

good luck to you and everyone else.

How did you get your password for the ASG website? I tried to register for it, but it didn't work. Before anyone asks, yes I have been accepted and paid my deposit back in December.

Originally Posted by danse4life

I would love to talk to some of you to find out what it was like trying to get residency and clinicals in the US. I have talked to two alumni so far in different specialties who said they didn't have problems. I am dying to talk to someone who went into emergency medicine!!!! I have read the powerpoint on the ASG website about how to get clinical rotations in the US, but I am worried b/c when I was visiting the school a student told me that it is somewhat difficult and it's all on you to figure out how it works (he said there is not really anyone that will tell you how to do it, or give advice, so if you are interested you have to start researching from the beginning). Please please respond if you are out there, I would really appreciate it!

Hello,

The most common residencies from PUMS are Family, Internal and Surgery. I don't know of anyone, so far who has obtained an EM spot. But then again it is hard to know if anyone has even tried. Many people in prior classes were taking a year off after 4th year. So they were lost in tracking. Or never offered the information back to the school.

I will apply to EM, but it will be a tough match!!

Following Miklos's lead, my suggestion is try the US MD, then US DO, then a good island school.

Oh I just noticed you have California on your post. PUMS just sent the application to California. Not sure how long the process will take. Consider this also in your plans.

Thanks for the answers! Has anyone from there matched into neuro? I am also really interested in that. I also heard that European schools were considered better than the Island schools... but from what your saying that doesn't sound accurate.

Nic85260: In order to get on that site, I called them and requested my student ID number or whatever it is that it asks you for when you try to sign up. Then they will tell you/mail it to you and you can create a user name and log in!

Originally Posted by danse4life

Thanks for the answers! Has anyone from there matched into neuro? I am also really interested in that. I also heard that European schools were considered better than the Island schools... but from what your saying that doesn't sound accurate.

Nic85260: In order to get on that site, I called them and requested my student ID number or whatever it is that it asks you for when you try to sign up. Then they will tell you/mail it to you and you can create a user name and log in!

the "big 4" carribean schools (SGU,AUC,ROSS,&SABA) are your best options. if you would like to return to the US. WHY? well, they do a better job of preparing their students for the USMLE than any 4-yr program in europe (this is my own opinion), and going through the matching is somewhat of an easier experience. since, these schools will assist you during the match.

in saying that, there are a lot of european grads practicing in the US from PUMS. i know of two (not personally, but googling) that matched into ortho & neurosurg. so, its not impossible coming from europe. it just will be more of a headache compared to the big 4 carribean schools.

ok, hope that helped..good luck!