PLAB vs. USMLE: What You Need To Know
Medical students around the world gauge opportunities that can help them achieve cutting-edge training where they can use the latest research-oriented treatments that aid in better patient outcomes. Students globally aspire to enhance their skills and prospects in the future in countries like the UK and USA, where they can write qualifying exams like PLAB or USMLE respectively.
Medical students who have completed a valid and recognized course in their home country, aspire to move either to the British or American hospitals, depending on varying factors. The healthcare sector has scope for well-trained doctors and foreign students who can clear their basic eligibility requirements where their language, clinical knowledge proficiency, and understanding of core accreditation requirements set by universities are tested.
Many third-world countries are still facing challenges in delivering a good public healthcare system. A big gap exists because of the dearth of qualified healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, and paramedics in such nations. Aspiring and determined students from countries where such facilities are lacking have been applying to UK and US universities for quite some time. Although they are hardworking, the lack of proper information creates panic among them. International medical graduates attending American Universities must contact their counselor to seek guidance concerning any information they need. These offices are approachable and help the students with complete details and the list of do’s and don’ts is proactively issued by them. Foreign students can check for USMLE Step 1 preparation tips here:
- ECFMG
The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates determines the preparation and readiness of the medical aspirant who seeks to complete a three-year residency program in the US healthcare sector. An aspirant needs to apply to a college or University that is recognized by ECFMG. They should have cleared Step 1 and 2 of USMLE at the stage of applying for residency programs for IMGs. With respect to preparation for USMLE exams, one can follow these points to get good results:
- Online & Offline Study Tools
With the increase in free resources like YouTube channels, medtech platforms, and apps that offer immersive videos with simulation for a better grasp of content concepts, students can use online study material that can be opened anywhere. A student riding back to their accommodation can use the time to complete a quiz on the fly. Question banks like UWorld are amongst the most popular offline study materials preferred by students
- Understand Exam Structure
USMLE exams are hard, with each Step proving to be more time-consuming and difficult than the previous. However, if one understands the exam structure, and prepares a timetable, where more reliance is given to topics that yield more marks, then consistently the entire content can be revised
- Practice Exam
We are not aware of where we stand in terms of our preparation unless there is a self-assessment tool that guides us through a pre-emptive practice exam. The NBME practice exams help students gauge their preparedness for the main exam. These exams are the closest one can get to the real exam without experiencing attempting one.
- Identify The Right Fit
Selecting a University that checks the maximum boxes in your requirement list is the first step once you have cleared the necessary exams. Remember that most countries have their medical program soon after their senior year. However, in the USA, students who have opted for science in their bachelor program clear a qualifying MCAT exam before being accepted into a four-year medical program. So the difference in the format of education will clear a disparity in understanding and comprehension. This is the reason one has to choose a program that is recognized by the ECFMG body before applying for the program and visa thereon.
- Immigration Requirements
The visa eligibility for each category is different. An aspiring student can contact the foreign medical graduate’s counselor’s desk to seek the information before applying for the right permits and visas, which will help them stay on American soil and complete their residency program. IMGs typically apply for a J-1 visa in their home country. Applying in the wrong category can lead to visa denials that can hamper your chances to pursue your dream education. It also leads to unnecessary delays in time and visa fees are non-refundable even in case of denials.
- English Language
If the aspirant does not hail from a country where their native language is English, they need to clear an eligibility test that demonstrates their proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the language. A good score will help in getting one through other barriers to entry like interviews for the residency program and the visa office. They need to demonstrate their English proficiency as their coursework will be in the said language in addition to clearing the ECFMG pathways. Most IMGs take the IELTS exam that scores their English language proficiency.
- Acclimatization
International medical students are often overwhelmed because of cultural, and climatic reasons. Most common cultural differences revolve around food and eating habits. Though the downtown experience of most cities in the US is pretty cosmopolitan and global cuisine from most countries is available, it is recommended to develop a taste for the widely popular food that is available regularly. This practice will help in adjusting to the new surroundings and reduce your dependence on the comfort food you have grown with. However, it is also advisable to eat nutrient-dense food that is local, fresh, and not heavily processed.
Conclusion:
Initial confusion can overwhelm the best out of their wits. If you find yourself in such a situation, re-energize your thoughts positively and determine to achieve the goal that you have worked hard till now, before becoming an IMG in an American hospital. In your home country, the US Consulate will have an enquiries desk, where you can gain all the insights that are necessary for your journey and stay abroad as a foreign medical graduate in an American University. At every stage, whenever you feel stuck, shout out. You will get enough support and guidance in your journey.
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