How to become a doctor in US after MBBS from India – Step by Step Guide
America is the country in the world where the medical profession gets the most respect and the highest salary. It is a big dream for Indian medical students to practice in America. But to fulfill this dream, just getting an MBBS degree from India is not enough, but it is also necessary to fulfill the rules set by the medical authorities there.
want to go to America and become a doctor after doing MBBS from India, then for this you will have to go through five important steps. Let’s understand in detail.
Earn ECFMG Certification
Medical practice in America begins with ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates). Students pursuing MBBS from India have to first get their degree verified by ECFMG.
This certification proves that your degree is in line with US standards.
Without this you cannot get admission into any residency program in America.
So the first step is to get ECFMG certification.
Passing the USMLE Exam
The next step after ECFMG certification is to pass the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination). This is the US medical licensing exam and is conducted in three steps.
Step 1: Knowledge of basic medical science is tested.
Step 2: Clinical knowledge and practical skills are tested.
Step 3: Patient care, clinical science and biomedical knowledge are tested.
It is mandatory to pass all three steps.
Enrollment in a Residency Program
The next step after passing the USMLE is to get admission into a residency program.
This is a postgraduate training, where you get practical training in American hospitals.
can also choose specialization in a particular field (like Cardiology, Neurology, Surgery etc.).
There are many residency programs available for foreign medical students, and you have to work hard to get selected in them.
Getting Visa Sponsorship
After being selected for the residency program, you need a visa to work in the US.
The most popular visa for most Indian MBBS graduates is the J-1 visa, which is sponsored by ECFMG.
Apart from this, some residency programs also offer H-1B visa sponsorship.
Which visa will be right for you depends on your program and career plan.
Obtaining a State Medical License
It takes 3 to 7 years to complete a residency program. After this, you have to obtain a state medical license to practice in the US.
Each state has its own licensing policy.
Usually, USMLE results, proof of residency program, and medical education details are required to be submitted to obtain a license.
After this you can officially start practicing as a doctor in America.
Conclusion
It is absolutely possible to become a doctor in America after completing MBBS from India, but it is a long and laborious process. From ECFMG certification to USMLE exam, residency training and state medical license, every step has to be completed carefully.
If you prepare in the right direction from the beginning, then the dream of becoming a doctor in America can definitely be fulfilled.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. Can one become a doctor in America directly after completing MBBS from India?
No, for this you have to complete the process of ECFMG certification, USMLE exam, residency program and state medical license.
Q2. Why is ECFMG certification necessary?
This certification proves that your medical degree is in accordance with American standards. Without this, admission to the residency program is not available.
Q3. How many steps does the USMLE exam take place in?
USMLE is conducted in three stages – exams related to basic science, clinical knowledge and clinical practice.
Q4. What is the duration of the residency program?
Residency programs range from 3 to 7 years, depending on the specialization chosen.
Q5. Which visa do Indian MBBS graduates get in the US?
Most often J-1 visas are awarded, while some programs also offer H-1B visa sponsorship.
Q6. Is there salary during the residency program?
Yes, students are paid a stipend/salary during the residency program.
Q7. How much time does the entire process of becoming a doctor in America take?
After MBBS, it can take about 7 to 10 years, which also includes residency training.
Q8. Can USMLE exam be taken from India?
Yes, USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 exams can be taken at designated centres in India too, but Step 3 has to be taken only in the US.
Q9. What is the average salary of a doctor in America?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of a doctor in America is around Rs 2.09 crore.
Q10. Are the medical license rules the same for all states?
No, every state has its own licensing policy. Therefore, it is important to know the rules of the state in which you want to practice.
Thanks for visiting Physics wala
Author
