Degree Programs

Indian Doctors in US – Options

If you are completing MBBS in India and have an idea to practice medicine in USA, you are in for tough journey. Indian Doctors take one of 2 options come to USA.

  1. Complete USMLE 1 and USMLE 2 from India and come to USA to complete USMLE 3, Residency
  2. Apply for Masters programs like Public Health, Biology, get student visa and come to USA.

In order to study and practice medicine in USA, Indian Doctors have to complete Residency in USA and get state license.

Doctor of Medicine

Look at this video to get an understanding of how to become a doctor in USA.  It takes minimum of 11 years to become a doctor in USA.

  • 4 Years or Pre-Med School
  • Take MCAT (like GRE)
  • 4 Years in Medical School
    • Pass USMLE Step 1 after 2 years.
    • Complete 4 years
  • Complete USMLE Step 2 (total of 8 years so far)
  • Complete Residency Program (minimum 3 years, can go to 8 years based on specialization)
  • Take State Board exam to practice.
  • Fellowship for additional specialty (another 2 years or so)

Residency is similar to house surgeon in India. But, house surgeon in India cannot be substituted for Residency.

Indian Doctors in US

Now, lets assume you have competed MBBS in India and you want to complete Residency in USA. You have 2 options as said earlier.

  • Get Visa to come to US to complete USMLE 3, which is offered only in USA. Indian doctors have, they have sufficient money to stay in US to complete the exam.
  • Second option is to apply for Masters degree in USA, get student F1 visa stamping.

I have seen few doctors take the second route. While studying Masters, they prepare for USMLE 3 and once they have completed USMLE Step 3, just like any other professionals, they apply for jobs in the hospitals for Residency.

Doctors are paid during Residency (minimum 3 years). After completing Residency, you have to take state board license to practice medicine in that particular state.

I know couple of doctors who came to USA for doing Masters, but they found full time job for their Masters degree. If you don’t have enough motivation to study USMLE Step3 and happy with the salary from job, you can make living with that.

Hope this blog post gave an overview about options available for Indian Doctors in US. Most of you reading this will be from Engineering background, but this will give an insight into studying medicine in USA.

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157 Comments

  1. can we do the masters in whatsoever field we have to pursue alongwith residency after clearing usmle 3 ?

  2. 5)i want to invest money in usa,in hospital field, can i required doctors degree in usa?

    6)if some one have small hospital in usa, then doctors of this hospital give permission to do post graduation in this hospital. is that valid.

    what is minimum criteria of hospital to follow postgraduation teaching.

    any web site for that thing?

    where is i find all detail?

  3. 3)any latteral entry in usa residency occure?

    any low for that thing?

    4)how to open residency teaching hospital in usa?

    what is criteria for it?
    where can i find?

  4. 2)if some person already gastroenterologist, neurosurgeon, cardiothoracic surgeon outside usa. how they practice usa?

    any pathway for that person?

    any benefit for getting residency there? (here person already 33 years) or they start residency fr begging?

    if person already cardiothoracic surgen then if usmle stap score low but mean while got passing mark he got? and he start residency in internal medicine or branch which already specialist(like gastroenterologist, cardiologist) he start her residency?

    person do start residency (already completed in cardiologist… etc) from beginning or any council in usa participating recommendation of some year of already completed residency? so then few year count as residency?

    1. sorry , ur m.d degree from any part of the world is not applicable in usa , u have to give usmle and do the residency again

  5. 1)is there health care free for people of usa? any insurance required for every citizens of usa? if yes then how much part of insurance pay by people? all thing fully covered in insurance or percentage of part pay bay people.?

    how much person pay for opd, ipd, different processur? make video on it

  6. 1)is there health care free for people of usa? any insurance required for every citizens of usa? if yes then how much part of insurance pay by people? all thing fully covered in insurance or percentage of part pay bay people.?

    how much person pay for opd, ipd, different processur? make video on it

    2)if some person already gastroenterologist, neurosurgeon, cardiothoracic surgeon outside usa. how they practice usa?

    any pathway for that person?

    any benefit for getting residency there? (here person already 33 years) or they start residency fr begging?

    if person already cardiothoracic surgen then if usmle stap score low but mean while got passing mark he got? and he start residency in internal medicine or branch which already specialist(like gastroenterologist, cardiologist) he start her residency?

    person do start residency (already completed in cardiologist… etc) from beginning or any council in usa participating recommendation of some year of already completed residency? so then few year count as residency?

    3)any latteral entry in usa residency occure?

    any low for that thing?

    4)how to open residency teaching hospital in usa?

    what is criteria for it?
    where can i find?

    5)i want to invest money in usa,in hospital field, can i required doctors degree in usa?

    6)if some one have small hospital in usa, then doctors of this hospital give permission to do post graduation in this hospital. is that valid.

    what is minimum criteria of hospital to follow postgraduation teaching.

    any web site for that thing?

    where is i find all detail?

  7. I m dr urvi from india . I am mbbs ms(obs and gyne) fmas ( advanced laparoscopy) . I want to go to usa what are the ways for me . I don’t want to do usmle .

  8. Sir, I am currently doing my bachelor’s degree in Btech Biotechnology (’24 batch), I am hoping to do MD in USA. What are the exams I am supposed to take and when am I supposed to have completed with the whole admission process to get into a medical school in the year 2024, provided i am an US citizen, currently residing in India since 2004?

    1. Mcat score is required for doing ug medical school in USA. Things are same either you do med school in USA India Russia you will appear for USMLE same if you want to practice in India NEXT is required after finishing ug medical degree

    1. Good Morning Dr. Kuber studnet @RMC Hapur
      Pass your med school years , take up research , prepare for usmles clear and whoo you are here.

  9. Am a cardiothoracic surgeon with 3 years experience from india and also passing usmle step 1 and step 2 with high score and also gonna finish step 3 ……..how usa medical approach me if I practise in usa after finishing the all steps

    1. Really dude? Do you think like that after completing “Step 2”? or you think we think you completed your “step2”

  10. Hello Sir,
    I have completed my M.D.Radio-Diagnosis in India.
    Willing to settle in the US and ready to write USMLE and do the residency.
    My question is, Can i write the Step 3 of USMLE directly since i have a MD degree ?
    Kindly respond Sir
    would be Waiting for your reply
    Thanks in advance sir.

  11. Hi Everyone,

    My Sister about to complete her MD in pediatrics by 2020, She like to work in US for sometime after she completes MD.

    Is it possible to get job, when she comes on tourist visa for three months after her MD graduation? Or what kind of examination/preparation have to do after that. Please let me know if anyone knows the right information.

    Thanks,
    Mohan

    1. She’s can’t just come into US on Tourist visa and work. She will have to spend several years to get the license to practice (USMLE and Residency).

    1. No every international graduate, even us citizen have to clear all three steps .. and there is no guarantee that u wil get the same branch.

  12. I have done my M.D. pathology in India. Now I want to want to go to U.S. How can I proceed? Can I apply for masters degree without usmle? Plz tell me in detail . How to settle in U.S.?

  13. Hie
    I completed my mbbs from nepal and done MCI.
    I wanna know about another courses (dont wanna go for USMLE steps)…..Is there any other courses after mbbs???please let me know
    Thankyou.

  14. Can I pursue superspeciality( like cardiology , neurology …) in India after doing internal medicine at USA…?? Can you please reply… 🙂

    1. You have to complete USLE Part 1 and 2, then Residency, before you can get into specialization. It’s a long journey.

  15. Thanks for this information. My son is pursuing MD (equivalent of MBBS) outside India. He intends to do his clinical core rotations in US and apply for residency there after USMLE. He is a good performer and has high academic scores. If he comes on J1 visa, will he get NORI since all his medical education was outside India?

    1. Usa elective should be done in final year of med school (required step 1 score)if he graduates then he becomes ineligible

  16. Hello Sir
    Good Morning ..
    I am Dr Divya Narayana I have done MBBS, DNB (OBG) PGDIP in Family Medicine, I have H4 Visa,
    What I need to do for working in USA and what are the career options are there for me (Without USMLE). Please help me kindly do the needful.

    1. There’s not really many options and options that exist are not easy or straightforward. Schedule a consulting call and we can discuss the possibilities.

  17. I’ve just completed my 12th standard and now I’m going for Spartan health sciences university, St. Lucia and I aspire to work as a doctor in Los Angeles, California. However the Licensing Board of California has disapproved this institution, but still is there any way that I could be able to work as a doctor in Los Angeles with the medical degree from the same institution ? Please reply as soon as possible… I’m at sixes at sevens regarding the selection of medical college in Caribbean within the same budget.

  18. I’ve just completed my 12th standard and now I’m going for Spartan health sciences university, St. Lucia and I aspire to work as a doctor in Los Angeles, California. However the Licensing Board of California has disapproved this institution, but still is there any way that I could be able to work as a doctor in Los Angeles with the medical degree from the same institution ? Please reply as soon as possible… I’m at sixes at sevens regarding this

  19. Thanks for the informative blog!

    How to come to US and establish a career for a person who has done MBBS , DNB residency in India? Any idea on career path here?

    1. Husband is engineer and citizen in us .Wife is MBBS from India.recently married.unfortunately passport changed from maiden to married name.is it better to revert to maiden name as she has to clear all usmle exams and clinical rotations.otherwise change of all documents difficult

  20. for being an orthopedic surgeon in USA what steps should i follow after doing MBBS from nepal? i got to know about USMLE steps 1 2 nd 3 …what are the further steps after this to be an orthopedic?

  21. Im Dr Amrutha. COMPLETD MBBS FROM INDIA. AN INDIAN CITIZEN. I WOULD LIKE TO DO MY RESIDENCY FRM US. CAN U HELP ME WITH THE INFORMATION REGARDING VISA. I HAVE NO RELATIVES THERE.

  22. Hi,
    I have completed MBBS from Nepal, and I want to study master degree in USA than doing USMLE. What degrees could I apply for besides MPH in USA?

  23. Hi…i m doing bsc med…nd now planning of MBBS/MD in USA..how much funds will i require and what about earnings after completion of degree…i m an Indian student

    1. It will be very difficult to get admission and if you get it than about 300,000 you will need .You have to do B.S or M.S and lot of research and other work while you are student in B.S .

    2. Hello lakshi, first of all I want to say that mbbs is same as MD in usa. If you are planning to do MBBS or MD in usa, the fees are too much high,it will cost you $120000- $180000 only the tuition fees.(staying cost and lunch,dinner cost not included here). Thank you

  24. Hi…. I have completed my DNB in OBG in 2014 and in private practice since…… Watch are my options of work outside India and procedure if I have to take up work in US.

    1. Since you have experience you should take USMLE and get residency here but since your M.D is from other country you will have hard time to find it and if you get residency it will be in lousy field .

  25. I’m a doctor in india. But I want to do masters in neuroscience or reproductive sciences in usa instead of MPH. What are the career options available for those courses and is it easy to get jobs with these degrees in US ?

  26. Hi
    I am Dr Vimal B. Vyas (MS FMAS FIAGES) from india. I am doing private practice since more than 10 years in india. If i would plan to practice in us, what is the procedure and options available for me?

  27. Respected sir, I Dr Sagar have done my MBBS from MUMBAI, INDIA. Then subsequently I Completed my diploma in chest Medicine and Indian diploma in critical care medicine from Mumbai. After which I did MD in chest Medicine from the university of Seychelles. I have been honoured with FCCP.
    Respected sir, I want to get a job at USA as either house Physician or a clinical associate in intensive care or pulmonology.. Can I get the job post immediately without any preexams. Kindly guide me.
    Thanking you…..

    1. What it use of that MD? I am at LosAngeles from 30 year ..came here as student and only option you have is pass USMLE and find girl who is citizen ( person who will marry you because she will have very low education )

  28. I have done Diploma in chest Medicine and in Critical care medicine from Mumbai after MBBS, now practising as a critical care and chest Physician in Mumbai,
    Resp sir, I want to get a job at USA as either pulmonologist or Critical care Physician /Intensivist.
    What I am supposed to do, hw and where can I apply. Please guide….. Dr Sagar

  29. Hi.. Thankyou for your brief discription.. I m Dr. Parul.. Just completed my MBBS.. Want to know further scope for a doctor in USA…

  30. My questin is how do i get a full scholarship i mean starting from travell to liing expenses in the us. I am very poor please help

  31. I started my career in US and returned to India . My son in US born and naturalized US citizen and had PIO/OCI too . He did MBBS in India and now is a RMO in a hospital . He has a good GRE score too . if he wants to enter into medicine in US , can he directly go for USMLE3 and after clearing it go into residency ? or , he need to clear USMLE 1 , 2 , and the 3 ? Is US MLE1 & 2 obligatory for one , who is international Medical Graduate (MBBS) ?

    thanking you in advance for your time and efforts

    1. Yes, for any medical graduate, irrespective of citizenship, to enter the usa residency program need to complete USMLE STEP 1 AND STEP 2 CK AND STEP 2 CS. Step 3 is optional for the application, but has to be completed to be fully certified. After taking the necessary USMLE exams, one can apply for the residency Match in September of every year.

  32. Sir..My name is Meljo George since I am doing MBBS in Philippines so actually My family is filed for USA immigration and so within 3 years I will be getting GREEN CARD so I can settle in USA so I want to practice as medical doctor in USA after my studies so will there be any benefit or should I pass USMLE ??

  33. Hello
    I am Dr karthik Kalianasundaram i did my mbbs in india and i want to MMSC – MED. So what should i do for further procedures…. Is TOFEL is recommended must or not. Please guide me
    Thanking you

  34. Raghuram sukumar how difficult is ut for you to answer same things so many times to people and still they ask same question lol ,like this one > is it necessary to do usmle to get in us. ?. Lol i got to know so much from this comment section . People just dont read anything and just ask same question . Sigh.

  35. Hello Raghu,
    I passed mbbs,30 years in medical practice &5years as duty doctor in I.C.U.i just got green card.i want to work possibly as physcian Asst,public Heath.pl advice

  36. Dear Sir,

    Thanks for sharing this article but i still have a doubt… Assuming that i have completed mbbs in India but not given USMLE 1 AND 2… SO WHEN TO GIVE IT AGAIN?? Also, if…. if i have given USMLE 1 AND 2 and gone to us for step 3 and passed it to get residency… So what is the use of post graduation colleges i.e. medical schools after pre med school…
    Thanks for your time for this article… pls reply me as soon as you can..

    Thank you

    1. Jeel,
      MD[MBBS in India] is a secondary degree, just completing MD doesnt mean that you can work in US like in India just after MBBS. PG is referred to the specialisaion that you get matched after considerind your USMLE scores especially step 1.
      Now for your first qn; WHEN TO GIVE IT AGAIN?;; well after your completion of MBBS in India you can apply for USMLE whenever you want, you will be getting a total of 7 years time for completing three steps. Considering all these most Indian grads just choose to stay in India and go for AIPGMEE. Remember if you are going for ths shot always be prepared for step 1 cause the interviewing committe always consider your step 1 score and if you are an US med grad or not. Also our govt is not giving away NORI certificates to Indian med grads going to US for PG, so no way you can stay there and chang your F1 visa due shortage of docs in our country.
      Now secondly;what is the use of post graduation colleges i.e. medical schools after pre med school…;; Medical education in US is entirely different from India your Pre-Med curiculum includes Maths Biochem Molecular chem, Physics, Language…etc. its a preparation course for candidates who are ready to dedicate their life in medical field unlike India where money rules. Completing pre-Med doesnt mean you can be a doc you have to write the nationalised test as like Neet ;MCAT in US and you will get invitation from interviewing committe of respected colleges according to the scores you have made in the test. Then comes two sessions at you MBBS in US, Basic Science and Clinical rotation during these two sessions at US med school you have to pass USMLE step1 and USMLE step2[ containing phase 1 and 2 ] while in your college to get matched in NRMP to get yur residency position and go for UMLE step 3 .
      Hope this helped.

  37. Hi I m dr nitin I did my MBBS 10 year back from India and then Dnb medicine which was not still cleared. Should I have any option to go to us or any other country even after 10 year of MBBS…

  38. i want to be neurosurgeon in usa.i am in my plus 2 class and next year im gonna be doing my mbbs in india and would like to go for residency in us but i searched and found that the chances of getting neurosurgical residency in usa is difficult for indian medical grads .how can i get a neurosurgery residency in usa. plz help

    1. yes , it’s very difficult to get neurosurgeon specialization in United states of America but it’s not impossible
      neurosurgeon specialization lasts for 6 to 7 years in USA , US medicine government will filter the students very strictly , in USA specialization varies as a normal physician requires # years to complete doctor and a neurosurgeon require 7 years to complete doctors
      Still there are chances to get Neurosurgeon post in USA , keep working hard and clear USMLE step 1 & 2 first
      all the best
      thank you

    2. Depending on your USMLE step 1 score and the college in India [preferably AIIMS or any other prestigious inst.] you have taken MBBS there is approximately 5% chance.
      There is also another way around by getting into neurology which is not that hard and then further applying for neurosurgry and getting matched. But most people aiming to go this way gets happy with their work and salary or either lose their interst to study again for 8 years and get settled.
      Best of luck

  39. Sir .. I am a student of first year MBBS .. Please let me know how to prepare for usmle … Please sir … I have many seniors from USA

  40. sir,after passing usmle step1and step2(cs&ck),can we work in USA hospitals?or its compulsory to pass usmle step3,if so then we have stay in US for how much time?

    1. Indian govt is not giving NORI certificates to Indian med grads gong to US for PG so you have to deal with it first.
      Yes inorder to work as a licenced physican you have to pass USMLE 3 and clear state licencing exams to work in respective states

  41. so,basically you are saying that in order to practice in u.s. you have to clear step 3 only and once you clear the step 3 you are eligible to practice even if you have not taken step 1 and 2.
    this is totally different what i have heard so far boss. please make it a little bit more clear.
    according to me you first need to clear step 1 then step 2 ck,cs and also need to take some electives and lors from there.then apply for residency and if you succeed then take step 3 in between the residency years and then you end up with whole process . but you wrote something different .so which path is the right?

  42. Dear sir
    I completed my MBBS n 2 years DCH (Deploma in child health) in India . am I eligible for fellowship or subspecialty programme in US if I clear USMLE .
    PS I don’t wanna settle or practice in US.want to come back to india after fellowship

  43. Dear sir
    I completed my MBBS n 2 years DCH (Deploma in child health) in India . am I eligible for fellowship or subspecialty programme in US if I clear USMLE

  44. Sir, I’m working as a govt doctor in India,how to complete Usmle 1 &2? Please guide.
    Please let me know the cost of studying Usmle3 in U.S.A?
    What is the salary for residency doctors?

    1. Pabitha,
      Well stipend during residency depends on the type of specialisation , hospital in which u got in and so on.
      You can find it on college websites itself , you will be roughly making about $30-$66k per year or more
      Good luck

  45. sir I passed my USMLE step 1 ..I got 204 only sir.
    it’s really very less ..I did 2 elective from Cookcouty university in paediatrics.. sir any chance will I get residency.. some people told me that no future in USA .. u should back INDIA..
    sir plz suggei me .. can I able to do job in USA before residency for staying there .. and my matching chance..????

  46. sir I passed my USMLE step 1 ..I got 204 only sir.
    it’s really very less ..I did 2 elective from Cookcouty university in paediatrics.. sir any chance will I get residency.. some people told me that no future in USA .. u should back INDIA..
    sir plz suggei me .. can I able to do job in USA before residency for staying there .. and my matching chance..?

  47. Hi,

    my wife completed mbbs 6 years back, she worked as DMO for 2 years.
    now she wants to continue her study in USA.
    Since it was 6 years completed, is this too late for her to continue study.
    any help is appreciated.

  48. Hi I am Myesha currently enrolled in the MBBS program in Bangladesh. I want to be a cardiac surgeon and hence would like to know how to do my post grad as well as get permanent residency in US. And is there any other way to go to US after MBBS apart from the USMle process

  49. hi
    im studying in IX standard and i want to be a cardiothoracic surgeon so i decided to do my mbbs here in india and go to USA for residency. How can i get residency in usa?.What are the requirements?.Could i be a citizen of USA after getting residency .plz help

  50. Hi! I had a doubt regarding this can anyone help?
    Actually I wanted to ask what if someone has already done mbbs,MD and a super specialization ie he/she is already a surgeon in India but now wants to go and settle abroad like in usa or Australia how should that person proceed ..
    Thank you please reply

  51. My daughter will complete her Master of Dental Surgery(MDS) from an Indian University by May 2016.

    If she comes to USA can she practice ? If not, to practice, what has she got to do? How long she has to study…Pl clarify

    1. She has to complete USMLE Steps, Complete Residency. Only then she will get the license to pracrice Medicine in USA.

  52. My daughter will complete her Master of Dental Surgery(MDS) from an Indian University in India by May 2016.

    If she comes to USA can she practice ? If not, to practice, what has she got to do? How long she has to study…Pl clarify

  53. hello sir,
    i am getting my MBBS degree in 2017 .
    i wanted to know whether i could apply for a job in the USA just with the MBBS degree?
    i need to give USMLE 1 2 and 3 for a job in USA?
    but the 3rd part USMLE is for residency?
    what if i want to work with the MBBS degree only?
    i want to gain some experience with my bachelor’s degree for a year or two, then move on to do post graduation.
    so is it possible?
    if not possible with USMLE, does it work for PLAB?
    kindly reply soon
    thank you.
    shivani

  54. Hi ,
    My spouse completed her MBBS in INDIA and did house surgeon for a year and right now she is working for Goverment .Her ambition is to do a higher courses.

    If she wants to come by option -2 , then do she need to write USMLE?
    If she come here on H4 visa,then what would be the easiest way?

    What excatly i am looking for is ,is USML complusory or do we have any other options in h4 visa to study medicine.

    Thanks,
    Sandeep

  55. HI..appreciate ur time in writting this.. would like to ask if one was to have a MBBS degree from MALAYSIA, would they be able to directly apply for master’s program?… and then do they have to do usmle or no longer have to do it? also would u advice joining the us master’s program and what are its benefits.. and do u know of the list of programs available for masters..

  56. Ni… I appreciate the time taken off to write on this.. would like to ask if one were to finish their MBBs degree in Malaysia then want to further their studies through a master’s program.. would u advice it over doing residency? and what programs do they offer for masters?.. and are there any requirement before being allowed to go for masters….
    please reply**….
    thank you,

  57. i completed my study in russia and now i am in india.
    can i get admission in usa on my russian degree?
    i have not passed mci exam yet and what if i want to study in usa?
    and if yes what prosedure have to do? or have to pass usmle?

    1. I have to assume that you will go through the same procedure as an Indian Doctor to come to USA and practice medicide.

  58. Dear Sir,

    My Sister will complete MBBS in February, 2016. She has immigration visa (F4- Family based). If she wants to do MD in US, what are the steps? Are there any fees involved other than USMLE? How long does it take to obtain state board license to practice?

    1. It’s really hard and takes long time to get the license to practice medicine here. It’s possible, but takes really long. Clear USMLE exams, then Residency. they maybe specialization.

  59. sir,
    i am in the final year of mbbs (india)
    can i do my internship in the USA?
    if not the internship,
    can i do my post graduation (internal medicine) or a diploma in gynae in the USA without taking the USMLE?
    kindly reply soon.
    thank you
    sincerely
    shivani

  60. Hi guys
    I am dr manali done my dgo md seyshells and fellowship in infertility in india i am moving with my husband to us on H4 visa can u plz guide me what r career options for me in usa .after doing all these

    1. You are pretty much have to stay ideal on H4 or take USMLE route. Or go to school to study non-medical courses.

  61. Hello Sir..
    I’m done with my MBBS from India and I’m willing to study further in US but I don’t want to take USMLE. Could you please suggest some masters courses that’ll give me good job opportunities both in US as well as India? I’m particularly interested in Dermatology. Thanks.

  62. Praveena

    hello fnds, I completed my mbbs in india inmarch 2014… nw im preparing for all india exam.. I wud like to knw… which masters vl b best in us… and wat are al the good schools nd wat exams I hav to write for dat… details regarding wen to apply..

  63. Hi,

    My wife has done M.D pathology from india, and here in U.S on H4 visa.
    What are the options for her in USA to work/study( non-USMLE programme ). we are in San-francisco bay-area.

  64. Hi
    My sister in law has green and going to be citizen of us . She ask me to come and do job in USA .I am 33 yrs old and finished ms general surgery . is it advicible to come there after clearing these exams?

  65. Hi my name is manohar, my wife is an MD paediatrics in india and she came here with me on H4 visa. We dont want to settle here may be we will stay here for another year, want to know whether she can do any fellowships or diploma programs here in USA.

  66. Can you specifically tell the amount of money needed for this procedure and also the better option?

  67. Hi,

    I did my MD in Pharmacology in India and i am working as a Clinical research in India company, My Husband got H1 for US and i will get dependent visa that is H4,
    I need to know can i work in US as a Clinical research in US company? please let me know.

      1. Many thanks for your reply. can i know whether i can work after a year or so, on the basis of my MD pharmacology in CROs, if i get H1 VISA. Or should i compulsarily complete USMLE to work even in pharma companies??

        Thanks in advance

      2. Hi Mr.Raghu … I have a query … I have completed my MBBS, MD in General Medicine and DM in Gastroenterology , can u please suggest me an easier way to get into US and work , as per what u have said , Do I need to clear MLE 3 (not 1or 2 ) and then ? Or is there any thing better n easier ?
        Many thanks in advance. Cheers.

        1. Anything that’s worth having doesn’t come that easy 🙂 USMLE, Residency and then comes the license to practice medicine.

  68. I have completed my MBBS in India and trying for pg entrance here..I may be getting into pg (3 yrs) program in 2016 hopefully…can I write usmle steps while doing pg in India?? And is it be a option as I am a greencard holder and my parents are citizens in usa

  69. Hi I m graduated from Bangladesh. I want to know that if someone hv completed up to Usmle step 2 & after that if he/she want to apply for ms/PhD then what’s requisitions r required? In there case GRE & TOEFL is must?? Pls provide me that info, I will b thankful to u!! Thanks 🙂

  70. Hello, i want to study medicine in USA. My parents are saying that it is a long time taking course. Sir will it take 18 years or 10 years to complete will they pay salary for the doctor during residency after pre med and medical school graduation. How much salary can a doctor expect.Is there any safe secure mode of life for doctor.Please give me the following details. Its my humble request.

  71. Thank you Mr. Sukumar !! 😀 made things clear for me 😀
    I have a query though , could you give me a rough estimate of the entire expenditure for the exams ,and possible college fees?

  72. It is a very nice information to how to become a doctor in USA. It has released my tension thank you

  73. I have a question regarding my brother.
    My brother is currently practicing as a Neurosurgeon in India, he completed MBBS, MS-General Surgery and MCH – Neurosurgery in India.
    What are the options / process he needs to follow to work in USA as a Neurosurgeon.
    Thanks in advance – Srini

  74. hello everyone!!!! need ur advice regarding usmle!! i want to do specialisation in cardiothoracic surgery from U.S. so, should i go for residency and then the specialisation immediately after mbbs or i can go for it after completing my post graduation in general surgery from India itself???? will going for the 2nd choice waste my time for i will have to do residency before going for fellowship???? can i go directly for fellowship after passing usmle if i have already done my post gradualtion???? kindly share ur knowlege regarding this!!!!
    thank u!

  75. Hi.
    I am an engineer in USA will be working on F1 student visa through OPT. My wife has completed MBBS in india and planning to come to USA to pursue her career further here.
    As i am an engineer, do not have an idea about medical education/ career in USA . Please guide me.
    What are the best options and how should she start the process?

    1. Hey Shailesh! Hope all is well! I am in the same situation. Were you able to figure out the process? If so can you help with some information regarding the whole process?

  76. hi
    Im Postgraduate in OBGYN from medical college in india.I wish to go for fellowship programs in USA.What is the procedure & pre-requisites for that?

    1. Fellowship programs are very specific. You need to check the website of Medical Colleges you are interested in. This will require a good research work as you would prefer programs specific to your field of study i.e. OBGYN.
      Good Luck!

  77. i am a graduate from a top medical college in india and also a green card holder acan i give usmle step 1 in usa , does it hve any differences interm of difficulty !!!

    1. USMLE 1 is for students who are pursuing undergraduate program in medicine. As you have already completed your MBBS in India, as suggested in the write up above, go for USMLE 3 and Residency in US. This would save some cost to you.

  78. can i do Mphil after MBBS in USA?
    IF YES which university you prefer?
    IF NO what are rest of the options beside doing USMLE
    i did my MBBS in 2007 n after marriage came to USA i now have my green card

  79. Most of you reading this will be engineers. Bang on! I am a engineer, mostly fewer med school grads go to us, only the filthy rich can afford an md from us i guess. its not the same with engineers, they are jokers in a a deck of cards. They fit with any setting. I think thats why they are called smart ?:0 Kidding anyway!

    1. i think brother u dnt kno mch about india’s current situation n crisis dat almost 80-90% of Indian engineering students are facing..due to mushrooming of thousands of engineering colleges in cheap setups of indian streets..u may be right also..but for medical students the conditions are much much better..atleast dey dont ve to think about placements..n lemme tel u onething..indian doctors are doing much better in foreign setups..n appointed at posts of directors n Head of departments in various Foreign medical universities and hospitals..so pls kindly brush up ur knowledge..a li’l bit..

  80. From experience: the reality watching so many foreign doctors go through this –

    There is no gaurantee for IMGs even by taking the ECFMG exams – Understand that the USMLE exams are just exams-like GRE. Know that ECFMG is just a testing committee. They make no promises to make you a doctor in the USA. You will pay a lot, sacrifice a lot, and can pass their exams. But it stops there. You ‘may not’ get into residency. Happens to almost 55% of the foreign doctors who pass these exams. Check the statistics they publish.

    Nobody in the USA cares about ECFMG certification -except to apply and get into residency. If you pass but did not get into residency- then that certificate is of no use. Every job or education program will want other licenses.

    Many foreign doctors not selected for residency try to re-apply for residency year after year- but after spending time, effort and money- the reality is that there are fresh applicants and so chances become smaller if an older graduate. Better is to study for other degrees then.

    So best options: if brilliant and lucky- good chance in becoming an US MD. Otherwise: If you want to be a doctor – then work in your country. If you want to live in USA- then study and get any other degree and find a job.

    Good luck and understand that you do not need to be a student forever-start earning and become part of mainstream life with a job (hopefully as a doctor), family and savings. Wherever you decide to settle 🙂

    1. this was really helpful. thank u so much. I m a 2nd year mbbs student and m looking forward to give the step 1 next year. Since the time i have decided for it, dilemmas and confusions engage my mind regarding my success and result of this exam. I want to go for surgery but have heard that its not good to go for it in U.S. is is true??? are indian docs not allowed to do surgery there or it is impossible to get surgery in residency???? I just want to study there, for i feel, it must be very advanced there, would help me in making my career bright. but what are the actual pros and cons of this exam??? should i proceed ?????? Thank u so much.

    2. @Manu – This is a very sound advice.
      I am reminded of the saying “Grass looks greener on the other side. ” I personally know 3 women that were doctors in India, followed their husbands to US. 2 of them completed USMLE exams, 1 got into Residency, the other left US with family after several years of waiting in frustration to get into Residency. The third one, did a Master and now working in a non-medical field.

      All three were determined, talented, young women and wanted to practice Medicine in US, but ended up taking different choices. To put it simply, for every “Indian Doctor” that successfully transitions to being a “US Doctor” as some of you are aspiring to become, there are many others that either return back home disillusioned or stays in US making compromises by doing something else. Keep that in perspective before you make a decision to come to US. **My two cents**.

      1. Chandru – Well Said. I have witnessed the same. It’s really challenging to come to US on H4 with MBBS degree and practice medicine by going through USMLE, Residency and MD.

  81. Indian Doctors study get degree after 8 years in India, Come to USA. They again study for ECFMG for the next 2-3 yrs. After that 1-3 years wait for residency- they may do research in hospitals for free. At last they get residency and finish that working 48-72 hrs a stretch, keeping mouth shut and taking – overload burden and work load being a foreigner, and sublime discrimination/politics.
    After 3 -4 yrs get a job in a hospital or a clinic make may be 90-130,000/yr. If this is a woman she struggles more as she has to take care of home as well. If they
    (almost every Indian Doctor wants to) do Fellowship. It Takes another 1-2 yrs wait + 3-5 yrs studies.
    Thus Indian Doctors study and struggle almost 18 yrs to 25 years in USA before they start practicing and making money.
    So, now US Government is rampantly arresting Indian Doctors and publicizing all over the world. Can we believe that a doctor struggling almost 25 yrs of their life for a simple reason – LOVE or Passion for their Medical profession would go and cheat US Government by selling Tylonol and VICODIN for $50.00 to drug addicts like a junky.????? This is a shame to our country. USA trying to destroy Indian culture, reputation, destroy the respect in the whole world.
    FBI agents 100 of them come with guns and bring half naked children from bathrooms, arrest them by chaining legs and hands to innocent Indian Doctors, take them to Federal Criminal Jail, publicize all over the world in TVs, News papers everywhere. In reality, doctors don’t even know what the FBI is talking about. FBI takes away cars, computers, all the money from banks. Doctors, half dead come out of jail with a horrible, humiliation, insult and shock. Kids totally get banned from all their friends. parents don’t know how to handle finances, kids education, insurances….etc. Whole world will be talking about this stupid, hard working, Indian doctor. He/She would not get a job as there is a Pending Indictment. Now FBI somehow target spouse also, create a story and indict him/her. Again publicize all over the news papers.
    Many Parents, get shock and humiliated in the society, many parents died with heart attacks and some survived. The allegations FBI makes are all LIES, MADE UP STORIES. THEY DON’T even know the Medicare Law.
    The lawyers start with 25,000 dollars and they drag it for few years and squeeze every penny close to 1 million, from these desperate doctors.
    Many doctors and spouse try and fail to get jobs for few years survive like starving road side beggars.
    Once the lawyer realize there is no money, they force the Indian doctor to Plea Guilty. Lawyers have no clue about Medicare laws. They basically work with FBI and US Govt Attorneys. Doctors already bankrupt lost all their money, ego and feel totally DEAD accept the plea with the HOPE that they can at least have the license intact.
    It is the time Indian Doctors from all over the world should come together to save innocent families and lives of Innocent Desi Doctors from these atrocities in USA..

  82. Hi Everyone,

    I’m an Indian doc. I want to know if I can apply for a bachelors program rather than a masters. Is it ok to do so?

  83. Are you or do you know a US board certified critical care physician who is interested in working in India for a high US salary?

  84. hello colleagues, i wanted to understand concept about 3 years residency programme , which is above mentioned.
    i wanted to know , that post clearing step 3 , we apply for residency ,in hospitals. so is that masters for 3 years , in various specialities ? or just to obtain state license for practising physician ? and if so. how to go about for masters after step3 , please guide

  85. Thank you for the post Sir

    I need to know about the carribean route. They say they prepare you for usmle in addition to doing your M.D. (=M.B.B.S. in India) and you save a year or so. Should i prefer this after high school ?? Moreover how many years does it take to complete specialisation (as a surgeon) after becoming a general physician (including residency). Do i get to practice in good hospitals(in USA) and get paid for it after completing.my residency. ,or should i be focussing on.doing M.B.B.S in India and then.coming to US.

    Thank you for your precious time.

  86. thank you for suggestion about options for doctor

    I need to know when doctors apply for master in US

    need to take GRE & Toffel ?

    thank you

    1. hey roaa——there are two ways . first one is u can go on visitors visa and give ur exams of usmle and cm bak .

      sacond option is u can go by getting admitted in sm masters program like health care or public health in such case u need to take up gre and toefl…….hope it helps

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