Aero_stud24
Forum Newbie
Topics: 8
Posts: 11
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Hi everyone!
I am a med student, in my final year, from Sweden. I have just been offered a PhD position in clinical research in orthopedics. I have always wanted to become an orthopedic surgeon so this is a huge oppertunity for me. The team that I m going to work with is internationally reknown. But I have always wanted to do the usmle exams after obtaining my MD and move to USA and work there and later on get a PhD, in USA ofcourse. Now my dilema is:
1. Would a PhD enhance my chances to get a general surgery residency in USA, assuming that I would have scored in higher 90s in usmle? Or would I be considered an old IMG since I would not be fresh out from med school?
2. How hard is it to get a PhD position in USA, if you are doing your residency in a university hospital and u show interest for research?
3. the final Question. Which one is better? a: an IMG with a PhD and graduated 4 years ago? b: an IMG fresh out fr med school? Presuppose that they have scored the same on their first attempts.
I do really need ur help to make this choice in my life. Feel free to answer.....
Best regards
Sam
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| Natasa
Forum Elite
Topics: 9
Posts: 291
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If I was you and in my last year of medical school,I would have been smarter-Like I havent been for myself,unfortunately...Forget about a phD,it is a waste of time and energy(more importantly;YEARS and precious TIME,loosing connection with real clinical work).As far as I know,it will not help you all that much in your pursue of surgery,maybe a bit more that it helps me,considering you would be doing a clinical research and my PhD is in mare basic science.But then again,if you have means of support while preping for USMLE and you dont need to work(unlike the rest of us),focus on USMLE and try getting the best score possible.do not spread your attention on various other things and hurry up-They like fresh graduates and you have a very good shot at surgery,being so young and all...
This is just my opinion,things that I wish I had done instead of some others...But then it wouldnt be my life,and I guess we all have to live with our decisions.
Hope you make the best one for yourself.
GL!
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| yelenatx
Forum Senior
Topics: 0
Posts: 148
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Can't you go for PhD and prepare for USMLE at the same time?
You won't have time to do PhD and residency at the time because you will work long hours as a resident. Having PhD in addition to MD is not popular in this country because it won't give you more money. You would need PhD if you want to work in academic settings, i.e. teaching at school or doing research. Both are much less paid compared to private practice. Everything depends on what you want. If doing research is really important for you, go for PhD (try to select research project which would be of interest to the residency program you wish to apply), and prepare for USMLE at the same time. If academics is not so important for you, don't waste your time and study for USMLE instead.
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