Foreign Medical Graduates

Foreign medical graduates who have an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) or an equivalent degree, have several career opportunities in the United States. Working as a physician in the United States is a dream come true for any foreign medical graduate. However, match rate for residency programs for foreign medical graduates is only 50%. Even after taking several grueling USMLE exams and attending multiple residency interviews, only half of the foreign doctors can get into residency. The rest of the doctors are in a discombobulated state without a clear path for their future.

There are several other clinical opportunities for foreign medical graduates that they can choose as their career. These opportunities may not be as lucrative as a medical doctor, nonetheless, they provide a great work-life balance and a secure lifestyle.

Arka Healthcare will assist with finding an appropriate job for you and provide complete support with green card processing and immigration support.

Assistant Physician: This is different from Physician Assistant. To work as a Physician Assistant, even a foreign medical graduate has to complete 2.5-year Physician Assistant program in the United States. A PA license is required before practicing as a Physician Assistant. USMLE exams are not required to work as a PA. Assistant Physician is a licensure program introduced by the state of Missouri to tackle physician shortage in the United States. Few other states that also offer Assistant Physician jobs include Arkansas, Kansas and Utah. Similar legislation is also being executed in Georgia, Virginia, Oklahoma, Washington State and New Hampshire as well. Eligibility is for medical school graduates who completed USMLE step 1 and step 2 exams and obtained Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification. You must be a US citizen or a legal resident alien. Few medical school graduates who don’t match for a residency program prefer to work as an assistant physician. Your clinical practice as an assistant physician is considered valuable when you apply for residency programs in the future.

If you are a foreign medical graduate who could not get into residency and if you are a legal resident alien, this is probably the best career path in the United States. Average salary is around $60,000 per year.

Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) specialist: These jobs came into the picture over the recent years. A CDI specialist helps the hospital to get a better reimbursement from the insurance payors. CDI specialist job is to review patient charts, figure out documentation lapses and help physicians to improve their documentation practices. Most of these jobs are accomplished by individuals who have nursing or a case management background. There has been a recent trend where foreign medical graduates are also offered these job opportunities. Average salary is around $60,000 per year. Arka Healthcare will assist with the employment and green card processing for any foreign medical graduate.

Medical Science Liaison (MSL): MSL is a unique role within biotechnology, pharmaceutical, bioengineering and similar healthcare related industries. MSL role can be highly variable from company to company. In general, MSLs are involved throughout the lifecycle of a product, research or a service. They act coordinate several different activities for a successful implementation of a product or service. They play a key role establishing relationships within the company and between the company and the community. MSLs are scientifically trained field staff who can educate common man, physicians or any other end consumer of their service. Excellent communication skills with a strong scientific knowledge is the key for the success of a MSL. MBBS, MD, Pharm D or Masters education is usually required to be considered for an MSL position. Salaries are highly variable depending on your role and experience. On an average, MSLs earn $60,000-$80,000. For more information regarding MSL, please visit https://www.themsls.org/

Medical Informatics: Health or Medical informatics is growing exponentially with more technological advancements in healthcare industry. Electronic Health Records (EHR) revolutionized medical informatics field. Knowledge about healthcare and informatics is the key for these positions. Masters in medical informatics is usually required for any of these job roles. Anyone in healthcare industry can complete their Master’s degree and pursue career in medical informatics. This is one of the growing and lucrative careers in the recent times. Average salaries are around $80,000 and even higher if you are at an executive level in a healthcare organization.

Medical monitor jobs with pharma companies: Pharmaceutical companies require medical personnel to conduct their research studies. Individuals with medical and research knowledge will be a great fit for these jobs. Primary job responsibilities include data collection, patient education, patient recruitment, research analysis and coordinating research activities. You will be required to monitor and coordinate with patients throughout the lifecycle of the research project. Average salary is around $60,000.

Public health worker: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) is usually required for these jobs. You are expected to provide support in the management of public health issues. You may have job opportunities in the department of health, universities or epidemiology departments.

Few other job opportunities for foreign medical graduates include:
Teaching for physician assistants and medical students tutor jobs
Medical epidemiologist
Crowd doctor
Sports and exercise medicine
Specialist in poison information
Genetic counselor jobs
Medical writer jobs
Clinical research associate
Naturopathic medicine
Lifestyle medicine
Acupuncture
Aesthetic medicine