Thank you so much for your answer. I guess you have mentioned all points I was wondering about .
I passed USMLEs with good scores ( step1 255 , step 2 269 , CS pass from first attempt ) . I have B1/B2 visa but I can come if the programs sponsor J1 or H1 visa as well . Regarding if I am willing to work 7 more years to get something that is not guaranteed , I am thinking of this as a way to practice what I love in the long term in a place where they respect hard work and dedication . Being able to reach this will make it worthy .I think at this point I will apply for fellowship so that I will be more familiar with system and at the same time trying to do some research . The following step after that will be applying for residency if circumstances allow .
Again , I appreciate your comment and reply . Wishing you all the best
Regards ,
QUOTE="foureyes, post: 19033210, member: 94461"]Angel,
Most FMGs will need to have an incredible CV and USMLE scores. If you haven't taken those exams, that would be your first goal- crushing the Steps.
Can you legally come to the US? VISA issues are very real- especially with this administration.
Since ophthalmology is a very competitive specialty, you will probably need at least 2+ years of productive research (writing manuscripts as first author publications in high impact factor journals) with well-known ophthalmology faculty- top tier institutions. These positions are typically UNPAID. You need to being able to network, work hard, and be well-liked. Your PI/mentors will need to be able to write an incredibly strong letters of recommendation and be willing to advocate on your behalf (make phone calls, etc).
If English is not your first language, you will have an additional barrier to overcome.
If you really have the drive, it can be done, but it's going to take several years of very hard work- and in the end, there is still no guarantee.
If you have a solid job in your home country, do you really want to spend the next 5-8 years doing this with the high potential not to work out? Only you can answer that question. You won't be operating on patients for a very long time and will have revisit the dreaded PGY 1 internship.
I love ophthalmology, but would I be willing to go thru the arduous process of residency again- no less in a different country? I don't know.
There are few rare stories where an FMG ophthalmologist completed a clinical fellowship and during that year applied to ophthalmology residencies- and ended up getting a position. Others, applied- did not get in. Went on to do residency in Internal Medicine. Midway thru, found and was offered a position off-cycle.
So there are many permutations, but each takes time and is a roll of the dice.
Good luck with whatever decision you make.[/QUOTE]
