Hello. This is from a naija doc to colleagues who are currently practicing medicine in the US or about to.

I've never really been crazy about plying my trade abroad but with recent happenings I have decided to give it a try.

I'm 3 yrs post MBBS and I've had my primaries for about a year now but securing a residency spot has become a herculian task. One of my consultants in med school said the best time for a doctor to try his luck abroad is either immediately after NYSC or after Part 1 fellowship exams. That way he won't lose much should things not work out and he decides to come back to the country.


I'm not among those who believe that one must travel out of the country to become accomplished in one's profession, but the truth is destinies differ for different people . Some doctors will be better of leaving this country while others wil be making a big mistake in doing so.

For me the only countries I'd consider working as a doctor in are Canada & the US. It is for this reason that I ask my esteemed colleagues for their opinion as I attempt the USMLE. My friends, some of whom are in the US, have been telling me to give it a shot & I know a couple of folks who have gone that route and are very happy with it.

Any doctor familiar with the Nigerian situation will understand how things are so there's no need to go into all that. This step for me,far from being borne out of frustration,is about exploring other options.

Please, tell me what you think about the whole thing. viz; the exam, the opportunities. what are those issues that nobody ever tells you about only for you to find out for yourself with a rude shock?

The comments of informed people esp medics are highly welcomed. Please derailers back of.

PS: This tread was previously in the travel section but I wasn't getting the appropriate response.

Lets keep it simple.
1. It's a good plan, go ahead but,
2. Have a back up plan bc this route is not guaranteed. Many Nigerian doctors in America are frustrated after passing all their exams they are not accepted into residency positions. Many cant go back home and have become a wreck. But some have succeeded.

3. It's getting harder and harder for foriegn medical graduates. As each yr passes by.
4. You may have less than 50% chance of getting into a residency, but here's the bad news, for any yr you miss getting in, your chances become less and less.

So give it a good thought. My advice, go ahead but have a plan B

pres-elect:
Lets keep it simple.
1. It's a good plan, go ahead but,
2. Have a back up plan bc this route is not guaranteed. Many Nigerian doctors in America are frustrated after passing all their exams they are not accepted into residency positions. Many cant go back home and have become a wreck. But some have succeeded.

3. It's getting harder and harder for foriegn medical graduates. As each yr passes by.
4. You may have less than 50% chance of getting into a residency, but here's the bad news, for any yr you miss getting in, your chances become less and less.

So give it a good thought. My advice, go ahead but have a plan B

which area do you have your primary? if it is pathology i may help.before leaving country think twice.it is global unemployment trend. please exhaust all options before leaving the country. try ministries and parastatats of fg,i know after 5years u can go for residency training.u can start msc in one of basic sciences .this gives edge over other applicants. best wishes.

Thank you very much for your advice.
@pres-elect, I've always known that getting into a program is difficult, but that with each successive year one's chances become even less and less ? That's scary.
Thanks I'll have a back up plan.

@Laalamed. Yes. Interestingly my primary happens to be in Pathology. I would be much obliged for your help. Could you please send me your email ? Mine is augustinohen@gmail.com.

@mod. Sorry for duplicating the thread.Could you please help make it more compact? Thanks

Yes anaphylaxis, with each year your chances keep getting smaller and smaller. Last time I went to New York I saw a lot of frustrated foreign doctors. Some have passed their USMLE 5-10yrs ago, just wasted. Some succeeded though others went to do masters degree and even after that they have no jobs and they start looking for PhD but its tough and rough. Just have a plan B. some doctors have become nurses, physician assistants etc. mostly frustrated.

So just have a plan B.

USMLE is very do-able, as long as you practise with the right materials.

You Cain join the community & get materials at [url]usmle.com.ng[/url]
You can register at [url]ecfmg.org[/url]

Its very possible

However, things that are important to note are:
- the longer you stay after graduation from med school the harder it is to get in... greater than 5years, they in fact refer to them as old graduates
- an under emphasized point is; letters of recommendation! (LOR) Many doctors are frustrated with getting placement because they lack backing from recommendation letters. Getting an LOR is expensive because you have to register for hand-ons internship in a teaching hospital which may cost up to $3000 without housing expenses. Not to mention, you may need up to 3 for better chances
- lastly, because you’re an international graduate, to be considered, you have to stand out! If the required for the specialty you desire is 220, aim for 250, that way you can not be neglected.

You can get your USMLE Step 1 materials on

https://matdanstores.com.ng/product-category/medical/usmlestep1/

https://matdanstores.com.ng/

Regards