International medical graduates who have completed rotations in the U.S. are viewed more favorably than those lacking such experience. Residency programs seek applicants who have a strong understanding of how medicine is practiced in the U.S. as well as the roles and responsibilities of various healthcare professionals. Programs also look for evidence that an applicant has been involved in direct patient care. Therefore, while observerships are important experiences, externships are even more highly valued. 

 

Securing rotation experiences in the U.S. can be very challenging. To help you in this process, we have created a list of available internal medicine observerships and externships. This is not an exhaustive list as many opportunities are not publicized. 

 

Note: Although we have created this list, we are not endorsing any of these programs. It is the applicant's responsibility to research each program thoroughly and make an informed decision as to the suitability of the experience.