Contacts, contacts, contacts! You must have heard a lot of people tell you the importance of contacts in your USMLE journey. And, they are not wrong.
Contacts do play an important role in influencing your position in the eyes of the program director to get you an interview or ultimately to match in a residency program.
But, I don’t know any doctors in the US? A lot of IMGs have this fear. But, that does not mean you can’t develop contacts. Here’s how you can go about networking your way to a successful match.
Where can I find people to network with?
United States Clinical Experience
There are a number of clerkship opportunities out there. Depending on whether you have graduated or not, you may be eligible for electives or observerships.
Although electives are hands on and are considered more valuable than observerships, both provide an excellent opportunity to experience the US Healthcare system as well as network.
During these rotations, you get a chance to interact with faculty members, residents, interns, medical students, program coordinators…. over a long period (generally one month).
The list can go on and on. Each person you meet during these rotations is a potential contact. It all depends on you how you interact with these people and whether you can form a lasting impression.
Not to forget your fellow students who may also be on the same rotation. These people may be your co residents in the future and may be some of your best friends for life.
Any of these rotations whether clinical or research based are probably your best bet to make contacts and network as an International Medical Student.
Rotations in the US are your absolute best networking opportunity. So, make the most of it.
Read our posts on Clinical Electives here.
Conferences and Workshops
If you have done any kind of research, make sure you submit your abstract to conferences.
For example, if you have done some research in the field of Cardiology, google “Cardiology conferences in USA”. You will have to do a bit of surfing around the web.
Apply to a number of conferences so that your chances of getting accepted at any one increase.
The more prestigious meetings are attended by senior faculty from all over the States and can be a good opportunity to showcase your work and build contacts.
To know more about Research as a Medical Student, check out our posts here.
Seniors from Medical School
Talk to people from your med school who are in the same boat as you. Talk to people from your medical school or home country who are pursuing or have completed their medical residency in the US.
It doesn’t harm to shoot an email telling them that you are on the same journey and would appreciate help.
Don’t be disheartened if they do not revert back as many people may be busy. But, if they do reply, you have yourself a contact!
Family
Some international medical students will have family or relatives in the US. It will never harm you to reach out to them and ask them to connect you to someone they know.
Networking tips
Networking can go a long way in your journey to a medical residency in the US, if done right.
- Remember you do not want to come off as too pushy and desperate.
- Show genuine interest. Reach on time and contribute meaningfully to the team you are working with (if on a rotation).
- If you are meeting people at a conference, discuss your research interest and let them know you will be interested in working with them in the future.
- Highlight your accomplishments without bragging.
- Always keep your eyes open for networking opportunities.
- Follow up with the people you meet.
- Email is generally considered a professional and non invasive way to reach out. So do not hesitate to ask for business cards and provide yours if you have one.
- If you meet a residency program director, do let them know your interest in their program and send your CV across after talking to them and if they agree.
Networking is a double edged sword. So be pleasant. Do not try too hard to impress someone or push them too much to get their contact. Assess the conversation and take it ahead depending on the kind of rapport you are able to build.
Once again, I would love to hear your perspective on this topic and if you have any additional tips that will be helpful to your fellow IMGs do share them in the comments section below. Share this post with your friends on Facebook!
If you have any questions, use the comments section below. For personalized consultation and help with your timeline, resources and strategies, fill out the consult request form and I will get back to you.
This post has been written by Dr. Rohit Nathani who is a medical graduate from Seth GS Medical College. Ask your questions in the comments section below.
To submit your USMLE experience, go to the Contribute page. Your experiences can help other IMGs in their journey! You can also email us at theindianmedicalstudent@gmail.com