The U.S. Healthcare system is large, advanced, and diverse. Here are just a few reasons why a physician job in the USA is regarded as one of the most desirable professions in the world:
Physicians in the United States are consistently amongst the highest paid professionals that exist.
Primary care: $150,000–$300,000 per year.
Specialists (cardiologists, radiologists, surgeons, etc): $350,000–$700,000+
Additionally, even the residency training is – demanding as it is – better compensated than other countries.
Utilization of Superior Medical Technology
In the U.S., you can expect to use superior equipment, state-of-the-art surgical instruments, and AI-powered diagnoses regularly. This first-hand experience gives doctors a faster growth trajectory and exposure to the latest techniques.
Robust Research Opportunities
Many hospitals in the U.S. are affiliated with world-renowned universities, and doctor jobs in these settings often include opportunity for:
Clinical Trials
Research grants
Publication in high-impact journals
The U.S. continues to be second to none for doctors wanting both clinical and academic career.
What is Needed to Obtain a Doctor Job in the USA?
To be honest, it’s a lengthy and competitive process. Nevertheless, with the right approach, thousands of international medical graduates (IMGs) secure employment each year.
Pass the USMLE Tests
There are exams every doctor (foreign or local) must take:
USMLE Step 1 (medical sciences theories), USMLE Step 2 CK (clinical knowledge), and USMLE Step 3 (post-residency requirement).
Have Clinical Experience in the USA
Hospitals in the USA favor applicants with:
US clinical experience (USCE)
Observerships
Externships
Research positions
This indicates that you have an understanding of the culture, standards, and manner of communication integrated into the USA surroundings.
Obtain Solid Letters of Recommendation
Doctor jobs in the USA are largely about professional references, and letters from American physicians will help your residency application immensely.
Apply for Residency (The Critical Step)
Residency is non-negotiable, and no matter what level of experience you have from abroad, you must undertake residency in the United States to practice independently.
The Match Program, an organized process, selects applicants to residency programs. Some residency specialties specifically are incredibly competitive relative to others, for example, dermatology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and plastic surgery.
In most cases, IMGs will enter into residency with either internal medicine, family medicine, or pediatrics and may later pursue subspecialties.
Level of performance during training will have a significant impact on residency match likelihood.
Obtain Your License and Begin Your Search for Employment
Once you have completed residency and USMLE Step 3, you can begin obtaining the following:
State medical license
Hospital privileges
Certification for your specialty
Once this process is started, finding a job as a doctor will become much easier, because the international community trusts U.S. training.
Lifestyle: What is it Like to Work as a Doctor in the USA?
While salary is appealing, the lifestyle has its pros and cons.
Pros:
Very structured healthcare system.
Very modern work environment.
Team-based practice model.
Access to leading-edge therapies.
Highly respected with a certain level of autonomy.
Cons:
Intense workload (especially early in your career).
Vast amounts of patient notes that must be written.
Legal atmosphere and malpractice insurance is pricey.
Some specialties can lead to the burnout of compassion.
That said, once most doctors are in their rhythm and adjust to the system, the workload balance is easier to manage.
Options for Doctors and Visas.
There are a few options for foreign doctors utilizing visas, in particular:
J-1 Visa (common while in residency and depends on specialty and hospital).
H-1B Visa (good for physicians that have completed USMLE Step 3 and have various desired criteria depending on the employer.
O-1 Visa (good for extraordinary physicians).
And after fulfilling a few obligation requirements, many will get permanent residency.
Different Types of Doctor Employment in the USA
The American medical system is very large. There are many medical careers for you to consider, depending on your training and preference:
- Hospital-based jobs:
Internist
Surgeon
Anesthesiologist
Emergency room doctor
- Clinic-based positions:
Family medicine physician
Pediatrician
Dermatologist
- Academic and research positions
Universities hire doctors for:
Teaching
Research
Combination of both roles in a clinical setting
- Telehealth roles
Subject to significant growth as a result of COVID-19 in 2020, many doctors now work from home, part-time or full-time, and have flexible hours.
- Locum tenens
Temporary doctor positions that allow:
Higher salaries
Travel
No long-term contracts or commitments.
The future of doctor employment in the USA
There is a growing demand for doctors due to:
A growing aging population
A primary care physician shortage
Rapid growth in telehealth
Increasing desire for specialty treatments
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) estimates the USA could be short 37000-120,000 doctors by 2030.
This makes this an ideal time to pursue a doctor position in the USA.
To share my personal advice, the lessons I have learned from many IMGs who completed the journey:
- Start the USMLE process soon.
-Delayed completion of Step 1 and/or Step 2 CK became the largest regret.
- Know that USCE is mandatory.
-You will not replace USCE with international experience, regardless of strength.