Clinical Externship in USA

To smoothly transition as physicians in the U.S. healthcare system, IMGs need to equip themselves with core clinical knowledge and seek U.S. Clinical Experience (USCE) opportunities. Externships, a form of hands-on program available to medical students and graduates alike, can help them gain this essential clinical work experience.

What is an externship?

An externship program allows international medical graduates to practice medicine in real hospital-based settings before their residency program. An externship allows international medical graduates to test their skills first-hand in the U.S. clinical setting, and get hands-on experience involving direct patient contact.

Externships for IMGs in USA

IMGs are placed with U.S. based practicing physicians in different specialties to perform clinical duties. While medical students can also opt for an externship, if an elective in their chosen specialty is not offered, an externship is more commonly undertaken by medical graduates to gain experience in the U.S. health care system. Not only is this an excellent learning opportunity, IMGs who complete clinical externships are more likely to match with a U.S. medical residency.

Clinical Externships for IMGs

In the United States, a clinical externship is designed to offer IMGs valuable hands-on clinical experience. Externs gain real-world exposure by applying their clinical skills in hospital-based settings and by being actively involved in direct patient care. The externs taking part in an externship program work under board-certified licensed physicians practicing in the United States. The day-to-day activities of externs may include but are not limited to, taking patient histories, conducting physical examinations, and administering treatment plans. An externship is a sought-after program as a form of United States Clinical Experience (USCE) and can immensely boost an applicant’s CV for their residency match application.

Clinical Externship Application Process, & Criteria

A clinical externship can be undertaken by medical students in their third and final year of medical school as well as by medical graduates.

A clinical externship in the USA will typically be four weeks in duration and is extended beyond this period depending on the schedules and availability of the faculty members.

Applicants who wish to participate in an externship program in the USA are required to submit the following documents:

Resume / Curriculum Vitae 
Copy of identification card (passport or photo ID) 
Proof of valid U.S. Visa 
Immunization Certificates (immunizations, physical exam, drug screen, PPD, flu vaccine)

Liability Insurance 
USMLE Steps Scores Report (if available)

List of hospitals offering externships

If you are a medical student or international medical graduate looking for a credible externship opportunity with U.S. based practicing physicians, you can Sign Up to gain access to our free and exclusive preceptor network list.