Different Types of United States Clinical Experience (USCE) for IMGs and Their Importance in the Residency Match - A guide by IMG Rotations
- Margaret Ye
- Feb 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 22
As an International Medical Graduate (IMG), securing United States Clinical Experience (USCE) is one of the most important steps in preparing for the USMLE residency match. U.S. clinical experience not only provides you with valuable exposure to the U.S. healthcare system but also plays a pivotal role in strengthening your residency application. It demonstrates your readiness to practice medicine in the U.S. and proves that you can adapt to the high standards of U.S. medical training.
In this blog post, our team of experts at IMG Rotations will elaborate on different types of USCE available to IMGs applying to residency match. We will also go over how each type of USCE impacts your residency match chances, and how IMG Rotations can help you secure these opportunities.
1. Clinical Electives and Sub-internships Win the Crown of Types of USCE for IMG Residency Match
For these you need to apply while still in medical school. These are the most valuable and programs directors love to see it on an application, however, there is a catch! Due to indemnity insurance policies and the law of the United States, these rotations are only available to medical students who have not yet graduated. A sub-internship is an advanced clinical rotation that allows you to take on more responsibilities, similar to a medical intern. In this role, you will be directly involved in patient care under the supervision of senior residents and attending physicians.
Why Are Sub-internships Important?
Hands-On Learning: Sub-internships give you an opportunity to show that you can handle the same responsibilities as U.S. medical students and can work well within a clinical team.
Stronger Application: A successful sub-internship in a U.S. hospital can help solidify your place as a serious candidate for residency, especially in competitive specialties.
LoRs from U.S. Attending Physicians: Performing well in a sub-internship can help you secure strong Letters of Recommendation (LOR).
How IMG Rotations Can Help
IMG Rotations helps you find sub-internship opportunities in U.S. hospitals, ensuring you gain valuable hands-on experience and receive high-quality LOR to enhance your residency application.
2. Externships
What Are Externships?
An externship is a more immersive experience than an observership, where you actively participate in patient care, though you might still be under direct supervision or work within a specific scope of practice. These experiences are often designed for IMGs who already have some clinical experience and want to further refine their skills in a U.S. medical setting.
Why Are Externships Important?
Increased Responsibility: Unlike observerships, externships give you more hands-on involvement, allowing you to develop critical skills that will prepare you for residency.
Better Residency Application: Completing an externship gives residency programs tangible evidence of your ability to work in a U.S. healthcare setting, making you a more competitive applicant.
Potential for LoRs: If you perform well in your externship, you may be able to receive a LOR from a U.S.-based physician.
How IMG Rotations Can Help
We specialize in securing externship opportunities for IMGs in U.S. hospitals and clinics. Our team works with you to find hands-on externship rotations that align with your specialty interests and career goals.
3. Observerships
What Are Observerships?
Observerships are shadowing experiences where you observe and learn from U.S.-trained physicians without directly participating in patient care. Although you cannot provide clinical care, you’ll have the opportunity to gain insight into the U.S. medical environment, patient interactions, and treatment protocols.
Why Are Observerships Important?
Learning Experience: Observerships are particularly useful if you are an IMG who may not yet have the clinical skills required for direct patient care or if you’re seeking exposure to U.S. medicine without the pressure of hands-on responsibilities.
Build Relationships: Observerships allow you to network with U.S. physicians who can potentially provide you with LOR or future clinical opportunities.
How IMG Rotations Can Help
IMG Rotations offers access to a variety of observerships in hospitals and clinics across the U.S. We provide you with information about the expectations and requirements of each observership and guide you through the process of securing a spot with a qualified preceptor.
4. Research Rotations or Research Opportunities (Can obtain LOR but not clinical per se)
What Are Research Rotations?
Research rotations allow IMGs to get involved in clinical or basic science research in U.S. medical institutions. Although these experiences don’t focus on direct patient care, they help you build relationships within the medical community, contribute to scientific knowledge, and get a deeper understanding of medical advancements.
Why Are Research Rotations Important?
Strengthens Your Application: Research experience is highly valued by U.S. residency programs, particularly in specialties like internal medicine, neurology, dermatology, and radiology.
Academic Competence: Research rotations demonstrate your analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and academic drive, making you a more well-rounded candidate for residency programs.
Networking and LoRs: Research rotations often allow you to collaborate with U.S.-based faculty members and physicians who can provide valuable recommendations for your residency applications.
How IMG Rotations Can Help
We connect IMGs with research opportunities in U.S. academic hospitals and medical centers. Whether you’re looking for clinical research or basic science research, we can help you find the right match to strengthen your residency application.
How IMG Rotations Can Help You Secure All Types of U.S. Clinical Experience fore Residency Match
At IMG Rotations, we understand the critical role that clinical experience plays in the U.S. residency match process. We provide comprehensive services to help you secure U.S. clinical experience that enhances your residency application.
Matching with Preceptors: We work with a network of experienced U.S.-based physicians and institutions to connect you with the right rotation, whether it's a clinical rotation, observership, or sub-internship.
Research Opportunities: We also help you gain valuable research experience that strengthens your application.
Comprehensive Support: From scheduling and paperwork to onboarding and interview preparation, we support you every step of the way to ensure you gain the experience you need to succeed in the residency match.
Get Started with IMG Rotations Today
If you're ready to enhance your U.S. clinical experience and boost your chances of securing a U.S. residency, IMG Rotations is here to guide you. Contact us today to find out how we can help you get started with clinical rotations, observerships, and other essential residency preparation opportunities.