Advice on applying for EM residency with a UK med degree

Why are you asking on here rather than checking the numerous threads on other forums and youtube videos on exactly this subject?

I think EM competitiveness has dropped away big time recently so may not be such a tough ask as it would have been 5 years ago. That said you may want to check out the reasons behind this and check whether the type and locations of residencies appeal to you.

So I’m going onto 5th year medicine at the Uni of Cam and have pretty much fully decided to move to the US for residency and for life, really.

I want to apply for an emergency medicine residency and I’ve researched around it a lot but have yet to do my Step 1.

I was pretty much wondering whether anyone here who has successfully applied for EM (or any other residency) or is planning to do so, has any advice for me on how to approach this?

I know EM is ultra competitive as an IMG, but I’m willing to rlly grind with the Step exams, get US experience (I’ve already gotten into contact with a US doc to arrange my elective in the US next summer - but this won’t be hands on experience, unfortunately), get LORs, get research (does this have to be US research specifically?) etc.

In terms of timings, however, what do you guys recommend? When should I do Step 1? Step 2? When should I get hands on clinical experience in the US?

I know it’s a ridiculously arduous and disheartening process, but I pretty much can’t see myself working anywhere else. Not necessarily for the healthcare system, but just for a general affinity for the country (even with its huge list of issues).

Any advice would be appreciated. And, obviously, I can clarify any points if necessary.

P.s. ignore the cringe username - I made this account when I was a dumb child

EM was an unpopular residency this year. Psych was highly competitive. Neuro has traditionally been a good option for non US IMGs looking for highly ranked programmes.

PRSOM


As above, to be sponsored for a working visa by a US company (including hospitals for residency) they are legally obliged to demonstrate there are no qualified Americans applying for that job. For any popular specialty then, it's basically impossible to get into. Your options are very unpopular specialties (family med, psych, etc) or in very unpopular areas (i.e. very rural areas) or both.

So i guess I just have to play it by ear? Since I’ll only be applying after F2, which will be in 2026 for me. I assume things will change massively from now until then.

Ah I see. Any particular advice about when to do the STEP exams and when to arrange US hands on experience? Also, will they still see UK medical research as of an equal level to their own? Or do I have to seek out US research opportunities?

I suspect thats correct - popularity can be highly volatile and seems to depend on factors far removed from med students and residents.

I would make sure you are checking the major US forums regularly. In particular check how programmes filter based on time since graduation as this can be an issue - as can affording the time to sit STEP 1 and 2, plus potentially STEP 3.

No idea about the USMLE. I would assume research would be seen in much the same way as long as it has a PubMed ID thing?

In terms of US experience your only option is probably to do an elective(s) through your medical school in the US.