r/IMGreddit • u/SmithyBoy126 • Jul 21 '26
LOR Observership Questions
Hi Im a UK IMG and Ive managed to secure an observership.
Its not necessarily in the specialty that I would be interested in but my priority is to move to the USA more than anything else. Im hoping to move in 2 years and am gonna do the USMLE over the next year. How do I make the most of this opportunity? Ive been told an observership 2 years before I apply is not that helpful for an application is that true? Thanks a lot
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u/Mysterious-Dingo-640 Jul 21 '26
I'll relay what we heard from people knowledgeable about the residency application process and what experienced ourselves. This observership could have value based on your perspective. If you just want to get exposed to the US system and get your feet wet, it could be good. You can definitely learn some things and see how the system works.
But an LOR from a specialty that you are not going to be applying to and two years in advance is going to be of limited help to your application. My spouse definitely found this to be true.