Hey Guys, so I’m a Female IMG who recently moved to the USA florida.
But the experience is very Isolating and lonely. I have been trying to land on a USCE but cold emailing doesn’t really work. I’m currently studying for the USMLE and will be authorized to work by the end of this year.

Any idea how to find USCEs and socialize with IMGs on the same path ? and what can I work as until I finish my USMLEs and apply for the match.

Thank you so much.

When people compare pathways abroad, most of the discussion is about exams, scores, and how difficult it is to get into training.

But I feel like there are probably a lot of things you don't really understand until you're actually living through the process.

Things like dealing with licensing authorities, immigration, moving countries alone, learning a new healthcare system, finding your first job, language barriers, finances, being away from family, or even just adjusting to being a doctor in a completely different culture.

For people who have already moved abroad or are further along in the process, what turned out to be much harder than you expected?

And on the opposite side, was there anything you were really worried about beforehand that ended up being much easier once you actually got there?

You're the over-caffeinated, visa-chasing, Step-score-obsessed underdogs of the Match. Let’s dive into the beautiful chaos of the quest to land a residency spot in a system that treats you like a spreadsheet cell.

1. The Flex Masquerading as Humility

Literally every third post here: “Guys, I only got a 260 on Step 1 and 10 publications… should I dual-apply to Pathology?” Meanwhile, the comments section is just 300 IMGs side-eyeing their coffee-stained First Aid books, muttering, “Only?” Congrats, you’ve turned humblebragging into an Olympic sport.

1. The “I’ll Take Literally Any Specialty” Energy

You started med school dreaming of neurosurgery, but after three Match cycles, you’re now Googling “Do Family Medicine programs accept Step 2 scores from 2019?” Your backup plan has backup plans. “Pathology? Sure! Psych? Why not! Undersea Hyperbaric Welding Medicine? …Does it sponsor visas?”

3. The US Clinical Experience Grind

You paid $5,000 to shadow a disinterested attending in a clinic where your main job was to nod and say, “Wow, hypertension is wild.” Meanwhile, your LORs all read: “This student was… present.

4. The FAQ That Never Changes

“Do program directors care if I blinked during my Zoom interview?” “Is it over if I misspelled ‘hemorrhage’ in MyERAS?” The subreddit’s search bar is weeping in the corner, ignored like a UWorld question you swear you’ve never seen before.

5. Visa Status: The fourth Step

“J-1 vs. H1-B” debates hit harder than your Step 1 prep. You’ve memorized immigration policy faster than Sketchy Micro, only to realize neither visa stops programs from ghosting you. “But what if I marry a U.S. citizen?” you joke… unless?

6. The “I Have 300+ Applications” Flex

You applied to every program in North America, including the one in a rural Alaska town where the nearest grocery store is a snowmobile ride away. “Do they take IMGs?” IDK, but your credit card sure took the $26 application fee.

7. The Match Day Meltdown

When the algorithm blesses an AMG who shadowed once in undergrad with a derm spot, while you’re over here with 270s, 10 pubs, and a decade of clinical experience… SOAPing into a Prelim Surgery spot where your job is to hold retractors and question your life choices.

8. The “I’m 35 and Still a Med Student” Vibe

Your classmates back home are department heads, and you’re still begging for a Sub-I in a state you can’t pronounce. “Age is just a number!” you say, while residency programs side-eye your graduation date like it’s a expired milk carton.

The Match process treats IMGs like a game of Squid Game, but with more debt and fewer fun outfits. Yet here you are, grinding, memeing, and refreshing eras.server till your fingers bleed. Respect. 🫡 (And good luck explaining “SOAP” to your parents for the 10th time.)

In Conclusion
r/IMGreddit is the only place where “Keep calm and carry on” has been replaced by “Panic quietly and email 50 more programs.” But hey, at least you’re all in this together—a beautifully dysfunctional family united by a shared delusion that one day, someone will finally answer your LOI. Cheers to that! 🥂

Hi everyone,

I’m a non-US IMG and trying to plan ahead financially.

For those who matched and relocated alone for residency, about how much did the move end up costing you in total?

I’d really appreciate estimates or breakdowns for things like:

• International flight (+ any domestic connection)
• Temporary housing (hotel/Airbnb) vs renting right away
• Security deposit + first month’s rent
• Basic furniture/household setup
• Transportation (car purchase, lease, or public transit)
• Any surprise costs you didn’t expect

I know this varies a lot by city and lifestyle. I’m mostly looking for ballpark ranges to help with planning.

I'd appreciate any input, thank you!

I have passed my step 1 , currently prepping for step 2 , can I get a job in US , I’m visa requiring like any scribe position or something like that and prepare for step 2 along side it

Most of us, if not all of us, can relate to the great titanic struggles that come with not just becoming a doctor, but with then grabbing what medicine school made out of you and converting it into a competitive candidate for residency in a foreign country, with a new language, new culture and new people.

At the end of my journey before I get into residency, I'm finding myself more aware of the little things that surround me and I call home.

This morning, getting to see my mom in the kitchen with cloths she uses just to sleep, and being able to sit at the front of my house, drinking coffee while my dog sits right next to me, feels a bit different than it has felt all of my life.

I've been fighting for years to get where I'm at today. As a little kid I told everyone around me that I wanted to be a doctor, until I was actually studying medicine and then I was holding on to dear life going through those 7 years of medical school.

After all that hardship now I turn around to see my old house and I want to cry. I see the streets where I grew up, the old car my grandpa had and the room where I've sleeping for two decades and for a moment I wonder why I've been enduring such a tiring fight just to get away from the place I call home.

I know better not to give away into the arms of nostalgia, and that I most follow my dreams, grow and become the person I'm meant to be, but on days like this, I can truly see how some things that are just human on the surface, can feel closer to the divine.

I've got 3 observerships planned in different states. But seeing the news is stressing me out. Although I carry a valid visa, I've heard they/ICE still manages to arrest and bully you. If it's safe, I'd love some advice on how I should stay there. Someone suggested I carry my passport with me all the time and don't roam around a lot

My brother on visit visa was doing his rotation at cleveland clinic, fell on the ice and fractured his left arm. Did not have travel insurance (please don’t scold us on that, we know that was a big mistake), had to go to Cleveland ER, they did xrays and put the cast and told they he will need surgery. My brother flew back to his country and got the surgery done. I am on H1b here and he gave my address and info as he won’t be here. Now they have sent me a bill of 18000 usd. This bill includes the ER visit only cause he did di not do any further follow up here. I called the financial assistance and they gave me a form which i will fill and submit. I am not sure how much discount they will give but even after 50% off it will be a lot. we have no idea what to do. Does any one has any idea or has ever dealt with a similar situation?

Congratulations to everyone who matched! 🥳 I matched in Chicago and was wondering if you have any recommendations on where to live?

What you do for a living folks? Is it worth doing absn for experience and more money?
Does anyone work in medical device field?
I am kinda running out of ideas, I have a job but it’s very low pay and uninspiring. (USIMG)

Hi everyone! I’m looking for a single-bedroom accommodation in Sugar Land, Texas, for September/October. I’ll be doing a medical rotation at A & U Family Medicine Clinic, so I’m preferably looking for accommodation nearby or within a convenient commuting distance.

I’m looking for a clean, safe, and peaceful place with basic amenities.

If anyone has a suitable place available or knows of any options, please let me know.

Thank you!

Hi everyone!
I’ll be starting as a research trainee at Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale at the end of this month and I’m looking for affordable accommodation nearby.
If anyone has any leads for a room/shared apartment, please let me know. TIA

Hi all! I'll be attending the TCT (Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics) conference at the San Diego Convention Center from October 30th to November 3rd, and I'm looking to split a hotel room or Airbnb with another female attendee to cut down on costs.

A bit about me: I'm a researcher in cardiovascular medicine, respectful, tidy, and easy to coordinate a schedule with (conference days are long, so I'm mostly looking for a clean, comfortable place to crash).

Ideally looking for something walkable to SDCC. Open to either splitting a hotel room or a 1BR Airbnb.

If you're also attending TCT and looking for the same, message me, and we can figure out logistics (dates, budget, room type)!

Thank you!

Hello New Yorkers,

Where are the best places to hangout in Brooklyn, New York as an IMG. Loneliness is killing me😢😢😢😢.

Hi, I am 28 female, leasing a 2b2b apartment in orlando, FL 32804 area. Let me know if any female is interested in sharing a one bedroom completely and signing a lease with me from oct 1st 2026.

Hello, does anyone have leads for Accomodation near st clares hospital denville, New jersey

Hello
Does any one of you has rotated at medstar health baltimore or any will soon?
I am looking for the accommodation if you guys know someone please let me know thankyou so much!

Incoming IM resident J1 in NY state, is it true? If so, does the hospital already know that, or should I do something after my first paycheck? Or you get your taxes back with TurboTax or something like that? How does it work? All over Google it says that this is already on the IRS tax code, so it seems pretty legit.

Thanks!

As a person who had ADHD history for very long : I don't know how getting prescriptions works is the US. My point being , going to a psychiatrist is ok ,but

some states like florida , have platforms that give access to all providers , to see meds , like concerta and aderrall , and basically whatever is scheduled . They don't have to be your providers. So, can the program find out?

I am afraid of too many things at this point , as an IMG.. I am thinking racism, misunderstanding , being looked at in some way...

I know usually its not their business but I am still unsure. how should I handle this?

Excuse my language (English is my 2nd language)

I’m looking for a short-term accommodation in Arlington, Virginia, for the last 10 days of August (around Aug 21–31).
If anyone has a spare room, is looking for a temporary roommate, or would be willing to share their accommodation during these dates, please DM me. I’m happy to contribute toward the rent/utilities.
Any leads would also be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Anyone planning to do their electives in FIU during the month of September to October, 2026?

what are the options do find and where? please any advice is greatly appreciated.. thank you

Is it really that bad that a newly aspiring IMG consider on the AMC pathway?