Hi!
So I have a dilema.
My wife is a doc in PK, and she’s moving to the US to join me. We do not intend on taking the USMLE/residency route for various reasons.
Any suggestions on what she could do in the US, preferably related to her field?
Cheers.
Re: dilema for a doc in the US!
does she want to serve in medical field or not?
I have seen docs from pakistan who did not pratice medicine because they did nt clear their exams or just did not want to practice medicine, work as phlebotomists, medical practice managers, insurance companies, managerial roles in medical device manufacturing companies, managerial roles in pharma companies, working at pharmacy benefits mgmt companies, etc etc
anywhere where medical background is helpful, these folks can get their foot in the door.
Re: dilema for a doc in the US!
thanks for the input.
Yes she does want to stay in the medicine field.
Re: dilema for a doc in the US!
She can apply for Physician Assistant positions. Some of my friends whose parents were docs in other countries are doing that now and the pay isnt so bad either. But responsibilites are a lot.
Re: dilema for a doc in the US!
Yes, Physician Assistant is a best option but make sure in her application to which ever school she decides to do the physician assistance course work, she is clear that she doesn't want to be a doctor anymore. Most schools don't want past doctors just wanting to keep themselves current using their program and ditching it the minute they clear the UMLE or whatever.
Re: dilema for a doc in the US!
Does the Physician Assistant program require a residency, like what regularly doctors commit to once they arrive from overseas.
And Im assuming a Physician Assistant is not much different from a nurse..
Re: dilema for a doc in the US!
PA is a level above the nurses considering in some states they can even presrcibe the medicine without a doctor's co-signature but in some states they work strictly under a medical doctor's supervision.
It's a 25 months long course and I guess at least 1 year of clinical rotation and then there is on going training as long as they are in the field. It's a very demanding and time consuming job so if your wife doesn't want to carry on with med school because of "time" as a factor then it may not be a good idea.
You can always look into pharmacy, public health, and other positions like Mr. Fraudia mentioned to keep a 9-5 job instead of being on call always.
Re: dilema for a doc in the US!
hospital mgmt is another area, but she may need to do an MBA for that.
Re: dilema for a doc in the US!
MBA- but also MPH
Re: dilema for a doc in the US!
not necessarily, one or the other can work but depends on the area of health care administration you go in.
Majority of people who go in hospital management have MBA n healthcare mgmt compared to MPH who seem to go for more country health organizations etc.
Re: dilema for a doc in the US!
yep... there are plenny of MBA programs with a concentration in Health Services Administration.
The other route which hasn't been mentioned and might be worth exploring is a community college program in Clinical Research. It's usually a one-year post-graduate program and many of these offer work placements during training. It can lead to tons of opportunities in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, government and hospitals.
Re: dilema for a doc in the US!
She can certainly work for an insurance company for jobs such as reviewing the authenticity of claims to researching drugs, etc. She can also work for bio medical firm as a research assitant or a pharma company in drug sales. There are lots of options, she will need to research and figure out which direction whe wants to go.
BTW none of the above will require an MBA or other other specialized education.
A cousin of mine was not able to pass the USMLE and she opted to become a radiologist. She took some classes and had to get certified
All the best.
Re: dilema for a doc in the US!
Ok wow. Thanks for the amazing input.
To Summarize, the options for a doc from PK who does not want to get into a 4 yr residency program are:
1) Physician Assistant
2) Nursing
3) Clinical Research
4) Hospital Admin
5) Insurace Co.
6) Phlebotomists
7) Medical practice managers, managerial roles in medical device manufacturing companies, managerial roles in pharma companies
8) Pharmacist
9) Pharmacy benefits mgmt companies
So this is a good pool to choose from, however, most require 1+ yr of additional schooling. I have to admit Clinical Research so far sounds the best option.
Re: dilema for a doc in the US!
also drug sales will not require any specialized education.
Re: dilema for a doc in the US!
Drug Sales.. isnt that pharmacy?
And Ill be honest with you.. something that gives you a quick start with minimum lag in terms of educational is best.
Re: dilema for a doc in the US!
well i meant people who work for pharmaceutical companies in sales, the job involves visiting with medical practices and doctors, educating them about products, giving samples, etc etc. does involve travel within your territory though. lots of driving in the city.
Re: dilema for a doc in the US!
Hi! So I have a dilema.
My wife is a doc in PK, and she's moving to the US to join me. We do not intend on taking the USMLE/residency route for various reasons.
Any suggestions on what she could do in the US, preferably related to her field?
Cheers.
She can go into medical research easily...Also depends what her or your visa status is?
Re: dilema for a doc in the US!
She can apply for Physician Assistant positions. Some of my friends whose parents were docs in other countries are doing that now and the pay isnt so bad either. But responsibilites are a lot.
For PA you have to clear a 9 months course i guess.
Re: dilema for a doc in the US!
I wonder what kind of a ego hit it is, to go from a full doctor to a PA or Nurse etc. Im almost afraid to even bring it up.