is multiple clinical J1 allowed?

[liaoguoxf]

I am posting a question for a friend:
he is a doctor from india now waiting for 2008 match. the only interview he has got is from a very bad program that only sponsors J1. his questions are:
1. after first year, how likely that he can transfer to a better program in PGY-2, with one year of US clinical experience and hopefully stronger recommendation.
2. since he will be on a J1 clinical with the first program, is it an issue for him to get another clinical J1, if he manages to transfer to a better program in PGY-2?
anyone has similar experience?
thanks.

 

[mmed]

I am posting a question for a friend:
he is a doctor from india now waiting for 2008 match. the only interview he has got is from a very bad program that only sponsors J1. his questions are:
1. after first year, how likely that he can transfer to a better program in PGY-2, with one year of US clinical experience and hopefully stronger recommendation.
2. since he will be on a J1 clinical with the first program, is it an issue for him to get another clinical J1, if he manages to transfer to a better program in PGY-2?
anyone has similar experience?
thanks.

1- It depends on many factors but if he joined a very bad program and on J visa, the possibility is almost zero
2- If he started with any program on J medical it is almost 100% to have extension for up to 7 years if any program is willing to give him a esidency position at any level

 

[hashitoxicosis]

he should take what he got. it seems from the interview call number of 1 that with his current credentials he is not in a good position.

2nd year positions do open up, and programs are often very interested in taking people when that happens. So he has a good chance if keeps a good 'reputation'

unless he has a way to improve his credentials before the next match, he should join whatever he gets.

J1 waivers are not difficult, but adds 3 years to your green card wait. But those three years you are working as a physician which depending on your job, may not be too bad.

 

[angio]

transfer to a different program

Transfering from program to another, I agree, is not a problem. You just apply for renewal of your J-1 under a different sponsor. Keep in mind, you cannot transfer to a different specialty once you have completed two years in your first specialty. J-1 visas are issued on a yearly basis, just like your contract in residency, that's why it is usually not a big deal.

Regarding your friend's credentials etc., no comment. Depending on the specialty and the programs s/he is applying to, s/he might not have gotten interviews due to a weak CV or just because of the competitiveness of the specialty/prejudice against IMGs. One year of clinical experience with a good performance and/or research might put your friend in a good position to switch to a better program.

 

[liaoguoxf]

thanks for the replies

thank you guys for your replies.
he actually has pretty good scores, 91/93/pass but still only got two interviews. one of them is a very crappy program but he got an emal from the pd saying that they would rank him. the other one only said no prematch. so right now it seems that his best chance is the one that said they would rank him.

Transfering from program to another, I agree, is not a problem. You just apply for renewal of your J-1 under a different sponsor. Keep in mind, you cannot transfer to a different specialty once you have completed two years in your first specialty. J-1 visas are issued on a yearly basis, just like your contract in residency, that's why it is usually not a big deal.

Regarding your friend's credentials etc., no comment. Depending on the specialty and the programs s/he is applying to, s/he might not have gotten interviews due to a weak CV or just because of the competitiveness of the specialty/prejudice against IMGs. One year of clinical experience with a good performance and/or research might put your friend in a good position to switch to a better program.