MPH or Research on J1

E

Enfield

Registered Users (C)
I have admission to a couple of MPH programs. On the other hand I have offer for this Research Associate position however, the program can only sponsor a J1 visa. Should I instead go for MPH? I heard research is better than MPH as far as improving one's chances for a residency is concerned. Does doing MPH help? I am interested in Family Medicine/Psychiatry/Internal Medicine. I am ECFMG certified with scores of 83 and 79 in steps 1 and 2 respectively.
 
Research or an MPH is not that important if you are looking for an IM or FP position. It is pretty much a pre-requisite these days for anything surgical.

From the visa standpoint, I would go with the MPH on F1 (if you can afford it). That way you an avoid ANY J1 related complications.

Consider heading directly for your goal. Get your step3 and contact IM/FP and psych residencies. Some might have a slot opening up bc someone leaves, or they routinely keep some positions outside of the match.
 
While 79 is not so exciting, with 83 you are in good company for IM/FP and probably also psych. I assume you passed on the first try.

Give it a try. Research will improve your chances on a good position, e.g. a university IM program. But just to get in, you should have a good shot with your scores.
 
I would try to avoid going on J-1 if possible and try tp do step 3 and get H-1. Your scores are not great but an MPH along with step 3 should make you competitive. It may alSO help you in future plus MPH will allow you to apply through the 20k reserved for US graduates with Masters and above degrees in future. It will certainly give you more options. Second during MPH you can do lot of research as part of the degree. Research may get you in a academic institution but if Green card is your goal then J-1 should be avoided if possible. That is my opinion.
 
Thanks ! I don't mind doing residency on a J1 visa as I do not intend to live in the US however, I haven't found a concrete answer to my question that is, whether I can change from a J1 research to J1 clinical/residency easily or not? if my J1 research has the 2 yr HRR would I have to satisfy that immediately after the research is over or can I transfer to J1 clinical and satisfy after the residency is over?
 
You CAN switch from J1 research to J1 GME. But it requires you to file for it with ECFMG and they are at discretion to deny it. Also, they limit you to a specific residency program, you don't have the option to change once like everyone else.

As for whether you plan to stay in the US. I believe you are a canadian PR. You might be aware of the considerable difficulties canadian IMG's have in returning to canada after they finished a residency in the US. Also, it is not trivial to get sponsorship from health canada for a gme J1. You want to have the option to stay in the US after you are done, believe me.
 
thanks again hadron ! this makes a lot more sense. so the idea is that i should avoid J1 research.
 
You want to avoid J1 to be safe in any of its forms. But if you have to take one, the J1 research is the safest one (be careful that you don't receive funding from the US goverment, the canadian goverment or any international organization).

What you want to do is J1 research --> H1b --> green card
 
How is Canadian research experience considered, as compared to the US? Would it be as good, if I get a similar position in a top Canadian university? and, do Canadian letters of recommendation have the same weight?
 
I would think so.
Maybe less chances to build a network, but to beef up your CV canadian research at one of the better institutions is going to help you.
 
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