Being a visiting fellow abroad:USA Perspective

Nicholas S Hill MD

Tufts Medical Center

Boston, MA USA

What Options are Available?

• Medical Student – most medical schools accommodate international med students for electives – look online. Registrar’s office usually handles. May be fee.

• Residents, Fellows – Observerships. Becoming more difficult. My institution limiting number and duration (2 weeks). May be fee for paperwork.

What Options are Available?

• Residents, Fellows – Clinical electives. Must have J-1 Visa at least. Also must pass ECFMG exams and have limited license. Will have to support selves financially.

• Clinical Fellowships – Must have at least J-1 Visa. Must complete ECFMG exams. Must have license and complete US-approved residency program. Usually apply through Match Program although may be occasional non-match positions at less competitive programs.

What options are available?

• Research fellowships – Can be for basic, translational or clinical research. If fellow has funding, easy to obtain as long as no clinical care involved. If requires funding, more difficult. Not eligible for funding via US National Institutes of Health.

How to Arrange Fellowships

• Go online to see who is publishing in your area of interest

• Network. Meet people at meetings. Your mentor in Turkey may have contacts.

• Email potential mentors to see if they have interest/space.

How to get funding

• Apply to your own institution, governmental or private funds in Turkey.

• Volunteer and prove your worth. There may be funds available where you’re doing your fellowship.

• Check on societies. ERS has some funds. • Apply for funds within the US. Fogarty

Foundation of NIH funds certain types of fellowships.

Research Fellows enjoying their experience