Working as a doctor in the USA requires more than just a degree. Our externship programs for IMGs not only acquaint you with the structural differences of U.S. healthcare, we help you appreciate the cultural nuances that will allow you to succeed as a doctor in the U.S.
Learn from the pioneer with over 35 years of experience as a doctor in the USA and mentor for IMGs since 2005.
In the Bay Area of California, Dr. Washington hosts a postgraduate clinical training program for IMGs who wish to increase their chances of being selected for an interview for a US medical residency and ultimately matching. The program has enjoyed extraordinary success with a high rate of participant matching.
Providing an immersive clinical experience, the externship familiarize IMGs with the underpinnings and culture of US healthcare with daily lectures and communication tips. The training strives to give its students an edge over other IMGs, thereby increasing the chances of matching at a US residency program. It empowers them with a heightened sense of confidence required to compete at the international level.
“Practicing medicine is about communication just
as much as it is about treating patients.”
- Dr. Washington
Dr. Roger Washington has plenty of experience working with international medical students, especially from India, Pakistan, Mainland China, Taiwan, and various other Asian countries. Apart from his medical expertise, Dr. Washington has a deep understanding of his international students’ cultures. He bridges the cultural gap by acting as a mentor for international students seeking to build their careers as a doctor in the United States.
He trains his international students to wield the confidence, mindset, attitude, communication style, and emotional intelligence required to succeed professionally and personally.
An excellent mentor for immigrant medical graduates
I recently completed an externship at Dr. Roger Washington’s clinic. Doctor Washingtons’ daily presentation regarding the US Healthcare system helped me familiarize myself with different types of insurance, Medicare, HMO, and disability funds. In addition, this experience has allowed me to see and converse with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Under his assistance and supervision, I interviewed patients, assisted in writing patient notes, coordinated the appropriate tests, and got well versed with electronic medical records.… Furthermore, he is a compassionate doctor who listens to his patients and teaches them about healthy lifestyles. He is an excellent mentor for immigrant medical graduates who are looking for externship opportunities. Externship at this place helped me with my confidence and also evolved me as a person. Thank you, Dr. Washington.
Read Dr. Samuruddhi’s Full Success StoryRead more “An excellent mentor for immigrant medical graduates”
Every shift was productive, and I had something to learn.
I recently completed my externship at Dr. Washington’s clinic. I had an opportunity to get hands-on clinical experience, including taking history and performing physical examinations under his supervision. He provides autonomy in working on the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and discusses any changes in the notes he would recommend. In addition, we had one-on-one sessions at the end of the shift every day to discuss interview skills, patient care, and the latest research studies. Every… shift was productive, and I had something to learn. Read Dr. Priyanka’s Full Success StoryRead more “Every shift was productive, and I had something to learn.”
You can tell that Dr. Washington is very passionate about his job
I just did a four-week externship at Dr. Roger Washington’s practice. As an international medical graduate, it’s extremely essential to have some exposure to the clinical setting in the US. During the four weeks, I learned a lot about insurance/ healthcare policy, communication skills, medical knowledge, and most importantly, the value of a family doctor. You can tell that Dr. Washington is very passionate about his job. He cares much about his patients and tries… his best to help them. I highly recommend Dr. Washington’s practice. Read more “You can tell that Dr. Washington is very passionate about his job”
Exceptionally good at teaching things that books fail to convey
I recently had an opportunity to do an externship at Dr. Washington’s clinic and I am glad to share my positive experience here. First of all, He is very friendly and makes you feel extremely comfortable. He gave me an understanding of the US healthcare system as well as its day-to-day practices and protocols. He also provided a wider outlook on culture differences. I got the opportunity to obtain history and present it to Dr.… Washington. He included me during patient consultations. Subsequent discussions about diagnosis and management are genuinely a learning experience. Throughout the externship, he offered valuable tips that turned out effective in the process of writing personal statements for residency applications. I would highly recommend this externship program to any IMG looking to gain a firm understanding of this country’s medical system before applying to residencies here. He is exceptionally good at teaching things that books fail to convey. He always takes time to listen to patients, to whatever input they have in regards to their health. After witnessing so many patients in his clinic, I was amazed to see how the majority of patients suffer from a wide array of illnesses subsequent to ‘a stressful or busy schedule’ that was associated with lack of sleep. I personally experienced how you feel different when you are well rested. After witnessing his work closely, I highly recommend Dr. Washington’s Family Practice. Read more “Exceptionally good at teaching things that books fail to convey”
Committed to a holistic approach for patient care
I recently finished an externship here. I had great and valuable experience in Dr. Washington’s practice. It’s the only hands-on clinical experience in California for IMGs there and really worth the time. Dr. Washington has excellent communication and relationship with his patients. He is committed to a holistic approach for patient care. I enjoyed his enthusiasm for educating his patients (whether it’s how to manage your back pain, using inhalers in an effective way, boosting… mental health or applying wellness habits to your life). Also, he is determined to teach his externs and provide them with learning opportunities that they will benefit from. I highly recommend Dr. Washington’s practice. Read more “Committed to a holistic approach for patient care”
What sets Dr. Washignton’s mentoring apart from other programs:
Dr. Washington offers extensive coaching, including writing an effective personal statement and improving communication and interview skills to secure a US residency program.
In addition to clinical training, IMGs will be familiarized with the culture of the US healthcare system. Dr. Washington will explain in detail the elements of communications, charting, orders, requisitions, prescriptions, referrals, patient's expectations, physician's responsibilities, and the insurance system.
Topics covered include the SOAP patient note system, how to write prescriptions including scheduled medications, insurance systems, managed care, gatekeeper system, HMOs, Medicare, medication formularies, prior authorization process, copays, FMLA and disability system, defensive medicine, referral networks, as well as insights to the expectations of US patients and the responsibilities of the US primary care doctor.
An Exclusive Externship Program for IMGs with Exclusive Benefits
Remote and on-site externs receive coaching from Dr. Washington with regards to clinical/medical training and
building confidence, communication skills for interviews, formatting personal statements, and practicing medicine in the US.
Details of the Remote Externship:
- 16 sessions per 4-week rotation.
- Zoom streaming from 8:30 am to 12:00pm (PST).
- Q&A session at the end of each lecture.
- Remote externs will be provided links to the sessions they miss on the same day.
- Attendance is not monitored.
Details of the Hands-on Externship:
- Hands-on experience with writing patient notes, coordinating appropriate tests, prescriptions, patient counseling, and follow-up care.
- Externs will have the opportunity to use the electronic medical record (EMR), to format prescriptions, referrals, and lab tests such as x-ray, ultrasound, etc.
- With the patient’s permission, externs may participate and learn from the entire clinical encounter.
- Externs will have direct contact with the US healthcare system and understand its nuances intricately through exposure and involvement.
Get a Letter of Recommendation:
One of the greatest perks of this opportunity is the professional accreditation you receive for your participation. Dr. Washington has a keen eye for identifying promising talent, which he appreciates through a compelling letter of recommendation. The better you perform, the higher your chances become to secure a seat in a U.S. medical residency program.
Details of the Observership / Externship via Telehealth / Telemedicine:
- 16 sessions per 4-week rotation.
- Zoom streaming from 8:30 am to 12:00pm (PST).
- Q&A session at the end of each lecture.
- Remote externs will be provided links to the sessions they miss on the same day.
- Attendance is not monitored.
Details of the On-Site Externship:
- Hands-on experience with writing patient notes, coordinating appropriate tests, prescriptions, patient counseling, and follow-up care.
- Externs will have the opportunity to use the electronic medical record (EMR), to format prescriptions, referrals, and lab tests such as x-ray, ultrasound, etc.
- With the patient’s permission, externs may participate and learn from the entire clinical encounter.
- Externs will have direct contact with the US healthcare system and understand its nuances intricately through exposure and involvement.
Get a Letter of Recommendation:
One of the greatest perks of this opportunity is the professional accreditation you receive for your participation. Dr. Washington has a keen eye for identifying promising talent, which he appreciates through a compelling letter of recommendation. The better you perform, the higher your chances become to secure a seat in a U.S. medical residency program.
Process - What Happens After You Pay?
After you have made the payment, we will send you a confirmation email to your registered email along with the details for the program such as date of commencement, preparation list, reading list, etc.
For on-site students, we’ll also be sending you additional details such as the location of clinic, date and hours of the clinic, dress code, materials required for the sessions, and information regarding accommodation and commuting in the area.
Your Questions Answered.
We can assist with applications for B1/B2 visas.
In common use, there is flexibility regarding what is meant by observership and externship. The primary difference between the two is the amount of interaction the student has directly with patients and the healthcare team. An externship is a hands-on experience. An observership is more of a shadowing experience.
At our office, the externship is very much a hands-on experience. International medical graduates are given the opportunity to interact, interview, and triage patients both in the office and via telehealth. They give presentations to the attending regarding the patient’s chief complaint including their differential diagnosis and possible treatment plans. Externs use the electronic medical record to create a progress note, create prescriptions for medications, and write requisitions for lab tests and imaging. Participants in the observership participate remotely, often offshore. All participants received the coaching on best practices, communication skills, and writing a personal statement for the match application.
Yes. In California, the Medical Board of California strictly regulates the unlicensed practice of medicine. In our externship, only the attending is practicing medicine. The responsibilities and activities of the extern do not exceed those of a medical assistant, and are therefore legal. Many of our former externs have gone on to match, even in California.
Yes. Upon completion of the four-week program, all participants are eligible to receive a letter of recommendation. Participants will be endorsed based on their performance. Ordinarily, the letter will be uploaded as a part of the ERAS application in late August.
The experience we offer is meant to assist only international medical graduates who have attained their medical degree, increase their knowledge of the US healthcare system and obtain a letter of recommendation to enhance their ERAS application.
Externs are not required to have malpractice insurance. Only the medical attending is licensed to practice medicine. Externs are participating only in a learning capacity. Externs are explicitly not practicing medicine and are, therefore, exempt from the need for professional liability insurance
Most participants start in a batch on the first Monday of the month. However, we are flexible about your start and ending date?
Applicants for the observership are asked to submit their Curriculum Vitae, copy of passport, and medical school diploma.
Applicants for the on-site externship are asked to submit the above, along with a brief personal statement regarding your expectations, USMLE ID and scores, if any, and vaccination records for Hep B and COVID-19.
Yes. Absolutely! International medical Graduates may join via a HIPAA compliant telehealth platform. They see and hear the clinical proceedings and lectures as if they were on-site. Virtual participants also receive a letter of recommendation.
Have more queries?
Feel free to Email us @ DrW@FPClinic.com
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