2 answers
sandesh
Student
Kathmandu, Central Development Region, Nepal
1
Question
Asked
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Can international doctor work in USA without USMLE n GRE in medical related field ?
I am graduated student from WHO reconized University and have 7 yrs of experience in surgery.
can i find medical related job in U.S?
And as US card holder can i find medical related courses without haveing GRE score ,tofel ?
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2 answers
Saurabh Kapoor
11
Answers
Jalandhar, Punjab, India
Updated
Saurabh’s Answer
Here is a comprehensive and practical guide for an International Medical Graduate (IMG) with 7 years of surgical experience and a US Green Card / Permanent Residency:
1. Can You Practice as a Licensed Physician/Surgeon Without USMLE?
Direct Independent Clinical Practice: No. To practice as a fully licensed physician or surgeon in the United States, all 50 states require passing the USMLE examinations (Step 1, Step 2 CK), obtaining ECFMG certification, and completing an accredited U.S. residency/fellowship program.
Emerging State Pathways: A few states (such as Tennessee, Washington, and Florida) have recently created alternative licensing pathways allowing experienced international doctors to practice under direct supervision in underserved areas without repeating a full U.S. residency, but they still typically require ECFMG/USMLE credentials.
2. High-Paying Medical-Related Jobs You CAN Do Without USMLE
Having a US Green Card is a massive advantage because you do not need visa sponsorship ($H\text{-}1B$ or $J\text{-}1$). With your 7 years of surgical background, you are highly qualified for several high-demand healthcare careers:
Role
Why Your Surgical Background Fits
Typical Starting Route
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA / SA-C)
You can work directly in the Operating Room assisting surgeons. Many certifying boards (e.g., ABSA or NSAA) have fast-track routes for foreign medical graduates with surgical experience.
Complete a short credentialing/bridge exam (ABSA/NSAA).
Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) / Associate (CRA)
Academic medical centers and pharmaceutical/device companies value doctors for managing clinical trials, patient protocols, and adverse event reporting.
Apply directly to research hospitals or Clinical Research Organizations (CROs) like IQVIA, Parexel, or Icon.
Medical Science Liaison (MSL) / Surgical Device Specialist
Medical device companies (e.g., Stryker, Medtronic, Intuitive Surgical) hire foreign-trained surgeons as technical advisors, clinical trainers, and product specialists.
Leverage your surgical and anatomical expertise to advise surgical teams on specialized instruments or robotics.
Utilization Review / Clinical Claims Reviewer
Health insurance companies and hospital systems hire MDs to review patient charts and determine medical necessity for surgical procedures.
Look for Medical Reviewer, Chart Auditor, or Utilization Management Specialist roles.
Healthcare Quality & Patient Safety Specialist
Hospitals need experts to optimize surgical workflows, infection control, and clinical governance.
Hospital administration and operations departments.
3. Medical-Related Courses Without GRE and TOEFL
Because you are a US Green Card holder:
TOEFL / IELTS: Most U.S. universities waive English proficiency tests for permanent residents or if your medical school curriculum was conducted in English.
GRE: Most modern healthcare master's and graduate certificate programs have made the GRE optional or waived it completely.
Top Recommended Programs Without Heavy Testing:
Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Health Administration (MHA): Most universities (e.g., Johns Hopkins, UNC, George Washington, Boston University) have test-optional policies.
Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR): Focuses on clinical trial design, biostatistics, and regulatory affairs; widely test-optional.
Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI): Integrates healthcare and technology/EHR systems.
Short Professional Certificates:
Clinical Research Conduct & Management
Healthcare Project Management
Healthcare Data Analytics
4. Recommended Action Plan
Get Your Degree Evaluated: Use a service like WES (World Education Services) or ECE to obtain a U.S. degree equivalency report (evaluating your international medical degree to a U.S. MD equivalent).
Explore ABSA / Surgical Assistant Certification: If you want to stay in the Operating Room immediately, look into the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) foreign medical graduate pathway.
Tailor Your Resume for Corporate & Research Roles: Highlight your clinical judgment, protocol adherence, and specialized surgical terminology when applying for CRA, MSL, or health data roles.
1. Can You Practice as a Licensed Physician/Surgeon Without USMLE?
Direct Independent Clinical Practice: No. To practice as a fully licensed physician or surgeon in the United States, all 50 states require passing the USMLE examinations (Step 1, Step 2 CK), obtaining ECFMG certification, and completing an accredited U.S. residency/fellowship program.
Emerging State Pathways: A few states (such as Tennessee, Washington, and Florida) have recently created alternative licensing pathways allowing experienced international doctors to practice under direct supervision in underserved areas without repeating a full U.S. residency, but they still typically require ECFMG/USMLE credentials.
2. High-Paying Medical-Related Jobs You CAN Do Without USMLE
Having a US Green Card is a massive advantage because you do not need visa sponsorship ($H\text{-}1B$ or $J\text{-}1$). With your 7 years of surgical background, you are highly qualified for several high-demand healthcare careers:
Role
Why Your Surgical Background Fits
Typical Starting Route
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA / SA-C)
You can work directly in the Operating Room assisting surgeons. Many certifying boards (e.g., ABSA or NSAA) have fast-track routes for foreign medical graduates with surgical experience.
Complete a short credentialing/bridge exam (ABSA/NSAA).
Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) / Associate (CRA)
Academic medical centers and pharmaceutical/device companies value doctors for managing clinical trials, patient protocols, and adverse event reporting.
Apply directly to research hospitals or Clinical Research Organizations (CROs) like IQVIA, Parexel, or Icon.
Medical Science Liaison (MSL) / Surgical Device Specialist
Medical device companies (e.g., Stryker, Medtronic, Intuitive Surgical) hire foreign-trained surgeons as technical advisors, clinical trainers, and product specialists.
Leverage your surgical and anatomical expertise to advise surgical teams on specialized instruments or robotics.
Utilization Review / Clinical Claims Reviewer
Health insurance companies and hospital systems hire MDs to review patient charts and determine medical necessity for surgical procedures.
Look for Medical Reviewer, Chart Auditor, or Utilization Management Specialist roles.
Healthcare Quality & Patient Safety Specialist
Hospitals need experts to optimize surgical workflows, infection control, and clinical governance.
Hospital administration and operations departments.
3. Medical-Related Courses Without GRE and TOEFL
Because you are a US Green Card holder:
TOEFL / IELTS: Most U.S. universities waive English proficiency tests for permanent residents or if your medical school curriculum was conducted in English.
GRE: Most modern healthcare master's and graduate certificate programs have made the GRE optional or waived it completely.
Top Recommended Programs Without Heavy Testing:
Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Health Administration (MHA): Most universities (e.g., Johns Hopkins, UNC, George Washington, Boston University) have test-optional policies.
Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR): Focuses on clinical trial design, biostatistics, and regulatory affairs; widely test-optional.
Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI): Integrates healthcare and technology/EHR systems.
Short Professional Certificates:
Clinical Research Conduct & Management
Healthcare Project Management
Healthcare Data Analytics
4. Recommended Action Plan
Get Your Degree Evaluated: Use a service like WES (World Education Services) or ECE to obtain a U.S. degree equivalency report (evaluating your international medical degree to a U.S. MD equivalent).
Explore ABSA / Surgical Assistant Certification: If you want to stay in the Operating Room immediately, look into the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) foreign medical graduate pathway.
Tailor Your Resume for Corporate & Research Roles: Highlight your clinical judgment, protocol adherence, and specialized surgical terminology when applying for CRA, MSL, or health data roles.
Sachin Hegde
125
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Sachin’s Answer
Hi Sandesh,
Where you earn your medical degree will impact where you can practice medicine. For instance, the education needed to become a practicing physician within USA requires years of education and clinical hours. Foreign-trained physicians living in the US will need to undergo an additional amount of education on top of the degree that they’ve already earned. So, you'll need to prepare yourself to pass the US Medical Licensing Exams, get certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign-Trained Medical Graduates, enroll in a residency program, and then take a third licensing test.
Source: https://www.usmle-courses.eu/united-states-medical-licensure-requirements/
Hope this helps!