Published
Mar 5, 2024

Clinical Clerkships for IMGs: A Comprehensive Guide

Clinical Clerkship

For international medical graduates (IMGs), clinical clerkships provide a crucial opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the U.S. healthcare system. These rotations, also known as clinical rotations or hospital rotations, are an essential component of medical education and offer IMGs a chance to build their skills, knowledge, and connections in the U.S. medical community. In this blog, we offer a comprehensive guide to clinical clerkships for IMGs:

What are Clinical Clerkships?

IMG Students studying for their clinical clerkship

Clinical clerkships are hospital-based rotations that allow medical students to work alongside practicing physicians and gain firsthand experience in patient care. During these rotations, students are exposed to a wide range of medical specialties and learn how to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions.

For IMGs, clinical clerkships are particularly important, as they provide an opportunity to gain experience in the U.S. healthcare system and make connections with practicing physicians. These connections can be invaluable when it comes to securing residency positions and building a successful medical career in the United States.

Types of Clinical Clerkships

Medical student working during their clinical rotation

There are many different types of clinical clerkships available to IMGs, including:

Core Clerkships: These are rotations in the major medical specialties, such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and psychiatry. Through rotations in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and psychiatry, IMGs can develop a comprehensive understanding of the different areas of medicine and acquire practical skills that will be useful in any medical specialty.

Elective Clerkships: These are rotations in more specialized areas of medicine, such as cardiology, oncology, dermatology, or radiology. This gives IMGs the opportunity to gain experience in more specialized areas of medicine that are of particular interest to them. This allows them to tailor their clinical experience to their career goals and acquire more in-depth knowledge in a particular area.

Sub-Internships: These are more advanced rotations that allow students to take on greater responsibility and work more closely with attending physicians. Sub-internships are particularly useful for IMGs who are interested in pursuing residency training in the United States, as they provide a more advanced level of clinical experience and allow students to take on greater responsibility in patient care. This can help IMGs demonstrate their ability to handle the demands of residency training and improve their chances of matching into a residency program.

Observerships: These are non-hands-on rotations that allow students to observe physicians in action and gain exposure to the U.S. healthcare system. Observerships can help IMGs gain insight into the expectations and practices of U.S. physicians and provide a valuable learning experience.

For IMGs, participating in clinical clerkships can be an excellent way to gain hands-on experience in the U.S. healthcare system, which is essential for a successful medical career in the United States. Each type of clinical clerkship offers unique benefits that can help IMGs enhance their medical knowledge, improve their clinical skills, and build relationships with mentors and colleagues in their field.

How to Secure a Clinical Clerkship

Two female IMG Students studying for their clinical rotation

Securing a clinical clerkship can be a competitive process, particularly for IMGs. Here are some tips for increasing your chances of success:

Start early: Begin researching clerkship opportunities well in advance, as many programs have early application deadlines.

Build a strong CV: A strong medical school CV, including a high MCAT score, community service, extracurricular activities, and work experience, can help set you apart from other applicants.

Network: Make connections with practicing physicians and other medical professionals to increase your chances of finding a clerkship opportunity.

Apply broadly: Consider applying to multiple programs to increase your chances of success.

Consider observerships: Observerships can be a good way to gain exposure to the U.S. healthcare system and build connections with practicing physicians, even if they do not offer hands-on experience.


To get into a clinical rotation, the initial step is to identify the type of clinical rotation that suits your needs. Clinical rotations are available in various forms, such as clinical internships, externships, clinical clerkships, and residencies, each offering varying levels of responsibility and experience. Conducting research and choosing the most suitable type of rotation is essential to achieve your desired outcome.

To properly apply for a clinical rotation, you need to collect the required paperwork and documents such as medical records, immunization records, and sometimes a background check after researching the various types of clinical rotations available. It’s crucial to ensure that you have gathered all the necessary paperwork because it may be mandatory before you can commence your clinical rotation.

An application is a prerequisite for most clinical rotations, which usually includes a resume, cover letter, and letters of recommendation. Ensure that your application is complete and accurate, as this will significantly increase your chances of being accepted into the clinical rotation.

Following the submission of your application, you will likely be invited for an interview. During the interview, you can anticipate being asked various questions about your professional goals and experiences. It’s essential to be well-prepared for the interview, as it provides an opportunity to make a positive impression and demonstrate why you're an excellent fit for the clinical rotation.

Clinical Clerkships and Residency

medical student during their clerkship studying

Clinical clerkships can be an important stepping stone to securing a residency position in the United States. In particular, IMGs who complete clinical clerkships in U.S. hospitals may have an advantage in the residency application process, as they will have gained exposure to the U.S. healthcare system and made connections with practicing physicians.

The residency application process for IMGs can be complex, and may involve programs such as the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) or the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). However, completing a clinical clerkship can help set you up for success in this process.

Joining a Clinical Clerkship as an IMG

For IMGs, clinical clerkships provide an essential opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the U.S. healthcare system and build connections with practicing physicians. By starting early, building a strong CV, networking, applying broadly, and considering observerships, IMGs can increase their chances of success in securing a clinical clerkship and building a successful medical career in the United States.

Clinical rotations provide a valuable opportunity for IMGs to gain hands-on experience in a real-world healthcare setting. With various types of rotations available, it's important to research and find the one that best suits your needs. By submitting a complete application and preparing for your interview, you can secure a spot in your desired clinical rotation. With careful preparation, you can gain the practical experience and knowledge necessary for a successful medical career. If you're struggling to find the right clinical clerkship, don't worry! C.H.H.A. is here to help. As an IMG, applying for a clinical clerkship can be challenging, but our team is available to answer any questions and provide guidance. Apply now to our clinical clerkships or contact us for further assistance. We are committed to helping you find the perfect clinical rotation and reach your professional goals in the medical field.

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