If you’re an International Medical Graduate (IMG) looking to apply for residency in the United States, you’ve probably heard the word “clerkship” more times than you can count. But knowing you need one and actually finding the right one? That’s a different story.
The right clerkships for international medical graduates can open doors—especially when it comes to U.S. clinical experience, mentorship, and letters of recommendation.
So let’s break down exactly what you need to know.
What Is a Clerkship, Really?
In the U.S., a clerkship is a supervised clinical rotation that allows a medical student—or IMG—to work directly with patients under the guidance of a licensed physician. For international graduates, these clerkships serve as a critical bridge between your medical education abroad and the expectations of U.S. residency programs.
You’ll observe, assist, document, and—depending on the rotation—play an active role in patient care.
Why Clerkships Matter for IMGs
U.S. residency programs don’t just want to know that you studied medicine. They want to know you can work within the U.S. healthcare system—follow protocols, communicate clearly, use electronic medical records, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
Clerkships help you:
- Gain real-world, U.S.-based clinical experience (not just shadowing)
- Receive feedback from practicing U.S. physicians
- Earn letters of recommendation from U.S.-licensed doctors
- Strengthen your residency application with recent, specialty-specific experience
Where to Find Clerkships for International Medical Graduates
Finding a legitimate clerkship opportunity in the U.S. as an IMG can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve partnered with Clerkship America—a group that specializes in placing international graduates into vetted, high-quality clinical settings across the country.
We handle NP placements every day at Preceptor Tree—and for IMG placements, we connect students directly with the team at Clerkship America. It’s a seamless handoff, and they’ll walk you through the process step by step.
Clerkship Specialties Available
Through Clerkship America’s network (with support from Preceptor Tree), international medical graduates can access clerkships in key core and elective specialties, including:
- Internal Medicine
- Family Medicine
- General Surgery
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Pediatrics
- OB/GYN
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Geriatrics
- Oncology
Whether you’re trying to match into primary care, a competitive subspecialty, or just need hands-on U.S. experience to round out your CV, there’s a rotation to meet your goals.
What to Look for in a Clerkship
Not all programs are created equal. When evaluating clerkships for international medical graduates, ask:
- Is the experience hands-on or purely observational?
- Are LORs offered based on performance?
- Is the supervising physician experienced in working with IMGs?
- How long is the rotation—and can it be extended?
- Will I be exposed to EMR systems, patient documentation, and care plans?
The right rotation should build your clinical confidence and strengthen your application—not just check a box.
Start Your Clerkship Journey
We’re here to help you take the next step.
➡️ If you’re an IMG looking for clerkships in the U.S., contact us at contact AT preceptortree.com
We’ll connect you directly with the Clerkship America team and help you begin the process of securing your spot.
It’s not just about getting a rotation. It’s about getting the right one—for your specialty, your goals, and your future.
