Brazilian MD specialized in orthopedics with 3 children, fluent english.

I'm a Brazilian currently studying Medicine and I've researched a lot about leaving this country. It will probably be hard getting your certifications accepted in another country (I think it's as hard as our Revalida, but probably harder), but it can be done. You are also a specialist and that gives you better chances.

Given that you speak fluent English, it narrows it down to a few countries:

  • USA: you will be required to do your residency all over again. They don't accept any residency from any other country.. If you are willing to do that, search for the "USMLE Brazil" group on Facebook, they will have all the information you'll need. This would probably cost something between 10,000 to 20,000 USD (just a guess - only the exams cost around 5,000 USD, and you would also have to travel to interviews all over the USA). IMGs (International Medical Graduates) have a 30-40% success rate...

  • Canada: I don't know how it is for specialists. For recent graduates it seems to be harder than USA.

  • UK: I don't know a lot about going to the UK. My first impression was that it was hard because they have too much doctors already. And me, as a recent graduate, would have to find a Hospital to work under supervision before getting my degree validated. I have no idea how the process is for specialists.

  • New Zealand: it seems that the process is pretty straight-forward for specialists. You can read more here: https://www.mcnz.org.nz/get-registered/scopes-of-practice/vocational-registration/registration-requirements/voc-3-vocational-specialist-registration/

  • Australia: http://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Registration/International-Medical-Graduates/Specialist-Pathway.aspx

  • I don't know how it works for other countries. But in general it would be impossible to go to an European country if you don't speak their language. And even if you do, it's incredibly hard.

Being a specialist certainly makes things easier for you, and I think you won't have to give up the profession. New Zealand or Australia would be the "easier" places to go to.

My current plan to get out is to get my Medicine degree by 2017. Spend one year working here to save some money and start a new University in Europe (Computer Science in France or Germany - I don't speak the languages yet though, but I think I'll be fluent in one of them by 2018). Though everyday I think about just dropping out of Med School and start studying French on German intensively and work teaching English to save just enough money to leave in the beginning of next year. I lack the courage though, finishing Medicine seems to be the safe choice...

Anyway, good luck!

/r/IWantOut Thread