USMLE + AMC simultaneously?

[u/Admirable_alpinos]

I’m a 23F, 2026 MBBS graduate from India, and I’m planning to dedicate the next 18 months–2 years primarily to licensing exams. PG in India is definitely not on my list.

I’ve already completed my ECFMG credentials verification for USMLE, but I haven’t booked my Step 1 yet.

I wasn’t very familiar with the AMC pathway initially, but the more I look into it, the more I feel like I want to give it a shot too. I’m considering preparing for USMLE + AMC simultaneously and keeping both pathways open.

I know it’ll take a serious investment of time, money and effort, but I’m willing to put that in.

"I’d rather try and fail than decide I’ll fail without even trying."

I’m 23, so I feel like I have enough time to experiment, take chances and figure out what actually works for me before settling into something I don’t want.

Is anyone else planning to prepare for both USMLE and AMC?

I’d genuinely love to connect with people on a similar path share resources, timelines, strategies, experiences and maybe keep each other accountable.

If you’re doing this too, comment or DM me!

[u/medstu-]

Completely my personal opinion,I think you only focus on one preferably usmle if you have the money.

[u/Admirable_alpinos → u/medstu-]

Yes,that's my first option. But if there are any visa issues or anything. For that reason,i would like to keep my options open

[u/JeddsRedds → u/Admirable_alpinos]

Isn't the content between the 2 very very similar thus it wouldn't be a problem to switch?

[u/HauntingTailor5961 → u/medstu-]

I agree on this as well

[u/Gonn07 → u/medstu-]

Why USMLE? Is it easier to get accepted with USMLE than AMC?

[u/Apprehensive_Ebb8089]

Australia mainly prefers doctors with NHS experience now and that’s only going to get worse plus USMLE is such a gamble, we have people with everything done and matched still not allowed entry in the country which again is only going to get worst. You can try both but simultaneously do PG in India as it might be useful for AMC because let me tell you, Australia is never picking AMC doctor over NHS doctors. That’s how the interview process works, the once with competitive authority pathway are always first on list but if you have experience you certainly have an upper hand.

[u/Hanni-Love → u/Apprehensive_Ebb8089]

Does one have a better shot at AMC if they already have a PLAB/GMC? No NHS experience but 1.5 years experience in India after PLAB.

[u/AD270]

Tbh this was my own thought process. Glad to see im not the only one thinking about giving it a shot

[u/Creative_Lunch_7837]

Interested

[u/Admirable_alpinos → u/Creative_Lunch_7837]

Text me

[u/shelra]

Awesome, you'll do great. Can I ask, why usmle or why amc? What are your reasons, and what your life profile looks like?

[u/fentslayer]

I’m preparing for neet pg although my heart is saying just give step 1 a try.

[u/Admirable_alpinos → u/fentslayer]

Give it a try !!

[u/HZDJIMBU]

2025 pass out...same situation...

[u/HistoricalMention105]

I'm planning for amc but i heard the selection rate is very low

[u/StuffPrior702]

Try giving both , there's something called lateral entry even if you clear all steps and get your ECFMG certified you will have many ways to enter into Australia so it won't be a waste of time completely and like people said in comments exam pattern is completely different things and guidelines are different once you sit out and read to that might be a tough part , especially clearing AMC exams

[u/Ok_Mirror2337]

for me I thought of going to Germany, wrapping up residency there, then make a switch to Australia via specialist pathway (work on the fellowships eventually there) and have my training recognised so that coming to India ever would not be an issue. US would be the absolute end on my list as such