US doctor considering move to Panama or Argentina

[Cato]

Middle aged American physician (radiologist), starting over with fiance from the Philippines, planning to leave present US (North Carolina) practice in 2-3 years and relocate to Latin America. I hear good things about Panama and Argentina, but I would like to be able to practice there, and it is hard to find what the legal requirements would be, and the employment realities. It looks like field research is in order, but if anyone here knows the requirements for foreign medical graduates to practice in those countries, could you let me know, and maybe save me a trip?

[synthia]

Many Panamanian doctors get their degrees from American medical schools, and I think the nursing schools work like those in the Philippines, where the students take the US nursing boards. So I imagine the requirements are quite similar. However, your income is going to take quite a hit.

[Cato]

Synthia,

I expect my income to take a hit, but probably not as big a hit as if I were to change from radiology to TEFL, or some other job for which I have no experience. (BTW, is there any demand for English instruction in Panama, where English is already widely spoken?) And I understand that I will have to put a LOT of effort into expanding my tiny bit of Spanish knowledge.

[MichelleAlison]

Hi Cato and welcome to the forum.

Although I am in Argentina, I am afraid I can't help you with your questions. If you google Buenos Aires forums, I am sure you will find someone that can.

Good luck with your plans

Michelle

[synthia]

There are some special 'medical Spanish' courses that you can take.

[starex]

Originally Posted by Cato

Middle aged American physician (radiologist), starting over with fiance from the Philippines, planning to leave present US (North Carolina) practice in 2-3 years and relocate to Latin America. I hear good things about Panama and Argentina, but I would like to be able to practice there, and it is hard to find what the legal requirements would be, and the employment realities. It looks like field research is in order, but if anyone here knows the requirements for foreign medical graduates to practice in those countries, could you let me know, and maybe save me a trip?

Hi Cato, would you consider settling in the Philippines? I might be able to help you.

[Cato]

Originally Posted by starex

Hi Cato, would you consider settling in the Philippines? I might be able to help you.

Starex, my emigration is less likely now, since I am no longer dating the Filipina I mentioned, but I am still interested in leaving the US, and the Philippines are a possibility. What can you tell me?

[starex]

Originally Posted by Cato

Starex, my emigration is less likely now, since I am no longer dating the Filipina I mentioned, but I am still interested in leaving the US, and the Philippines are a possibility. What can you tell me?

Hi Cato, do you have email can write you at?

[starex]

Hi Cato, sent you an email but not sure if you got it and if its the right address. I believe there's something for you here.

[PAT]

Originally Posted by Cato

Middle aged American physician (radiologist), starting over with fiance from the Philippines, planning to leave present US (North Carolina) practice in 2-3 years and relocate to Latin America. I hear good things about Panama and Argentina, but I would like to be able to practice there, and it is hard to find what the legal requirements would be, and the employment realities. It looks like field research is in order, but if anyone here knows the requirements for foreign medical graduates to practice in those countries, could you let me know, and maybe save me a trip?

I've done A LOT of research on moving to Panama. It is number one on my list, followed by Equador and Argentina. I'm actually going this summer to investigate further. In the meantime, I could provide you with some wonderful websites I've found. I know of two extremely informative websites. The gentleman who runs one website is orginally from the US. He has lived and worked all over the world for the last 40 years. He is highly respected. He has been living in Panama for the last five years. His name is Bob. His website is free. He is very candid about the good and bad. He's helped people from the investigating stage to the actual move. He has a lot of contacts. He knew a professor who is helping my son to go to college there. It's all in the "who you know". As I stated earlier if you'd like more information that I've I've obtained please let me know.

I'm also always looking for any additional information from expats who actually live there. I'm leaning towards the Farallon area and Las Tablas area. Thanks!