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?

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.

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.

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

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www.mar-del-plata-argentina.net

A wonderful place to live

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