US Clnical experience

[Pritty]

How important is US clinical experience in order to have a good chance at matching?

[anatolyk]

It is a very nice to have, but definitely less important than your scores and year of graduation.

[Ron]

Having experience in the US is very important, the reason being it gives the program a chance to see you in the field as opposed to hear things about you from a letter or recommender by phone. It also reflects as to how serious you are about a program if you are willing to come and do a rotation there.
True it is not a must, but it makes alot of a difference from the programs perspective if they saw your face and got a feel for you, if your scores are on the lower end - you should definately aim for US experience, if youre going for a competitive residency you should also gain US experience. In short - if you have the option - do it, it will help you 100%

I always recommend reading www.imgresidencytips.com

ron