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REFERENCES

Feel free to email the following former externs about their experience in our office. They are graduates from all over the world, including many American graduates from Caribbean schools. They prefer to communicate via email.


  • Aditi: Our current extern

Email: aditixavier14@gmail.com

  • Prab: Our recent former extern

Email: prabhsimran.s@yahoo.com

  • Divya: Our recent former extern

Email: divyaboorle@gmail.com

  • Angali: 

Email: arpatel627@gmail.com

  • Alla Toma: 

Email: alaakattula@yahoo.com

Externship during COVID 19

5/29/2020

Dear Dr.Jaddou,

I want to thank you for all the support and mentorship you have shown me over the past couple of months. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all faced near-unimaginable upheaval in our personal and professional lives over the last few months. You have been incredibly generous with your time and energy to me, your staff, and your patients throughout this pandemic in terms of keeping us safe by offering us KN95 masks, gowns, and shields. In this new medicine landscape, mixing live and telehealth was an amazing experience for me in this new medicine norm. I am sure it will help me in the residency interviews.

Not only have you been a fantastic mentor to me, but you have also taught me and given me the opportunity to mentor others.

I am intrigued by your energy, and the way you addressed patient concerns and coordinated with all the other externs and staff showed me the best management skills.

As a result of your expertise and guidance, I have a much deeper understanding of practice-based learning, history-taking skills, physical examinations, diagnosis and course of treatment, and managing and updating the electronic medical records.

I truly appreciate the confidence you showed in me. My gratitude for your contribution to my future success is immeasurable.

I hope that after this externship, I might be in

contact with you at greater length and need your guidance in pursuing my residency.

Last but not least, your “sense of humor” made this journey memorable. Thank you so much.


Yours Sincerely, YV

I am about to finish an externship under Dr. Jaddou, and I have to say, I have learned more in the past three weeks than I did in my last two years of medical school. He is very good with all the students and gives weekly quizzes on different topics, too. I feel so prepared for residency as he has already taught us the dosing of different medications. I would recommend this externship to anyone who doesn't have any USCE because he will teach you from scratch and you will be a pro with the Allscripts EMR by the end of it. A great experience overall!


Priyal Patel, M.D., Ross Medical School, 2014

For all those who are scared of Detroit, I may say that this place is lovely and peaceful. Both clinics that I had my rotation at are up-to-date in terms of technologies. A friendly atmosphere is the main reason I never felt intimidated by others. During my one-month stay, I managed to find good friends. Not only did we work hard six days a week, but we also had our share of fun.

Do not hesitate to contact the program. Application is easy! I may also share my experience via email if you still have questions!


Iryna Liauchonak, M.D., 2014

(2012 Review)

"Excellent rotation. The best one I have had "Just graduated from medical school. Highly recommended.

-Parth Dave Ross University

"This externship has been a terrific experience. Also, patients who come to the office are respectful to the externs. Finally, I have enjoyed a lot this rotation and I would strongly recommend it to anyone who needs US clinical experience. " 


Carlos Zanabria, M.D., (2007), from Peru

"I recently did an externship with Dr. Jaddou. It was the best externship experience I've had in the U.S. He had a very busy practice. He is a faculty at two medical schools. He is a staff member at many hospitals and a professor."  I am sure a letter of recommendation from him will add a lot of value.


" -Vineet Pillai M.D. India

Summer 2005

"You get to work in an environment that is truly conducive to learning." The clinical experiences and knowledge I have gained during this rotation are truly priceless. "In my opinion, Dr. Jaddou is not only an amazing clinician but also a caring human being."


Siddique Khatri, M.D. (2011), University of Saint Eustathius 

Hello Dr, Jaddou,

I just wanted to thank you for everything again. I appreciate all your help and advice. I learned many things and gained much from the experience. Thank you again for the LOR. I hope to keep in touch, and please don’t hesitate if you ever need anything from Canada.


Sincerely, Milud

From usmle-forum.com

Well, I am nearing the end of my externship with Dr. Jaddou, and I can say these four weeks have been simply amazing! We used to take histories, examine patients, and present the cases to Dr. Jaddou. Then he would discuss the differential diagnosis and line of action; the most important part is that we were never scared to go wrong; he always corrected our mistakes in a jocular way.

Dr. Jaddou is very knowledgeable and also very approachable; this externship added a lot to my knowledge.

He also used to give us handouts on guidelines for management of common cases like hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes, and infectious diseases and conduct tests on the same. I would say this was the most beneficial part of the externship.

Besides, we also learned to perform EKGs, urine tests, strep tests, wart freezing, breathing treatments, etc. He also used to let us write prescriptions.

The offices are very systematic and disciplined.


So overall, it was a great experience that will certainly help me a lot in my career. 

This is my first post ever on this site. I decided to comment since I used other people’s comments to make my decision to sign up for this externship.

One word to describe my experience is "amazing!" Dr. Jaddou was super friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. He was always trying to teach and point out things that were on the board and things you would use in daily practice. The biggest thing is that even if you were wrong, he wouldn’t make you feel worthless or degrade you; he would kindly correct you and make sure you understood what your mistake was. I was never afraid to ask questions. To reinforce important concepts, he provided handouts on common topics such as HTN, HLD, diabetes, and antibiotics that are relevant to family medicine and the boards. I absolutely loved these handouts and the tests that came with them.

Like the other poster said, I got to take a history, examine the patient, and think of a diagnosis and treatment plan. I then got to present the case to Dr. Jaddou, and he would listen to what you had to say and make corrections if need be. From there, I brought the patient to the room, where he would talk to them and examine them. I was able to perform an EKG, urine tests, a strep test, wart freezing, a pulmonary function test, a pregnancy test, and write prescriptions. I was treated as and felt like a resident.

Out of all the doctors I’ve met, he was literally the only one that made me feel like I should be a doctor. The biggest thing I was able to get from this experience was confidence. When the time comes and I match into a program, I’m going to fly out to Michigan, walk up to his clinic, give him the biggest hug ever, and thank him.

I am about to finish an externship under Dr. Jaddou, and I have to say, I have learned more in the past three weeks than I did in my last two years of medical school. Dr. Jaddou treats you as an intern, and you are in charge of your own patients. He is very good with all the students and gives weekly quizzes on different topics, too. I feel so prepared for residency as he has already taught us the dosing of different medications. I would recommend this externship to anyone who doesn't have any experience in EMS because he will teach you from scratch and you will be a pro with the Allscripts EMR by the end of it. The office is very busy too, so you learn to manage your time with your patients effectively. A great experience overall!

Hands-on experience with Somerset Family Medicine #837790 newshiii1503 - 02/25/17 21:50 Hi everyone. This is my first post on the USMEL website, and I want to share some experience with you regarding the rotation that I just finished this week.

I am a Chinese medical graduate who just passed Step 2 CS last year and desperately need some hands-on USCE to help with my residency match this year. I had some experience applying for rotations through commercial groups when I was still in medical school four years ago. However, that experience still gave me nightmare today because I ended up seeing no patient and learn nothing at all. Hence, this time I am very cautious about choosing the programs.

During the searching, I accidentally found something on the AMA website (you can google "AMA externship" and click the first link; sorry that the forum does not allow me to put any link here). There are several programs listed here with "AMA certification." I think, well, these programs have AMA certification, so maybe they are worth a shot. I applied the Somerset Family medicine listed on the top of the web page and that's how I finally met with Dr. Neil Jaddou.

Now I am very glad that I made the right choice by rotating with Dr. Jaddou. During the past four weeks, I have seen hundreds of patients and learned so much regarding family medicine and internal medicine. There are some students who have rotated with Somerset before who have posted their comments in other forums. I would like to prove that what they have posted is true. I have seen so many patients every day that I barely have any time to take a break. A complete physical exam, various injections, an EKG, and an U/A are all routines that I have to do every day. However, the most important thing that I learned in the office were the management strategies for common diseases such as HTN, hyperlipidemia, URI, etc. I know that many of you has passed the steps and know the medications like me. Nevertheless, I really have no idea how to apply the textbook knowledge into real-world practice until I finish this rotation. Now I am very comfortable writing prescriptions to treat those patients.

Dr. Jaddou is a very nice person. He does spend time educating students with great patience. He is very kind and provides a free clinic in St. Joseph's Church every week. He invited me to visit the Beaumont hospital and go to dinner with him and his wife in one of the best steakhouses in Detroit. I really enjoyed the time with Dr. Jaddou and all the staff in the office.

I understand everyone wants to know about the LoR. And yes, if you work hard, it is very likely that you will obtain a good LOR from Dr. Jaddou. He has a lot of connections in the Detroit area, and the letter can be very helpful if you are going to apply for family medicine or internal medicine. Moreover, if you work even harder, you may get a certification as "Student of the Month," which will make your CV look good.

I'd like to recommend this rotation to everyone, especially those IMG who have just started preparing for the match. I guarantee that you will learn a lot through this rotation. For my Chinses friends who have never been to the USA before, I strongly recommend you to take a rotation here before you do the OB with the hospitals.

I am writing to request your recommendation for my ERAS (Internal Medicine, Preliminary/Transitional Year) and SF Match Ophthalmology applications.

I appreciate the opportunity I had to complete an externship at your clinics in May 2022. It allowed me to see a high volume of patients with various backgrounds and needs ranging from acute/problem-oriented to chronic disease follow-up, procedures, and wellness visits. This first US clinical experience prepared me well for subsequent ophthalmology and internal medicine rotations. Again, I am very grateful for your guidance throughout the externship and the welcoming collegial atmosphere at the clinics.

Thank you for considering the request to support my applications. I am available to chat at your convenience if you have any questions or anything you would like to discuss. I have attached my updated CV (with some recent US clinical experiences and volunteering activities) and latest headshot, FYI.

Thank You Cards

Hello Dr. Jaddou,

Thank you for the opportunity to do orientation at your clinics in both Troy and Sterling Heights today. I enjoyed working with you, Dr. Madhuri, and the staff today. It was very nice. The way medicine is practiced in the US is quite different from that in China. I thank you a lot for letting me have the experience.

I also want to thank you for your teaching and reminders, which will help me become a better doctor in American clinical settings. I am very eager to learn both medical knowledge and interpersonal skills between patients and doctors.

I have requested a newer version of your book and will be reading it. I look forward to working for you in July. Sincerely,


Thank you very much, Dr. Jaddou! I really respect and admire you as a great doctor and a great person! Best regards,


Hi, Dr. Jaddou! How are you? Hope everything is great!


I passed my CS exam! I am very happy, I got high performance in all categories (Integrated Clinical Encounter, Communication and Interpersonal Skills and Spoken English Proficiency). I have already started my studies for Step 3, in order to apply for residency with its score. Any news about the article?

Dr Jaddou, I am very glad I did externship in your office. I appreciated enormously I have achieved an excellence during my externship, and this, for sure will help in my residency application. By the way, I truly appreciate everything. =)

Our Reviews

Text from former extern received 8/31/17: Hi Dr Jaddou. This is ...... I just wanted to share with you that I got a family medicine resident position with DMC family medicine...post-graduation of my MPH. I am super thrilled this opportunity has finally come. Just wanted to thank you for all your guidance and support and for allowing me to build my confidence as an aspiring physician.

"You made us feel like family"

Hello Dr. Jaddou,

My friend and I are interested to take an externship in your program.

Unfortunately,we were unaware of the importance of the USCE and after research, we decided that the best option is your program (in all aspects). This will help us to understand better the American Healthcare system and also will boost our chances to apply and get a residency in this match, 2018.

Dear Dr. Jaddou,

I hope you and your wife are doing well. I am finishing my externship with medclerkships in NY this week and I have to say you made us feel like family when we were in Michigan. That is something NY was lacking. I have your externship highly recommended and hope you see a student very soon who says ------- sent us. Thank you for the conference, it was a new and different experience. Will keep you posted on how my application season is going.

Hi Dr. Jaddou,

I just found out that I matched at my #1 choice,……. University. I am so grateful to all who helped me along the way, especially you! Overall, I had 19 interview offers and attended 18. I made sure to make the experience in your office one of my main talking points. Please share the news with Sandy! I hope you are both well!   

Boost your score on Step 3:

Just checking in and wanted you to know that I did step 3 already. Day 1 was brutal. Day 2 was better. Thank you for the help! I really appreciated it. I came in more prepared for day 1. Also, Some questions were actually related to DVT and PAD, the chapters you assigned to me.

Regards to you and the SFM TEAM! Sincerely,

Happy Easter to you and your blessed family! I would like to let you know that I matched this residency cycle into a Transitional Year program in Georgia, and I will apply again next cycle for an Internal medicine and Family medicine programs...Let's hope I get a better chance in the next residency cycle! I really miss working with you and your amazing medical team, and I truly appreciate your help, medical career guidance, and time.

Gone Unmatched!

I am a Caribbean medical graduate - earned my MD from St. Georges had applied to Internal Medicine and remained unmatched, seemingly due to average scores on USMLE. My mentors, program directors, forums, and my family and friends have suggested to me to find some sort of clinical externship in Family Medicine that I could do before the next round of residency applications where I would also apply to both Family Medicine in addition to Internal Medicine. I came across your website searching on the web and also from the reviews on the USMLE forums.

Outpatient Somerset Family Medicine rotation

with Dr. Neil Jaddou, in Michigan

One LOR, one preceptor.

LOR has university and 4 hospital logos because Dr. Jaddou has professorship appointment to 2 medical schools and is a staff at 4 hospitals: Henry Ford, DMC, Beaumont and St. John hospitals.

According to The IMG’s Guide to Finding U.S. Clinical Experience KAPLAN TEST PREP

"2. Go the direct route with direct placement clinics"

Other comments from the forums:

USCE is not an absolute requirement for residency, although it markedly increases your chances. However, good scores alone aren't enough. Your scores are impressive but don't be fooled into thinking the higher the score it compensates for something. Complete your research project, publish something, get some USCE and you should be competitive enough. Why hamper these awesome, stellar scores with lack of USCE?


Dear Dr. Jaddou,

I didn't match to a pathology position during the main match but I was accepted to one during SOAP! I really believe your LOR helped them a lot in their decision (they even discussed it during the phone interview). Thank you so much for all the help.


Hello Somerset,

I am happy to write to you that I am invited to an interview at .....I am excited and nervous at the same time. I just would like to thank you once again as I strongly believe I was invited because of your externship.


Hi Doc,

I received my first interview invitation this morning. Guess where? ...... I am so excited!!!! Thank you again for the LOR.

Our American Externship program sent our externs to this conference\


A Wonderful Doctor & a Friend

On Sunday, June 24, 2018, wrote:

Dear Dr. Jaddou! It's been a while since I've kept you updated.

(You can add this part to your website if you want): I got into residency, and I start this year! I want to thank you for creating your program! It offered me the opportunity to continue to improve upon my medical skills and knowledge during the period between medical school and residency. Although I only participated in your externship for 2 months over a year ago (June/July 2016), I recollect my experience with fondness. Your program allowed me to build the confidence I needed to transition from medical student to resident physician. I participated in other externships, but none compare to the quality that you provide for the participating extern. You encouraged me to work efficiently in the outpatient environment, provided me with an opportunity to exhibit my leadership potential (when going to the Family Medicine National Conference in July 2016 and during the externship as Chief Resident). I'm thankful for your lectures, quizzes, and expectations-- all aspects that helped me understand self-discipline and responsibility. I continue to recommend your program to others and will continue to speak highly of my experience. 

“Very busy, interesting, and productive 6 weeks-that is how I can describe my experience in Somerset Family Medicine clinic. Dr. Jaddou is highly experienced as a family physician. His experience and his love to teach makes for a great environment for an externship. His enthusiastic approach to his patients and his profession is a great example for future physicians.

More Reviews

"Somerset Family Medicine gives you a thorough insight into US medical system. SFM staff are kind. Dr.Neil Jaddou is a man of principles yet balanced and open-minded, courteous with patients, tactful with staff, and canny in discharging the standard the care. You interact with a couple of other externs and nurse practitioners students, it is like a real residency program"


"Alaa Toma, Baghdad, Iraq​"

"The Best Experience in My Life"

"It turned out to be one of the best experiences in my life. Dr. Jaddou was not only closely observing me, but he was also very keen on teaching." 


"Remon Assaad, M.D. Alexandria, Egypt"

Dr. Jaddou giving a lecture to his externs. These lecture series are taken from his textbook titled the "Bread and Butter of Family Medicine" Which includes: HTN, Diabetes, Hyperlipidemia, Antibiotics etc.

Carpe Diem, "Seize the Day", Do not postpone, jump on this opportunity. Most residency programs require at least 3 months of externship.

When it comes to residency application, the competition is fierce:

"It was an amazing learning experience at Dr. Jaddous's clinic. He is a great teacher, a very kind and considerate physician, and a supportive mentor. The rotation made me confident that I can handle residency very well. I really enjoyed my days at the rotation."

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