If you’re interested in moving to the US too, check out libertymedics.com and follow our insta link: instagram.com/libertymedics/ xx

Can we appreciate the fact that he didn’t put any ads in between his 33 min video?

“What are your hobbies?” Ali: “I do medicine for fun”

Timestamps 0:22 - Ali talks about initial plans to take the USMLE 1:00 - Uncertainty, plans changing and reserving the right to change his mind 2:10 - Ali's current situation in British medicine 4:54 - Ali's initial thoughts (and original travel plans) come August 4th; the date he leaves the NHS (British health service) 6:01 - Ali's thoughts on leaving the UK and keeping his options open 8:30 - The Odyssey plan (referencing UnJaded Jade) and introduces the concept of 'optional serendipity' 12:28 - Explainer on choosing America as a destination (considering other countries; Australia, Canada etc.,) 14:52 - Benefits of going to the US (collaborations, friends, audience etc.) 16:50 - US as a good fit to finish medical training 17:46 - Ali answers questions over what is wrong with the UK? 18:18 - When Ali plans to leave for the US 18:43 - Ali addresses if earning money is one of the key motivations 19:32 - Where in the US Ali plans to go and how long he plans to stay 19:50 - Ali addresses questions about his flatmate Molly 19:54 - What tech Ali plans to use and travel with 20:27 - Addressing potential medical specialities and when to prepare 22:00 - Where the initial idea of moving to US came from and working with Liberty Medics 26:46 - How Ali plans to balance KZfaq with American plans 27:43 - Ali addresses what life might be like as US resident and consultant doctor 28:39 - Whether Ali would consider starting over as an intern again and addressing time spent with family and friends 29:38 - Whether Ali is scared of Guns or American gun laws and thoughts on US healthcare system 30:35 - Whether Ali has any guilt over leaving the NHS and general thoughts on it as an organisation 32:03 - Closing notes and summary of main talking points

We'd be glad to have you in the US! Your personality and your charisma would make you a great fit anywhere. Best of luck!

“If I'm an advocate for anything, it's to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. The extent to which you can walk in someone else's shoes or at least eat their food, it's a plus for everybody. Open your mind, get up off the couch, move.” ― Anthony Bourdain

“I kinda like exams.” ... calm down, Hermione 😂

And here I am, an American doctor who moved to the UK to practice.

06:57 - increasing surface area for good things to happen 08:55 - Odyssey plan Things 2 things are the takeaways for me. Really needed them at this point. Loved this.

More power to you Ali! Moving to different countries and embracing new cultures, friends, and activities has shaped me as a person is something I feel so lucky to have experienced. Like you said nothing is permanent - go for it 💪🏻

Imma be honest, don’t think now is the best time to come to America.

"Increasing your surface area for serendipitous occasions to hit you" I like that thought.

If you prioritize economical desires, move to the USA. If you prioritize social desires, move to (or stay in) the UK/Canada/Australia/New Zealand. A Canadian's perspective.

Give this man an adventure. 👏🌞 Really enjoyed this video Ali! So excited to see how life plays out for you.

I disagree that this video added no value to our lives. I watched the whole thing and feel massively inspired right now 🤩🤩 I loved hearing about your potential plans for a more exciting life.

There aren’t any comments on that video you referenced, so here’s my story with healthcare in America: I have two insurances, one from my job and one from my dad. I broke my collarbone and had to wait 3 weeks to get it fixed while the doctor decided whether my insurance was going to cover it. Then, before the surgery, I had to pay $1,700 up front. For the next six months I got bills ranging from $25 to $900, and overall I’ve had to pay around $2,800. Then, for the next two years, I had to fight with my two insurance companies who supposedly covered me about actually paying the other $8,000 left on the bill. Eventually the insurance covered it, but it was 2 years of wondering if I was going to be financially ruined or not. And three weeks of waiting with my collarbone snapped in half before I could get treated.

Imagine his kids watching these you tube clips in twenty years time......like reading your dads diary on steriods

Hearing you talking about exposing your surface area to luck reminded me of something my mum told me: Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. We cannot predict when opportunities will arrive but we can prepare and make ourselves open to them.

love your storytelling and how you inspire others 👌😌

Being a pre-med, seeing that the seniors have second thoughts too is quite reaffirming and it strengthens my will to become a doctor.

Moved to America sixteen years ago - now trying to figure out a way to get back home. The US has been good to me, but my morality is out of line with the US. But it has been an adventure and I have met many great people along the way.

Ali: Moving to America Me: dreaming of collab with Kevin Jubbal 🙈 Good luck Ali, hope u stay safe and sound 🙌🏽

I know you said that you weren’t worried about “all the guns” and as far as you being shot you may be right, but if your plan is to do emergency medicine (especially in NY or another large city) you will be seeing gunshot victims at an alarming frequency. It’s definitely not a reason not to come, but it is something to be aware of.

Who are you Ali? Ali: "I'm a guy who does medicine for fun."

What do you miss about the NHS? -expects a long heartfelt answer Ali: "The logo is pretty cool"

"feel free to not watch it" hey man, we care about you too. okay?

Can't wait for you to hop the pond and move to the US!

I’m a junior doctor in Australia and there are so many of your colleagues here. I love working with them, I think you are so brave travelling to another country to practice medicine.

I wish you the best of luck in America Ali. Your such an inspiration for me in the past two years. Edit: forgot to mention you also saved me 1200 quid for convincing me to return my ipad pro 2018

I love the way you filmed this long video. I felt like I was sitting opposite you, listening to what you wanted to say. For selfish reasons, I wouldn't want you to leave the UK but I completely understand. You are young and single so make the most of your time travelling and living in different countries. You have absolutely nothing to lose and so much to gain. The world is certainly your oyster! Go wherever your heart desires xx

Something about a dermatologist talking about patients affording healthcare doesn't sit right with me

Yeah I completely support this. In fact, I am surprised you didn't do this sooner. I moved from the UK to the US because the tech industry in the US is better and pays more for talent.

As an American, I can’t understand why anyone would want to come here right now. It seems like we’ve suspended common sense and are now living in an alternate reality. The U.S. is awesome. It’s just that some of our fellow citizens are not so awesome. That being said, I wish you the best of luck in deciding your next step Ali. Whatever choice you make, I’m sure it’ll be the right one. Cheers! P.s. get ready for literally everyone to ask you if you’re from London. Not the UK, but London. Geography isn’t our strongpoint here.

Ali, have you thought of joining ‘Doctors without borders’? I think with your skillset and empath]y, you’d make a good difference to the world.

I had the same moment when I did my medical internship in one of remote islands near Borneo, Indonesia. Then I applied for scholarship to study master’s in UK and after that I did PLAB exam. And now almost 5 years later, I am a core Anaesthetics trainee in UK! :)

oh man now is a rough time to be a foreigner in the US

“Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.” ― Allen Saunders

Cutting to the chase : Ali is moving to the US to find better dating options 😁

Really easy to binge these videos! Love the honesty and slightly self-deprecating humour

What specialty make $200k -$300k yearly? 😅 I'm in psychiatry field and I think that's full time salary😂.

What's the worst that could happen? That you go to the US, don't like it, return to the UK, and pick up where you left off? You have the financial resources, you are unencumbered (no wife or kids to consider), you are curious about life "on the other side", and you think it will give your KZfaq channel a boost. So go, stay safe, and have fun!

You remind me of me in the 1980s! I grew up in Ireland and went to medical school there. I wanted adventure. I did my paediatric training in Ireland and went to the US to do a Neonatology fellowship on a J1 visa. (I think President Trump just cancelled those). Then I had an academic job opportunity in Canada, albeit I had to do one more year of residency to make sure I could qualify to do the FRCPC. My university sponsored me for permanent residency and a few years later I became a Canadian citizen (I have dual citizenship). I had a very exciting career in Canada and am now retired and enjoying life. Very glad to be here in a place where people care for each other.

I’m a medical student from pakistan !! Keep inspiring & chasing your dream! Sending lot of prayers your wayy!!!💯

This resonates with me a lot, coming to the end of my training in a year’s time (CCT) and due to go abroad for a fellowship. Regretted not doing USMLE earlier. Good luck mate!

For an "update vlog" you dropped a lot of knowledge bombs and I really appreciated it.

His perfectly planned itinerary is a ‘vague plan’. Omg 😂

come to New York! I am a physical therapy student, and i always turn to your video for inspiration and motivation wether it be going through school or learn how to make passive income such as making fitness youtube vidoes, and not replying soley on PT for income but practice it because of my passion for it. Looking forward to your updates on your journey to the US!

One of the things I appreciate about you is that you are open to experiments at this stage. I think we need to experience most of the things ourselves and then learn from them. I really hope you go on a world tour as well.

I can't even begin to articulate how much your videos have influenced my life through the course of last two years and I'm so happy to see you progress both personally and professionally. I still remember hearing in one of your videos(few months ago) that the first 35-100 videos one posts on KZfaq will be trash and so it's better to get it over with and that literally inspired me to start chasing the KZfaq dream and this Sunday, I'm uploading my very first. Thank you so much for doing what you're doing and I hope you reach that 1mil. mark soon. Here's one of my favorite quotes which I think you may find helpful at some point in your life: “You can’t ever reach perfection, but you can believe in an asymptote toward which you are ceaselessly striving.” ― Paul Kalanithi, When Breath Becomes Air

So I'm one of the very few people who's had the opportunity to train in the UK and in the US, currently a final-year medical student. The main differences from a practice standpoint is that in the US, things are much more defined. Physicians, students, residents all have their specific roles and they're taken extremely seriously. Microdecisions matter a ton, as do metrics, and work hours. UK training is MUCH more laid back and with the attitude of "go home and learn stress free" rather than "stay here and learn by practice/fire." In addition, the infrastructure is MUCH better in the US than the UK. Not having EMR, not having the same type of in-hospital technology, not having access to easy and fast testing, all change your day-to-day drastically. The drawbacks are that the UK gives physicians a lot more autonomy and the NHS gives physicians protection. There are no midlevels to creep on your scope, and vastly fewer structural problems always eating at you. You don't have to deal with insurance reimbursements, pharmaceuticals, revenue units, or systemic problems in the US like the opioid epidemic. It's much less stressful there as a physician, especially as an Emergency physician. Edit: The 80 hour work week is NOT a myth, because without the 80 hour week, residents would be doing closer to 100-120 a week. You will almost never go home early, and you'll be pressed by your program to invest fully, rather than this "I don't need this" attitude.

This question has been with me forever and then you come....thank you!

There is completely different in Poland. For example if you want to be surgeon: We have 6 years of medical school, next we have 13 months of working everywhere, doing rotations in everything, next have test from all of the knowledge of medicine from studies and then we have 5 years surgeon's specialization

"Canada is an option. Canada isn't really an option." - Ali Abdaal

Not usually one to comment on KZfaq videos but Ali if you’re reading this- I wish you the best of luck in the pursuit of your dreams and journey! I’m sure you will find fulfilment and happiness in whatever you do!

I'm an American ex-pat who now lives in the UK, in Cambridgeshire BTW. As someone who knows both places fairly well, I must say that I prefer the lifestyle here in the UK! Good luck whatever choice you make. Serendipity & an odyssey plan sound like great strategies. Your willingness to leave your comfort zone for a new challenge is likely to go very well for you. You know how to figure the world out. You seem to make your own luck. You go!

Personally, I wish I could leave the US, but that is not feasible for me. Living here is incredibly frustrating. There are positives, but over the last few years, I found a lot more negatives. When it comes to healthcare, my cat has better coverage than I do (which is nothing). There are sacrifices I have to make concerning my health because I simply would not be able to afford it and the system is not set up in my favor. My experiences will likely not be similar to yours, but they are similar to millions of Americans. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best.

As an American, it’s encouraging to know how many intelligent and accomplished people wish to move to the US. Sadly it’s a loss for their home country (brain drain, etc.), but it’s a gain for the US. Immigrants help make America great.

I’ve realised that really “you only live once” I would definitely want to live an unpredictable life, imagine the stories that would come from the experience! 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞

Defo opened my perspective on the approach of using an odyssey plan☀️

I came to the USA from India in 1966. I have been to Canada and back to India many times, London, too. To keep it short. Think about going to Canada. Take some short visits to USA, if possible. Good luck.

Random Dr: So, why did you move to the States? Ali: for the collabs, rep & girlfriend goals Random Dr: Ah, yes. The American Dream *Bald eagle screeches in the distance*

☀️You're so well spoken, I have no interest in medicine but I enjoy listening to you ramble lol

Omg the 'luck event' that was brilliant! glad somebody else noticed this a well !! Love your channel !!

Hi Ali, I stumbled upon your channel because I watched the iPad comparison you made and I loved it, then I started watching this video and subbed right away. I'll be binging here lol., I'm a Nursing student and also I have travelled quite a bit. I'm from Chicago, and my husband, our two kids and myself decided to travel the world back in 2014. We went to few countries and ended up living at the Galapagos islands for 2 years. When we came back I decided to get into Nursing (previously I spent my career as an IT Specialist)..then it was my life experience traveling, being elsewhere that opened up my calling into Nursing. I'm so happy I found your channel. We'd love to have you here in the US. I love my country, as everywhere else we have our struggles, but this is the land of opportunity, and I know you will do incredibly well here. Good luck with your decision, and wish you the best! xo

Guys, the shirt is pink now. He's on a new chapter in his life.

I have a theory: UK/UN is sending ali as an undercover agent to USA so that he can help Americans doctors with productivity.

The government subsidises the medicine/dentistry course for all undergraduates here in the UK. That's where my guilt would come from if I left the NHS for the US. I study dentistry in the UK, for foreign students, it's like 30k for the clinical years (compared to the 9k I pay).

OMG this is relatable, I'm subscribing right now.

I lived in London my whole life , I graduated with a degree I didn’t really enjoy. My chances of changing careers were difficult. My only option was to get a degree which I would I have to pay out of pocket for. I decided to venture out and travel instead, I ended traveling to the U.S. I found a job and ended up staying longer than expected. But more importantly I found out I could further my studies by taking exams and picking up extra classes and then entering my desired field of study without having to re do the whole three years of BA. A lot of people feel skeptical about living in America due to what’s on the news but I love it here. There are more opportunities here and absolutely love the American way of life. Well done for looking out for what’s best for you as an individual and I hope you enjoy America like I have

Just watched this video and wow, it brought WORLDS of value. Every topic was so thoroughly discussed and super insightful to hear your thought process behind it. I'm applying to medical school this year and it's given me so many ideas of how to document my journey, so thank you.

I moved to Tokyo 6 years ago (from Scotland) and really like what you said about life events and the surface area for serendipity to strike! I have started a small business here that I never would’ve done if I’d stayed in Glasgow. I might move back at some point, but for now, I’m pretty content to see what the future holds (post ‘rona!). Hope you get the chance to go snowboarding/skiing in Japan at some point. It’s pretty amazing 😊

I completely relate to this video. I'm 25, had a great career and was working at a university but decided to take a U turn to experience something totally different. So I'm currently in Taiwan teaching and just generally keeping my options open to travel the world over the next five years (Covid dependent, of course.). Canada and Australia are my next options :)

Some advice for you and any other international medical graduates (IMGs) applying to the US for (medical) residency: I'm an American in med. I see a lot of British junior doctors leaving the UK. It's faster to become an attending (consultant) in the US than in the UK. However, residency training in the US is more intense and pay is worse than in the UK. But as attendings (consultants), US physicians tend to get paid a lot better than their UK counterparts. Pay varies by specialty, of course. So it's a reasonable choice to move to the US if you want to advance your career as a physician. However I'm skeptical about your expectation that you can work like 20 hours per week and make $200K-$300K per year especially in NYC (presumably you mean Manhattan). Usually the idea is something like the following. You can only pick two: good location, good hours, good pay. Also, you might already be aware of this, but the USMLE Step 1 has become pass/fail. That might be relevant depending on when you're applying. And Step 2 CS has changed so you might be eligible to waive Step 2 CS (not CK) as an IMG. Step 2 CK has effectively become the new Step 1, i.e., your scores on Step 2 CK will likely be the major deciding factor in specialty choice. You would typically (though not necessarily always) be expected to have letters of recommendation from attendings in your specialty (e.g. in emergency medicine it's a standardized letter called the SLOR) as well as US clinical experience preferably at an academic program (e.g. observerships). A major difficulty might be obtaining a visa (e.g. H1B, J1) to work in the US at the relevant stages of your training if you want to train in the US - i.e. residency, fellowship (which doesn't mean the same thing in the US as in the UK), and getting a job in the end if you wish to remain in the US and work. My understanding from IMGs is that you have to reapply at each stage, and there's no guarantee you'll get the visa renewed at each stage. For example, I know of a British (also Cambridge med school) physician (general > plastic surgeon) at UCLA who couldn't stay on and work in the US after he was finished, unfortunately. Not saying this to discourage you, but just being realistic. That said, I'm sure there are some who have been successful at each stage (e.g. just look at the faculty of places like MGH or Hopkins, some of whom are IMGs from reputable institutions like Cambridge, though they may have limitations in the nature and scope of their practice, which in turn could impact their income, and so forth).

As an aside - I've worked in the Canadian Healthcare system. There is a huge demand (and shortage), especially in some of the provinces like British Columbia, which are also some of the most beautiful and amazing places in the world to live in. There are processes, and advisors in place to help foreign medical workers enter the Canadian (specifically BC) medical system. I've been many places, and Canada will always be home.

Thank you for sharing. Hope everything works out for you in America!

I completely understand the feeling of being stagnant. I’m 23 and have lived in SoCal my whole life. I’ve traveled in the states about once a year for the last 10 years or so, and just from going to another state, it amazing to see the difference in people and culture. I think if we stay in one place for too long, like you were saying, we are missing out on opportunities that we would never get where we live. Most of us grow up with the people we went to high school with and other than new friends from where we work, we don’t really see a difference in the people around us. I actually make this little joke about how one of the benefits of tinder is that it opens your options to people you would never have met without it. I met my boyfriend through tinder and even though he grew up in SoCal like me, he’s lived a completely different kind of life than I have. And he only grew up like 30 miles from me. I can only imagine what I would learn from people if I went outside the US.

So, I can help you as I have already done exactly this. I moved from the UK to California due to my job. I thought through all of it like you did and realized I had nothing to lose. I can always move back to the UK. In the time I have lived here I have been on loads of new adventures, worked on many interesting things and made new friends. There are some downsides, I miss my family in the UK, healthcare is very expensive, plus there is definitely a different culture that I still can’t adjust to. We may speak the same language but it’s definitely different!

Your mom is Peak South Asian. “More Knowledge is always good” sounds like my mother. I feel you!

Ali, this country (U.S.) has many different regions. With each region come different experiences, what one sees in NY or L.A. does not necessarily represent the U.S. By the time you read this, I’m sure you will have looked into all the different locations for ED residencies. My personal experience, I was born and grew up on a Native American reservation, and I worked 30 years in underserved and rural areas. It was extremely rewarding. Money was not the goal! The professional experience was out of the ordinary... Best to you in your decision! Your videos caught my eye because now that I decided to retire from my medical field, I really want to do something different and still believe there is some life in me to contribute to humankind.

i love the phrasing "to maximise randomness and optionality" / idea of increasing your luck surface area . thanks and good luck!

Ali: i wanna broaden my horizon and step out of my comfort-zone Also Ali: i'm only considering english-speaking first world countries

I wish you the best of luck. Who’s here that watches Dr. Mike?

You're very smart in both a calculated and philosophical way

There is something so mesmerizing about your speech and talking speed. Despite your introduction I think this video is truly inspiring for students who have no idea what thw future holds. I came across your reading videos recently and I must say you're my favourite influencer youtuber. I have learnt a lot about a productive lifestyle and make several helpful changes on my life. Talk about "smart is the new sexy" LOL. Thank you for the videos!

I watched the interview about the American medical system, and I think the answer you were given was really disappointing, and only captures the experience of one wealthy and extremely well educated person. I hope you take into account that you’ve got real tinted rose glasses on right now yourself, Ali. I think the only rational reason to come to work as a doctor in the US is the money. You’ll make a whole lot of money. But if you’re looking at it from any other perspective, I hope you’ll research what the average person’s experience is with the medical system in America, because Usama’s experience, while lovely, is not anywhere near the experience of most of the patients you’ll be seeing. Life for people with money here is completely different from people without it, and if that matters to you, please interview other people, especially poorer folks than Usama. Most Indian doctors I know don’t think too hard about it, or try to justify it to themselves, or their parents were doctors so they became doctors - just like you mentioned about the UK. The inequities here run deep and you ought to have that in mind while making your decision.

This man is going through a mid-life crisis at the age of 26 LOL. Seriously though, I feel like we don't get alot of these introspective videos often in KZfaq, so it is incredibly refreshing. Made me think of my own life.

You should totally come to America! We would love you here, and we'd love your personality. The medical profession would really appreciate your personality and particular background here as well. You must remember how unique you are! Yes, it's pretty tough for international medical graduates to be honest to find residency, but, knowing you, you'll be fine, and your life opportunities will completely blow up here, and you may even find your wife here lol.

🌞 I think it’s really interesting that you said you view medicine as a part time job for you and for fun. I like that fresh perspective! So many self-help gurus talk about “finding your passion” and I think that this can become dangerous; it may lead you to think your identity is defined by your passion and limit you to one thing, ie. you’re just a doctor. Our careers don’t have to be our only passion or purpose. Your life has purpose in so many ways outside of your passion! Honestly you saying that comment reminded me of not tying my identity to my career. Thanks Ali! 🌞

I'm not gonna lie Ali, I rarely watch your videos all the way through but this one was different. I genuinely related to your hunger for making the most of life and thinking about where you will be in 5 years etc. So please do take the leap because I would if I were you and in my future I plan to do the same. Good luck with it all mate.

I don’t think there ever is a “perfect time” to do anything. Do what feels right. I’ve never really been a fan of the phrase “Wait and good things will come to you”, when you can do something to achieve your own happiness using your own power🤷🏻‍♀️

Can I just say you are the only person I watch on KZfaq, so relatable and just saying straight facts

I'm new to your channel and I'm glad I didn't get discouraged by your opening remarks to move along -- I have read/watched a lot about self improvement and have never come across the idea of increasing the surface area of serendipity. Brilliant 🌞

You’ll have a girlfriend within 2 weeks of arriving. American chicks love British accent! 🌞

me: don’t leave us back here in UK 😭 also me: i don’t live anywhere close to UK

as an international student in the US, I have been in the US for close to 8 years. The fact is, US is not the US anymore. It is extremely unwelcoming & full of itself. This administration is making everything for internationals extremely difficult. I have PhD friends having trouble renewing their work visas & getting humiliated by the immigration officers. we don't deserve this. i am personally considering moving to other country cuz this one is surely a dissapointment

Good for you. Im a reg in uk (equivalent to resident in the us) and we get such shit pay when we qualify to top level. Go for it. Im glad to see other doctors escaping

Shouldnt this video be titled "Ali takes up USMLE cuz UK doesnt have any more exams for me!" 😂😂

So no more, "I'm a doctor working in Cambridge." I can feel the tears welling up man. But go! Go live thy life. I'm so proud :') Much love, A random Caribbean A-level student who found your beautiful channel like 2 years ago :')

I learned some life perspetives here. Its all outside of the "village guy" also called confort zone. *Ikigai-medicine as a purpose not a vocation. Thanks for sharing, good luck on your journey.

🌞 Great channel, as a doc interested in adding some side hustles, you're an inspiration, only wish I had found your posts sooner.. My unsolicited advice on studying for the USMLE as a doc stateside (though you've probably already done the research): Uworld/pathoma/First Aid +/- sketchymicro and you're golden. And as they're making Step 1 Pass/Fail now, doesn't even matter what score you get. Focus more on Step 2 for ED. Good luck with the exams and all your future endeavors!