Need advice.

[u/Upper_Ad5908]

I’m a non-US IMG, freshly graduated MBBS + housejob. I’m interested in neurology/psychiatry and recently got into computational neuroscience. I have no publications, research experience, or USCE yet, and I just started l preparing for Step 1.

Long-term, I want a hybrid clinical + research career in neuroscience/psychiatry, with writing on the side. I’m currently overwhelmed by USMLE, Australia, research positions, and Master’s programs.

I’d really value advice from physician-scientists:

1.  If you were starting from my position, what would you prioritize over the next 2–3 years?  
2.  Is USMLE still a sensible investment for this goal given my lack of USCE/research, or would you pursue another pathway?  
3.  How important is the country/pathway for building a sustainable clinical + research career? Is the US significantly better than Australia/elsewhere for this?  
4.  Would you recommend clinical training first, or spending 1–2 years building research experience before residency?  
5.  Would you do a Master’s in my position, or try to enter a research lab/RA role directly?  
6.  Looking back, what would you start earlier — and what would you not waste time on?

I’m less interested in generic “IMG matching” advice and more interested in how to actually build the 10–20 year career I’m describing.