Dear Cindy – Should a Sonographer Mention His MD?

I'm a radiologist from a foreign medical school. I have five years of experience overseas. I'm looking for a job as a sonographer, and have registered with the ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers). I would like to know if my education and experience as a radiologist will be a negative point for me – will the employer consider me "overqualified"? Can I freely write it in my résumé?

Sincerely,

Dr. Sonographer

Certainly you should put this information in your résumé. First, it's common for foreign medical graduates who are not licensed in North America to work in other healthcare areas, so no employer would find it unusual. Further, since you are not a licensed MD in North America, a potential employer is not going to fear that you're going to quit as soon as the first physician job rolls around. Also, since you were once a practicing radiologist, you will be offering your employer five years of valuable experience. Finally, chances are the employer would find out about your background once you started working for them anyway.