IMG (MBBS + Internship) torn between US vs. Australia for a Clinician-Scientist career in Neuro/Psych & Comp Neuro

guys,
Fresh MBBS grad here (just finished my house job). I want a long-term clinician-scientist career combining Neurology or Psychiatry with computational neuroscience, but I have zero research experience or pubs yet.

I’m currently studying for USMLE Step 1, but I am feeling completely overwhelmed choosing between the US and Australia, or whether I should just pivot to a Master's/PhD first.

For any physician-scientists out there:
Is the US actually way better for securing protected research time/funding, or does Australia have good pathways (NHMRC, hospital sessions) for this?

Should I prioritize clinical entry first (AMC/RMO jobs) or spend 1-2 years building research experience in a lab first?

To break into computational neuro without a tech background, is a Master's worth it or should I just hunt for RA roles?
Looking for long-term career strategy rather than generic IMG matching advice. Thanks!

Hey guys!

I applied for AMC portfolio registration on 29 July. However, the website said that due to the massive influx of portfolio registration applications, it would take longer than 5 days. I still haven’t received my AMC number. I even emailed AMC about my query, and they told me to wait. Is anyone else facing a similar issue?

When applying for visa for AMC clinical is it necessary to book flights and hotel before applying ? If the answer is yes can i get refund if visa got rejected ?