ecfmg certification

[bhs2a]

I was wondering what you have to do to get ecfmg certification?
I don't understand the process.

Thanks

[img123]

AS I understand it, you need to pass step 1, step 2 and Step 2 CS in order to be ecfmg certified.

:)

[bhs2a]

I'm confused, you don't need to be ecfmg certified if you are a us citizen - right?

[miasma]

ALL img's (u.s. citizens included) have to be ecfmg certified.

[desai29]

I'm confused, you don't need to be ecfmg certified if you are a us citizen - right?

you need ECFMG certified since you will be foreign graduate... :D

[rdecastro]

I was wondering what you have to do to get ecfmg certification?
I don't understand the process.

Thanks


www.ecfmg.org

[scoobz1981]

You also MUST have a diploma in hand to get ECFMG certified

Val

[bhs2a]

So you only have to have a diploma and have passed steps 1 and 2? That's it. Is there a lot of paperwork?
Thanks

[rdecastro]

So you only have to have a diploma and have passed steps 1 and 2? That's it. Is there a lot of paperwork?
Thanks

Yes, but the time it takes to get the certificate is time consuming since most IMG's apply at the same time it takes them time to process it.

[bhs2a]

Do you have to have it before you start your residency? What about while you are applying to the match?

[IMG2006]

I was wondering what you have to do to get ecfmg certification?
I don't understand the process.

Thanks


You must:

1- Pass USMLE steps 1, 2CK, 2CS

2-Graduate from a WHO IMED listed medical school and have a certified copy of your diploma in english sent to ECFMG offices.

ALL IMGs must have a valid ECFMG certificate before they may begin any type of intern/residency training in the United States regardless of citizenship in all states and US holdings.

People are often confused by this, as many students who graduate with failing board scores will lie to friends and say that a family member or friend has set up some back door residency deal... Not so, it's a ploy to save face.


In most cases, your school will handle the paperwork. Call your home offices and find out once you have all the above.

[bhs2a]

Thanks, that made it very clear.

[IMG2006]

Do you have to have it before you start your residency? What about while you are applying to the match?

YES-prior to any residency

I got some emails from PDs who were concerned about this, BC I entered the match with no CK score and finished with no diploma. A lot of programs do not understand that you must have already graduated before you get the ECFMG cert.

This is why it is very crucial to make sure you have Step 1, 2ck, 2cs when you apply. It will set their minds at ease if you can tell them that all of the boards are passed and you are just ticking off the electives. If possible, I think it would be beneficial to have the cert when you apply. The ERAS form has this question... I'm sure a few of the more competitive programs will use this as a selection factor for interview.
Once you have all of the work done, it will take about 6 weeks to get the cert in. Make sure you graduate in plenty of time to get this done before you start your residency. Otherwise, you cannot start and the program may very well drop you. I have met people who thought that since they finished electives 2 weeks before July 1st everything would be ok. It's hard to tell them that they're facing a long vacation.

[bhs2a]

O.K. So I should try to have this before interviewing at residency programs? To set their minds at ease and make myself a little more competitive.
How long do most people take to prepare for step 2?

[rdecastro]

O.K. So I should try to have this before interviewing at residency programs? To set their minds at ease and make myself a little more competitive.
How long do most people take to prepare for step 2?

If you wait until you graduate to apply to a residency program, you will wait out a year. The match (date that residencies are announced) is in March, you graduate the following April or May.

The witty rule of thumb about studying for the boards is 2 months for step 1, two weeks for step 2, and for step 3 bring a #2 pencil.

[Andes]

http://www.internationaldoc.com/

This site should help u.

[desai29]

http://www.internationaldoc.com/Matching_process.jpg