USMLE

[rajatm]

I had a cousin who went to UNIBE. He took all his USMLE after he graduated. I think thats not a great move. Is it possible to take the USMLE after 2 years of Medschool at UNIBE?

This is because, you forget a lot of the stuff by the end of the medschool program, right? :shock:

[ojmdc]

Hello,

It's my understanding that you arrange to take the first step of the USMLE (and the other two steps as well) through the ECFMG. The ECFMG will require that you enroll with them and will enable you to schedule your first step as soon as you complete the paperwork they require and your school verifies that you've succesfully completed your basic sciences. No sooner. You can get this process started in advance such that your paperwork and documentation will be nearly ready right after you complete your basic sciences and the ECFMG need only await the confirmation of your Basic Science completion. If you get this ball rolling as early as possible you will be able to take the exam nearly immediately after you finish basic sciences rather than getting mired down in paperwork and waiting if you start the process late. Basically the same thing applies to step 2.
You can take these exams at any time after you've completed the coursework needed to register for them. If you wish you can wait until after you graduate, but I tend to think that's a bad idea. In the first place, passing step one is a crucial juncture in any med student's education. In fact, many american medical school require that you pass it before you can move onto to your clinicals. If you wait to take these exams until after you graduate there exists the strong temptation to put off preparing for them until long after you've dealt with the subject matter. It's particularly important for foreign grads to keep their eye on the goal and work toward it from day one, this is harder to do if you view the boards as something that's five years removed from the present.
Notwithstanding, many people put these exams off until after graduation, in part I suspect because of schedule problems, taking these exams during your education may entail your skipping a semester if you wish to dedicate more than just a couple of weeks to intensive, dedicated preparation for the exam. Ultimately it's your call, you should be aware of your limitations and potential pitfalls better than anyone, and knowing is half the battle! lol. Hope this helps. Take care and God Bless.
Ozzie.