ECFMG Certification Help

[user name]

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I didn't match anywhere this year but might be able to scramble into a position at the last minute (current resident having VISA issues). I am a US citizen and have graduated...the only problem is I am not ECFMG certified yet and probably won't be for another 2 weeks.

Are all programs strict about having ECFMG certification by July 1st? Is there any leniency on this? I read somewhere that ECFMG cert is really only needed to apply for licensure, which you won't do in intern year anyway. If offered the position, if I explain to the PD that there will be a delay would it be reasonable to ask to start the residency later, like in January?

Also, has anyone had any luck calling ECFMG and basically begging them to hurry with verifying your credentials? They are so backed up because of all the applications they are receiving. If I explain my situation to them you think it would help?

Any input would be appreciated.

[MYung]

ECFMG Certification Fact Sheet

You need to be ECFMG certified to start internship. Althought you're not applying a full license as an intern, you'll need a training license and you won't get one without being ECFMG certified.

If its only a matter of a few weeks and they really want you, I don't see why it'll be a problem. They might just give you all your vacation weeks in the beginning while you wait for your certificate.

As for asking to start in January, I think asking for that will kill your app right then and there. The reason the spot is vacated is because they want to fill it asap and not be short a resident. If they're willing to wait 6 months for you, then they'd be willing to wait 6 months for their current resident to fix the visa issues. Plus, if that spot opens, there's going to be a crap load of people who would be willing and able to start right away.

[user name]

Thanks for the reply.

Say I was accepted to a program and started July 1st, the program sends a request to ECFMG to veryify my credentials right? Do you know how long that takes? Being ECFMG I can't see it being instantly. Even if it took a week I should be certified by the time they get a response, would that be ok?

[medguy]

I received my certification in less than 2 weeks. If you already sent in a copy of your diploma, then ECFMG seems to work pretty fast. How fast your school responds is a different story.

I filled out so much paper that I'm not sure what was sent where and when. But, I did have to send my certification to my program. And, through the ECFMG, I had to send it to the state. There is an automated feature on the ECFMG website to do this. I believe my program requested my training license through the state. Also, I'm pretty sure my school had to send something to the state. But your potential program should know all the ins and outs.

The program can do a few things. They can have you take vacation up-front. They can extend your residency by a month or two. If they want you, you can probably get a bunch of other stuff out of the way in the meantime.

There is an IMG in my program that hasn't received certification yet and the program seems to be very accomodating. They said that this happens.

If I were you, I would go in and discuss this with them. You might be surprised about them being willing to work with this. Go for it...

Good luck

[MYung]

Originally Posted by user name

Thanks for the reply.

Say I was accepted to a program and started July 1st, the program sends a request to ECFMG to veryify my credentials right? Do you know how long that takes? Being ECFMG I can't see it being instantly. Even if it took a week I should be certified by the time they get a response, would that be ok?

You can't start without your training license. Period. The medical board has to hear back from ECFMG that you are certified, and have all the other crap they require, before they will issue you a training license. The program or medical board requests your ecfmg status online so it happens very quickly. The only thing that you can do is be accepted into the program and take your vacation weeks in July while waiting for your training license.

[user name]

yea I figured many programs would be lenient on having the cert right at the beginning of residency.

I sent my diploma like 3 weeks ago, its just ECFMG that said they are backed up. I'm confident my school will get things done ASAP.

If offered the postion I will just do as you said and ask about vacation time.

thanks for all your help guys.

[MYung]

Yeah, its busy season at ECFMG for certification so it'll take a little longer. Only thing to do is wait, atleast they overnight the certificate to you. I had a buddy last year send his stuff to ECFMG at the end of June and had to take all 4 weeks of his vacation in July while he waited for his certificate. Good luck and hope you get the spot.

[imgmd]

Hello, if you want to pm me. I received my ECFMG cert in under a week. PM if if you get this. thanks

[imgmd]

Hey, thanks for the reply but I cant reply to you for some reason and i have some questions, if you want could you pm me your email. I understand if you dont want to though. thank you so much, take care,

[fjite]

calling them and harassing them wont work, they give the same answers all the time