Hi obyokafor,
Thanks for the appreciation.
Regarding ur question, i don't have an idea of d course content of ur medical curricula but i think u guys have a 6 year MD. see in MLE all steps are interlinked and if one wants a really good score its better to take all steps continously without a break.
Like if u take Step 2 now, u myt have forgotten the pre-clinical and para-clinical subjects and u'll find little time to revise them while doing ur MD. Taking step 1 is also difficult cos u had studied those subjects long back and it'll require some time to read them.
Best would be to take advise from ur seniors in USSR who have taken MLE cos they have good idea of ur course content wrt MLE.
My suggestion though would be complete ur MD and then start preparing for MLE immediately without wasting time. For now u can get some good MLE books on clinical subjects and read them in leisure. That'll orient ur clinical knowledge wrt MLE.
thats really expensive to do usmle
i think after all this discussion the truth is in front of everyone that u need so much time and money to put into this usmle
i think this is the job for students who have got lot of money already
so
its all ur choice students
LOL aulja I'm completely for USMLE now. And as far as expenses are concerned, most people would agree that they r not 'expenses' rather they r an 'investement'.
I agree aulja MLE takes up a lot of time and effort and it really tests ur patience and endurance skills equal to if not more than ur academic skills.
sorry yaar cudnot meet you in delhi as i joined for gre( as i was not confident abt my score in gre too and there r soo many veterans like shriya n dana who got top scores!so wanted to stand out from the crowd like them in gre ), i'm sorry! i cudnot reach u !anyways i wanna small help from u. i filled all the details of IWA application. but while filling credit card details i got a doubt as usual as i'm nuts. u know!
so came to my gud old frend for help ashb anyways can i use a USA CREDIT CARD,coz , they r askin some USA social security number if i happen to use USA credit card.plzz help me!is that required?
sorry yaar cudnot meet you in delhi as i joined for <a href="http://www.rxpgonline.com/forum24.html">GRE</a>
( as i was not confident abt my score in <a href="http://www.rxpgonline.com/forum24.html">GRE</a>
too and there r soo many veterans like shriya n dana who got top scores!so wanted to stand out from the crowd like them in <a href="http://www.rxpgonline.com/forum24.html">GRE</a>
), i'm sorry! i cudnot reach u !anyways i wanna small help from u. i filled all the details of IWA application. but while filling credit card details i got a doubt as usual as i'm nuts. u know!
so came to my gud old frend for help ashb anyways can i use a USA CREDIT CARD,coz , they r askin some USA social security number if i happen to use USA credit card.plzz help me!is that required?
Hi sravya, hey chill yaar. Just study hard. And actually i don't have any idea of this US credit card issue. But i'm sure u can use an USA credit card cos one of my fren used his uncle's card who was in US. I'd suggest u call up the person to whom this card belongs and find out the required info like social security number. That shud not be a problem, i think. And if still a problem u can always send a draft yaar.
Hey Ash B , thanks again.
Which books do u suggest. I have seen a long book list on a thread on this website but they are not concise lists. I would definately love a suggestion from you or any other person that has or is preparing for USMLE 1
Well I'd suggest Kaplan notes, Qbank and Qbook for all subjects. BRS for patho, physio and behavioral sciences. High yield for Anatomy, Embryology, Neuroanatomy. First AID from cover to cover. And Goljan's pathology audio tapes.
Sorry the list sounds big but i've seen d books, they contain only high yield and limited material thats within our reach.
Further u can refer the following link for more info on books...
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when are the interviews held??/?
hey
i m about to start my usmle preparation
i want toknow when the interviews are held for the match
are they held in dec jan feb
or from jan till april....
Hi ctahmeedagain!! Welcome to USMLE family of RxPG!!
Application process starts around October
Interviews around Jan-Feb
Result of match in March
Joining in Jun-July
Also go thru other threads in MLE forum and u'll get all other required info. I hope it helps..
well! well! well!
this is scary...
sounds like a detailed survey..
so if only 55%of IMGs clearing mle get a residency, u must be having am idea about waht teh rest of them do????!
These 55% are d IMGs who get residency through MATCH. Some take a pre-match. Some get a seat in post match scramble. Rest have to apply next year. Plus it is said that the rate of getting residency is much better for Indians, tho i don't have any data regrading that.
Baaki, i don't know cos i didn't conduct the survey.. LOL Actually this is d data avaialble on different websites. So they might know better.
hmm........
interesting.......if the 55% figures r for residencies through matching process only,then including pre-match & post match scramble,it might well cross 75%.
thts considering tht the figures are for matching only & not the total no. of residency positions procured by IMGs.
plz clear this confusion if possible with the link.
here"s ur answer
the rest of the 45% who dont get a residency get PRE MATCH at McDonalds at 12$ an hour........comparable to the salaries offered during residency!
Here's ur reference..
Arihant, yaar i forgot d links from which i read this info, but yes its true that these figures are for the match. If we include prematch, post match scramble, the figure myt be 60-70% or even more.
Though i have found a reference for u, see First Aid-2005 Page 37 Table 4. It will support d datas as i have stated. Hope it clears the confusion.
arihant_d wrote:
the rest of the 45% who dont get a residency get PRE MATCH at McDonalds at 12$ an hour........comparable to the salaries offered during residency!
peace!
Hmmm... PREMATCH at McDonald's... LOL!! again a funny one from arihant!!!
******************************************
On Being an International Medical Graduate, Tips for Success
Graduates of foreign medical schools have been immigrating to America for decades, filling a healthcare gap and fulfilling their own personal and professional goals. Most have crossed many hurdles to enter medical school in their own country of origin, and face many more on entrance to this country. Once they have completed the residency years, these physicians enter the workforce, attending to not only the medical needs of the population but also by becoming community leaders, educational spokespersons and adding to the richness of cultural diversity that is seen in this country as a whole.
Before being eligible for the residency position sought, the International Medical Graduate (IMG) needs to complete many examinations. During the early 70's, physicians were being actively recruited by hospitals. They were ensured a smooth transition of immigration with support in the areas of visa, family and friends. These actions have changed tremendously over the years. The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), which certifies IMGs for entry into US postgraduate clinical training, was formed in 1956. Since then, the IMG has been required to take a variety of examinations exemplified by the following plethora of acronyms, ECFMG, VQE, TOEFL, FLEX, and now USMLE and CSA. All these are used as objective evaluation tools for program directors. The hurdles continue in the form of licensing requirements for the different states here.
The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) has experienced a significant increase in the number of positions offered over the years. There was a peak in the fill rate in 1997, and now the rate is again beginning to increase. Perhaps some of these shifts could be due to events of 9/11.
* 2004 2002 2000 1997 1993
Positions offered 21,192 20,602 20,453 20,209 20,598
Positions filled 19,391 18,447 19,391 18,007 16,896
% of positions filled 91.5 89.5 89.3 89.9 82.0
% filled by US MGs 57.8 61.1 57.3 55.5 67.4
% filled by n IMGs 22.5 21.0 25.1 30.7 20.6
**% filled by US IMGs 8.0 8.7 8.7 5.6 3.1
*Data from NRMP
**US Undergraduates with offshore medical school training: e.g. Caribbean schools usually have rotations in America.
AMA sources indicate the countries of origin of the IMGs. India is the leading supplier of physicians to the US workforce.
Countries of origin of IMGs % of IMGs
India 19.25%
Philippines 9.6%
Mexico 5.8%
Pakistan 4.4%
It has always been perceived that residencies aim to fill with as many US trained graduates as possible. However, the inevitable occurrence is that many programs need the IMGs to enable their program to function. This may be due to multiple factors including location of program and specialty.
What is it that an IMG applicant can do to enhance his/her chances for an interview?
Application: This is now usually through the computerized ERAS system (Electronic Residency Application Service). One should always check that it is completed correctly and in time.
Exam results: These are always important and are in fact the only objective evaluation that the program has on the application. Many programs will have a minimum score as a criterion. Multiple attempts at the exam do not bode well. It definitely seems worthwhile only taking the exam if the candidate is well prepared and is confident of achieving a high score. Many enroll in review classes before the exam. These classes also serve as good networking and support opportunities.
Medical School: Accreditation of the school is a requirement. It seems worthwhile checking on this before enrolling into the medical school. This is relevant since many Americans of Indian Origin are sending their children overseas for medical education. Also there maybe a licensing deficiency, for example, 4 weeks of psychiatry (this actually often is a blessing, since then the applicant would be eligible for an externship, which will add US experience to the application). The number of years is also often an important criterion.
US experience: This has been increasingly difficult since many states do not allow externships (voluntary experiences where the applicant does have responsibility and direct patient contact). Most programs would like the applicant to have had clinical experience where they can document direct patient contact, including, taking a history and physical and developing an assessment plan. This is definitely preferable to a research position or an observership.
Once an interview has been granted, the program may evaluate the candidate in many areas:
Presentation: A dark suit and well-groomed applicant is acceptable.
Language skills: The interviewer should be able to understand what the applicant is saying. Many program directors cite this as a problem and have advised accent reduction class. They will also evaluate comprehension skills by asking questions which may not be medically related.
Knowledge of the residency: It is important to know a little about the program one is interviewing in. This information is often found on the Internet. The applicant should be able to discuss why that particular specialty was chosen and why that specific program is where s/he wishes to work. There has been a recent study stating that the attrition rate of IMGs is higher than US MGs. ("I'll take what I can get and change into the specialty of my desire later").
Personal goals: The applicant should be able to indicate his/her potential long and short-term goals. This shows an understanding of the medical system
Behavioral skills: The applicant maybe asked questions regarding ability to cope with stress, conflict resolution, teamwork, and work ethics.
Once the candidate has been accepted, there are many adjustments and stresses that they may encounter. After polling many residents and practicing IMG physicians some of these areas that were identified included:
Integration: This obviously varies between programs and individuals.
Cultural differences: This may be social ("I need to go home to my family" vs. "Let's go out for a drink after work"), but this does not suggest one has to relinquish one's identity. Professional differences can occur, for example, in the areas of care of the elderly, informed consent, and end of life issues.
Lack of support: Maybe seen amongst colleagues, (USMG Vs IMG), lack of faculty mentoring, frequent feelings of being the scapegoat and being held to a higher standard. This may all lead to a decrease in self-esteem and less than optimal performance.
Interpersonal skills: The hierarchical system seen in many countries is not as pronounced here, so learning how to appropriately interact with nurses, secretaries, ancillary staff is important.
Computer skills: These can be easily learnt if the applicant is proactive. Consider asking to spend some time in the program before the official start date, to orient on how to look up laboratory results etc.
Behavioral medical skills: Interviewing skills are emphasized during medical school training. There is a system of writing notes, which differs from IMG training, for example S.O.A.P and the P.O.M.R format. Again these are simple techniques that can be learnt prior to the start date.
Often the whole experience can be daunting but the IMG should realize that they have many strengths. They have many attributes and experiences that can be used to enrich any program.
Clinical exposure: The types of syndromes learned in the US may be very different to what the IMG will encounter in residency; for example malaria and malnutrition are not as common in America.
Stamina: Often admission into medical school in the country of origin is much more competitive than here. Along with this, the IMG should realize their strength in taking the challenge of starting afresh in a new country.
Clinical diversity: The IMG is able to broaden the cultural knowledge of the program and often attract patients of different ethnicity to the program. America is the melting pot of the world and a culturally diverse group of physicians can better serve a culturally diverse population.
The applicant should continue to network with seniors of the program, and alumni of their specialty. Medical school associations and national groups such as AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin) may aid in guidance for career choices.
What could be the role of AAPI? We were all in this position at some time in our lives; so moral support and encouragement is always a plus. Maybe a list of those AAPI members who have experience in residency teaching can be made available to applicants, so they may get some guidance. Those members that are able to offer "hands on experience" to the applicant, not just "research" could also make themselves available. After the resident has graduated, AAPI may have contact numbers so the newly graduated physician may discuss opportunities for career enhancement, fellowship advice, and practice opportunities. They also maybe able to discuss licensure hurdles.
The number of physicians that are IMGs and of Indian origin are increasing. Many IMGs and USMGs are in fact the children of IMGs and I feel that our role for the next generation of doctors in the workforce needs to be that of continuing encouragement and support. The immigrant IMG should be proud of the challenge they have taken to start new lives in a foreign country. Their hard work and stamina is appreciated by the millions of patients that they serve and the community they benefit.
story of my life
in 10th i got 34%
in 12 i got 29 % (well i took me 2 year to score 58% so avg 29% YES I FAILED ONCE)
in my pmt days i joined a test series it took me 5 test to score 33% but at end 0f series i was 55th ranked (my 5 test rank was some 800+)
& scored 337 rank in aipmt (which is outstanding considering my background)
even in my MBBS i hit my lowest in 1 final scoring 53% with * in psm but in 2 final i scored 67% my highest in MBBS
basically i'm very lazy guy & only a punch in face can get me going. hope this minor glich motivates u to perform better
& to quote some wise guy " alway remember closest thing to success is failure that is not due to lack of effort"
story of my life
in 10th i got 34%
in 12 i got 29 % (well i took me 2 year to score 58% so avg 29% YES I FAILED ONCE)
in my pmt days i joined a test series it took me 5 test to score 33% but at end 0f series i was 55th ranked (my 5 test rank was some 800+)
& scored 337 rank in aipmt (which is outstanding considering my background)
even in my MBBS i hit my lowest in 1 final scoring 53% with * in psm but in 2 final i scored 67% my highest in MBBS
basically i'm very lazy guy & only a punch in face can get me going. hope this minor glich motivates u to perform better
& to quote some wise guy " alway remember closest thing to success is failure that is not due to lack of effort"
story of my life
in 10th i got 34%
in 12 i got 29 % (well i took me 2 year to score 58% so avg 29% YES I FAILED ONCE)
in my pmt days i joined a test series it took me 5 test to score 33% but at end 0f series i was 55th ranked (my 5 test rank was some 800+)
& scored 337 rank in aipmt (which is outstanding considering my background)
even in my MBBS i hit my lowest in 1 final scoring 53% with * in PSM but in 2 final i scored 67% my highest in MBBS
basically i'm very lazy guy & only a punch in face can get me going. hope this minor glich motivates u to perform better
& to quote some wise guy " alway remember closest thing to success is failure that is not due to lack of effort"
Hi I want to know I got Kaplan classroom coaching notes(print version) of year2001. R they going to be useful if I use them in 2006 to appear for MLE.To begin with Which step should I appear for Step 1 or 2
Hi Thxs for a quick reply. Should I join the web preparation or is there any link to get latest notes. How long should an average student prepare to get a pecentile above 90.
As u wrote If u r hellbent for surgical sciences reconsider.My query is Is One has done MS (Gen Surgery) and has a multiple entry visa the to do a fellowship there do we need mle score. A senior told me to do fellowship u need mle score as well. is that true
faq about usmle
Q1. What is the US medical Licensure system and requirements?
Ans. USMLE is a series of 3 exams step-1 step-2 and step-3 which lead you to US medical licensure (some states require you to finish one year residency in US before you take Step-3 exam some states don’t require that).
Step-1 and 2 can be taken in most countries in the world through sylvan technology centers. It is computer based but NOT YET ON INTERNET.
CSA (clinical skills assessment) is a new test, which is now required by foreign med grads (FMGs, people who do medical school degrees outside USA) to get their ECFMG certificate. It is only conducted in philadelphia, USA and the fees is 1200 US Dollars.
If an FMG passes step-1 and step-2, TOEFL (English language exam) and CSA, he is eligible for applying to a residency program in USA.
Q2. What is the requirement for step-3 exam?
Ans. Different states have different requirement for step-3 exam but generally it can only be taken after successfully securing ECFMG certificate (passing step-1, 2, CSA and TOEFL). Some states require you to finish at least one year US residency training program before taking step-3 but some don’t require that. The information about different states requirement can be obtained from
Federation of state medical boards (FSMB)
USMLE organization
Or calling the toll free no. 1800-USMLE XM (1800-876-5396)
Q. How should one plan MLE steps date wise when taking steps outside USA?
A. Each year residency interviews start in september or October and Residency Match comes in March , If you plan to come to USA on visit visa to get your interviews done then you should take your steps in your country and should be eligible to take CSA by September or October each year, I mean plan your step dates accordingly. Then you can come to USA in Septemeber or October, take your CSA and do your interviews in November/December or January and then the Match result comes in March. If you match get your paper ork like Contract from program and go back to get the Ministry of health letter (NOC) from your country. you can ask ECFMG to send your IAP -66 to send to your home country, so that you can apply for j-1 visa and then come here by July 1st, when you start your residency.
Q3. Why to take step-3 before residency?
Ans. Step-3 can be taken right now only in USA. It is usually taken during the first year of residency but some states allow foreign med grads to take this exam without residency. When you pass step-3 you are eligible to apply for licensure in USA but 99% of states ask you to finish the residency requirement before applying for licensure.
Most of the states in US require that you should pass your steps 1, 2 and 3 with in 7 yrs. (from the date you passed your first exam, step-1 or 2 does not matter) as a requirement for state medical boards. Things you should consider here
1. If you don’t pass the 3 steps in 7 yrs and US FSMB change the system like they did earlier from FMGEMS and FLEX exam series to USMLE then your step-1 and 2 would be disqualified, and if they bring in some new exams series then you will have to do the new exam series again. So it is better to pass the exams in 7 yrs.
2. Extra benefit for IMGs/ FMGs, if they pass USMLE step-3 before residency, they would be eligible forH-1 visa, which is much better than the usual J-1 visa for residency. If the program offers H-1 visa then the applicant can be sponsored on H-1 (with the valid pass result of step-3), and hence can get green card also.
3. USMLE step-3 is universal means it is applicable in every state. It does not matter if you do it in one state or other. But with out it you are not eligible for licensure.
Q4. What are different visa types one can pursue residency?
Ans. Any legal visa status that allows you to work full time in USA.
1. J-1 visas, these are sponsored by the ECFMG with documentation from the residency programs. The detailed procedure is mentioned in the VISA INFO section of this web page.
2. H-1 visas, these are sponsored by the residency programs, if the applicant has met all the requirements including the pass score on USMLE step-3. This is a better visa than J-1 visa, which has an obligation to go back to your home country after finishing the residency program for 2 yrs. The H-1 visa can lead to green card ultimately.
3. Green card or valid employment authorization, this is a legal visa status, which allows you to work full time in USA and residency training is basically considered a full time job.
4. US citizenship, of course you are allowed to work full time in USA.
5. F-1 student visa, some FMGs/IMGs are in USA pursuing their master’s degrees, if they are accepted by a program in residency and if they have their OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT), they can pursue the residency program. Things to be considered:
a. Some times it becomes difficult because the OPT is one year and the program has to be agreed that during this year appropriate visa would be processed.
b. The OPT requires that you should do your job in your major study field. For the purpose of residency OPT is not considered valid but for some programs like OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY, if the applicant was doing Master in public health (Occup. Hlth) and he/she has OPT, then he/she is eligible to do residency. Same goes for Pathology residency (if some one got OPT after doing Master/Ph.D in Pathology). The point is that OPT should be used in your major field of study but OPT is a valid document (VISA status) to start residency.
Q5. How long it takes to get visa status changed if the IMG is in USA?
Ans. If the visa status has to be changed from US INS, then it may take from 90-120 days. If the visa status has to be changed from US consulate/embassy, then its just like getting any other USA visa (just one day).
Q. Where I should get my visa stamp, from home country or USA neighboring countries (Mexico or Canada) after getting matched (for my j-1 or H-1?)
Ans... After Sept 11th Tragic event USA INS has very strict policies about giving visa stamps to people who are not citizens of Mexico or Canada.....so before u even plan to go to Mexico for your visa stamps, pls ask INS if u can even do it...I think for time being it was closed also after sept 11th..... Its tough guys....USA consulates and visa officers have such subjective criteria for your visa that you can never be 100% sure but usually H-1 and J-1 are easy visa to get....if your previous USA visit and visa history is not bad ...means no over stays....no filing of green card...no multiple rejections for visas...if your history is plain and simple like....you came on visit visa for interviews and CSA (no over stays, no other illegal activities) and now after match you want to go back and get your visa from your home country..I think its very valid and chances are if your documentation is complete ..you will get a visa... on the other hand, if you have stayed in USA on a visit visa , over stays or multiple extensions...also change of status from visitors to student or trying to get a green card... i mean not a very good and clear record.....then you should avoid going back to your home country and also try to get a lawyer involved and visit mexico or canada with a lawyer with you to get visa...it might cost you money but these lawyers are expert in handling these situations and very good..... get lawyers info from visa section of this webpage.... hope it helps some...I know its a tough decision....
Q6. What is H-1 visa annual cap?
Ans. This is the limited number of H-1 visas offered by US INS every year and the fiscal year starts from October 1st each year. If you need to get H-1 visa for residency, which usually starts in July each year, either you will have to wait unless your H-1 visa is processed or you have to go to some other visa as J-1. The program has to agree on all these conditions like waiting for you till October. For insyance if the annual cap for H-1 visa is finished for year 2000-2001 then, to get a new H-1 for residency applicant will have to wait till October. You need to have your step-3 scores in April when the program starts paper work after you match and then if the annual cap is not over you might be able to start your residency on time (that is July or August) but if the annual cap is reached then you will file your paper work and the H-1 visa status would be issued/started in October when the annual cap starts for next year.
Q7a. What is ERAS?
..ERAS is elctronic residency application system....the system initially used by US graduates and now for all. the way it works is that you contact ECFMG and pay them some fee , they give you a code and detail instuctions, to log onto their website on internet and mail your supporting documents for residency application electronically .... rather than sending by regular mail to ECFMG...you do have to some documents in mail also as specified by ECFMG and then acording to your choices ECFMG applies electronically to those programs on your behalf with all the supporting documents.. and hence you dont have to send paper application to the programs directly though program can ask you to send some more documents once they receive your application......There is a certain amount of money you pay to ECFMG for applying to each program, details on ECFMG webpage....but the initial choice process remains thesame, as it was... like call the program before applying about their citeria each year for FMGs, score wise, visa sponsorship and other specific questions you have in mind....
Q7. Where and what programs to apply for residency training?
This a tough question, i have been reading this all the time , where to send the applications. i think the best is to consider your options according to your scores, choices and preferences. Here are some general guidlines:
1. scores, 85-90 and above, any program but do call them and ask them about sponsorship of visa, so that if you need a visa sponsor and they dont sponsor you dont waste your effort and money.
2. scores 80-85, mid size programs or even small programs, dont think of too big (being honest and modest and for me passimistic too as we are FMGs.). anyway think of programs like not too big university but relatively small. i wont give any specific names because honestly programs change their policies according to need everyyear.
3. 75-79, very careful, call all the programs and ask their criteria for acceptance.
some more gen guidlines
1. if you are in USA, call the program and ask all the pertinent questions you have and then decide to send the applications.
2. some questions you should ask on phone always...1.score, 2. visa, 3. any extra requirement like US clinical experience.4. IMGs friendly or not, dont ask friendly but ask how many IMGs are there in the program
3. to me there is nothing such thing as foreigner friendly or not friendly, all programs can take you if they need people to run the program. So call up the program and talk to people over there.
4. For people not in USA, honestly go with your gut feeling, past IMGs experiences and your own choices and preferences. Dont rely too much on exceptions. Be realistic and accept facts like if you have scores in 70's or lower 80's do not apply to Harvard, unless your resume other wise is very strong. Rest is up to you.
Q. Is it advisable to use the "residency consulting services", companies who help in getting residency??
Ans: Well as i said earlier if a company is guaranteeing 100% a residency spot for 1500 or 2000 dollars , chances are they are lying.... if a company is charging some money to make your resume and telling yo uthe tips and they have helped some people (people who wont get residency otherwise) , that means they could be helpful in your case.... if people with scores of 90s are getting help from these companies , and they were able to help them its not a big deal..people with 90s would get residency anyway... if they have helped somebody with compromising scores and credentials that would be considered something positive.... so things you need to do before hiring any such company...Tell them your scores and credentials and ask them how much they can help.... talk to people who used their services and see if they were really helpful for people with yuor type of scores and credentials..... but be careful there are crooks out there who are making money from desperate FMGs.... like Coon and associate of New York....and other people too.If they are really helpful then i guess spending some money is not a bad idea...
Q. Can I do Residency on work permit issued by INS during Green card Process?
Ans... YES you can do your residency , just keep your permit renewed and up to date during residency.
Q. Should I use the services provided by commercial companies helping getting into residency?
Ans. It is a very difficult situation , a lot of people have tried to fraud poor and desperate FMGs, and made money with out any results. especially COON and associate of New York. The best way is to contact the people who used these commercial services to get into residency and ask their experience honestly. I guess nobody can put you into a residency program by charging you 1000-2000 US Dollars. so talk to people who used their services, but generally my experience is that they are FRAUD.
Q. What are the dealines for me to be eligible ?
Answer...please look the
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but the general deadlines are....."The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) requires that all graduates of foreign medical schools who wish to participate in the Year 2001 Match have all required ECFMG® examination scores reported to the NRMP by February 22, 2002. Since all Step scores are now reported on a regular basis, ECFMG will revert to its standard six to eight week reporting period for CSA results, and the extension of time granted in 200 will not be offered for the 2001 Match. Hence, in order to ensure that results will reach the NRMP in time for participation in the Year 2001 Match, CSA must be taken by Jan 13, 2001. Every year ECFMG decides a deadline for FMGs to pass all the requirements (USMLE 1, 2 CSA and TOEFL) so that they have their ECFMG certification before match this date is usually toward the end of Februaury each year for that year (for eg. match 2002 it would be probably Feb. 22 2002). To get all your exams done by this date usually you have to take all the exams before mid January each year. Always confirm deadlines with ECFMG website also.
Here are some more guide lines for deadlines:
Starting in June we will mail ERAS 2002 Applicant Manuals and Document ID Stickers for all new and pending Token requests.
Early in July we will start e-mailing Tokens to all applicants who have a balance of at least $75 in their account. After that, we will fill new Token requests within a few days.
On July 15
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is scheduled to open, and you can log on at MyERAS to start working on your application. Then, after you have registered at MyERAS, you may send us photocopies of your documents for scanning.
August 15 The ERAS Post Office will open. You can start transmitting your Common Application Form (CAF), your Profile and Personal Statement/s (PS) - and we will start transmitting documents. August 15 The Applicant Document Tracking System (ADTS) will open, so that you can monitor the progress of your application. Daily (Monday-Friday) from August 15 to April 30: We will scan and transmit documents. We will update and transmit ECFMG Status Reports and USMLE Transcripts.
November 1 Dean's Letters will be released by the ERAS Post Office, no matter when they were transmitted.
NOV / DEC Program directors start their selection process
December 1 Application Deadline for the Match. Please go to
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to apply as Independent Applicant.
DEC / JAN Last chance to take CSA (to remain in the Match). Please check the ECFMG web site for specific deadline dates later this year.
DEC / JAN / FEB is generally the time for interviews.
Mid-February We must confirm CSA Pass to the NRMP. Mid-February We must confirm that your English exam is current for the Match.
Mid-March NRMP will post Match results on the Internet. Mid-March We will stop mailing current Tokens.
April 30 ERAS Post Office will close, ending current ERAS cycle.
July 1 Start Residency
Q. What should the letter of rec. (LOR) look like?
Answer... First thing it is best if given by American trained MD, or MD. Ph.D. It should cover your clinical experience or if you have done some clinical research projects. It should mention about your clinical interests and patient exposure. It should also say that the writer highly recommends you to get the residency position. It is good if you can have 3 LORs from US trained MD people. It is always good to have letters from some University based teaching hospital settings and in the same specialty which you are applying for. LORs are good if they are detailed and have good information about you as the person who is writing knows you by name and by face.
Q. Can FMGs/IMGs do moonlight, during residency?
This is a cutting from ECFMG site, the rules about residency J-1 "Two employment related or work authorization questions arises from the desire of many participants and medical facilities to have the foreign medical graduate participate in residency training as a "chief" resident or work outside of the residency program. First, the number of years of eligibility for program participation and thereby work authorization is totally dependent upon the period of time established by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education as published in the American Medical Association: Graduate Medical Education Directory. It appears that many residency programs have attempted to add an additional year of residency training and thereby have the services of the foreign medical graduate for the additional year. Given the requirement that the USIA administer this activity on a national basis and in conjunction with criteria established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, USIA will not authorize program participation for this additional year unless such additional year is set forth as a requirement in the American Medical Association: Graduate Medical Education Directory. Further, a foreign medical graduate is not authorized to "moonlight" and is without work authorization to do so. A foreign medical graduate may receive compensation from the medical training facility for work activities that are an integral part of his or her residency program. The foreign medical graduate is not authorized to work at other medical facilities or emergency rooms at night or on weekends. Such outside employment is a violation of the foreign medical graduate’s program status and would subject the foreign medical graduate to termination of his or her program."
for all pertinent information on j-1 visa and rules pls. visit the ECFMG site US info. agency's statement
also visit the ECFMG site for additional info US info. agency's statement addendum
Q. HOw do Internship thing works like float and other common terms in internship?
A. The thing is before starting the residency it is hard to understand all the common terms used but some common terms like FlOAT, ok the float is the person who covers for the whole service, lets say in a hospital there are four int. med teams, one team would be on call every nite and the rest of the teams who leave at 5 or 6 PM would check out their patients to FLOAT so that during nite he can take care of patients. some hospitals do have services like Hepatology , Hematology, and others and their admission if come during nite hours then float has to admit those and tell the respective teams in the morning about those patients. Usually float hours are different in different hospitals but its usually to cover nite hours..Check out patient information should be appropriate and to the point and the website below allows you to make good check out list. it's a free site.
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Ambulatory, means clinic like outpatient clinic where you as resident go and see patient in OP clinics.
SNF, skilled nursing facility , it is for patients who are not very sick/ill and they some care which nurses can provide. they are placed in those facilities and then discharged after completing IV medication or any other purpose they were placed in.
q4 Hours , as standard medical abbreviation q is "every", SQ is subcutaneuos, also buy a small pocket publication called "Maxwell quick medical reference" and the pocket publication for every subject "current clinical strategies". (www.ccspublishing.com/ccs)
Every hospital has dietician and nutrition service and there are different formulas for tube feedings like NEPRO for renal patients, others are osmolite, promote, vivonex but the name may be different in diff. hosp. Standard are AHA (amer. heart assoc diet, usually low salt) and ADA (amer. diabetic assoc diet).
Q. Which programs offer H-1 visa?
Ans....Some of The following places offer H-1 visa:
1. Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH
2. Henry Ford Hospital, MI,
3. Hahnemann University Hospital, PA
4. SUNY @ Buffalo Program A
5. St. Raphael Hospital, CT
6. St. John's Hospital, MI
7. Abington Memorial Hospital, PA
8. Harbor Hospital ,MD
9. Graduate Hospital, PA
10. St Vincent's at Bridgeport, CT
11. Temple University Hosp-Samaritan Program, PA
12. Mt Sinai SOM @ VA Bronx, NYC
13. Mt Sinai SOM @ Queens Hospital Center, NYC
14. Lincoln mental ......, Bronx
15. Coney Island Hospital, Brooklyn
All of them sponsor H-1 visa except for No2. No 11, No12 and No15 go almost entirely thru prematch.
Q: What is fifth pathway program and who is eligible for that?
Ans: Fifth pathway is a type of internship (supervised clinical training) offered to only US citizen FMG who graduate as medical doctors from outside USA in countries where Govt./social service or 1 year internship is a requirement to obtain the medical degree or diploma. for further details pls. follow the following links.
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How long should an average student prepare to get a pecentile above 90.
when u konw the answer,lemme know too!
Quote:
My query is Is One has done MS (Gen Surgery) and has a multiple entry visa the to do a fellowship there do we need mle score. A senior told me to do fellowship u need mle score as well. is that true
hi ashb!!!
i came across this thread today. wa surprised to see so many people facing the same dilema. Thanks for discussing the various aspects and laying out all the facts so beautifully. i have got a decent rank in all india. and i have even given stepi with a good score. so how would i stand if i finished my pg in india and then got into a residency in the us??.
newbie!!
well!!here i m!!a new convert to the step 1 community...been confused for past2-3 months abt doing mle...but my problem was solved by my neighour whose just got back after her match..wish i had joined this discussion when it began..i wouldnt have lost so much time simply whiling away reading novels..and of course a very comendable effort by ash_b.lets hope it continues..
hii
fellowship???
would be quite difficult.we have a few examples here & there.but if it was not that tough.....PGs from india wont be taking usmle again & do their residency again.they wkd simply take a fellowship.
look thr is competition among US residents after their residencies to get a fellowship.
many among them fail to get it.wat makes u think tht u stand a chance.
not that difficult
i know of a few ppl who got fellowships in competitive disciplines like ortho etc after PG from india-u just need to do it from a premiere institution and have a string of seniors in the US to guide u in the process.also a publication or two in international journals wouldnt be bad!
hi all!! yeah..actually cdnt reply yesterday.. since u were curious arihant,i wd like to tell u is she's all set to join this july..she'll b flying to NYC..i havent had a proper discussion wid her thou..think it will materialise in the near future..i'll keep u posted...see ya all..
one more thing..she's done a DOG here but no USCE..n no research..but she made it.. think her scores r around 98-99%iles..n she's got int. med. as a major..not bad, huh??
), i'm sorry! i cudnot reach u !anyways i wanna small help from u. i filled all the details of IWA application. but while filling credit card details i got a doubt as usual as i'm nuts. 
if i happen to use USA credit card.plzz help me!is that required?
!which q book r u refering to????????
