img path to residency & beyond in us

Dr Nkeiruka Orajiaka, MBBS, MPH, FAAP

IMG PATH TO RESIDENCY & BEYOND IN US

Where do I start?

THE ONE-LINER…

My path in 15 secs

Before the Match

Every IMG dream before residency is to become

ECFMG certified

Important Steps

Apply for ECFMG Certification

You cannot register for the exams without first applying for certification

Register for and Take Exams

Meet the Examination Requirements

USMLE Step 1

USMLE Step 2 CS

USMLE Step 2 CK

Meet the Education Credential Requirements

ECFMG must obtain primary-source verification of the IMG’s medical school diploma and transcript(s).

1. Application for ECFMG

Confirm medical school meets ECFMG's requirements through this link – https://www.wdoms.org/

This is a fact sheet on how to: https://www.ecfmg.org/resources/medical-school-reqs.pdf

Complete Application for ECFMG Certification. : https://secure2.ecfmg.org/emain.asp?app=iwa

Breaking it down.1. USMLE ID:

https://secure2.ecfmg.org/usmleidrequest/usmleidrequestnavigator.aspx

2. IWA: https://iwa2.ecfmg.org

3. Form – 345 MS release; 183; 186

4. Collate and send your documents – School certificate, Passport photo etc

5. Confirmation from ECFMG

6. ECFMG sends forms to medical school : check for

7. Medical school responds to ECFMG

1. Check for updates here: https://secure2.ecfmg.org/emain.asp?app=oasis

8. Verified and complete

9. Then register and apply for exams

2. Register for exams

• Satisfy medical science examination and clinical skills requirements (currently USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS). • Apply for exams- https://secure2.ecfmg.org/emain.asp?app=iwa

• Covid changes:• unable to take Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) due to the suspension

• Applicable for 2020- Going through the pathways

• eligibility requirements for all pathways

Best Resource: https://www.ecfmg.org/online-services-emswp.html

3. Pass the USMLE Exams

4. Documents Verification

• Provide copies of their medical education credentials—• currently the final medical diploma, • final medical school transcript, and, • if required, transfer credit transcript(s)• https://www.ecfmg.org/online-services-emswp.html

• Electronic is faster• https://www.ecfmg.org/about/initiatives-electronic-credentials-

verification.html

ECFMG certified

WHOLE PROCESS DURATION

•1-2 years for exams & certification and maybe application

Take Step 3 Exam

Residency Applications• ERAS token: https://apps.aamc.org/myeras-web/#/landing

• Application preparation• PS• LORs• List of places to apply• USMLE transcript

Residency Applications• Beyond the application

• What you are doing now• Clinical work

• MPH

• Extra-curricular

• Research

• Mentorship

Interviews & the Match

A stressful time

Starts from September/ October – January

Results Match in March

INTERVIEW/ MATCH SEASON

After the MatchVisa

Migration

Adjustment

Racism

Visa

Visa• Defines

• your journey and

• your transition post-residency

• Be sure to think critically

• Changes frequently• What applies back then is different from now

• COVID and Trump admin have changed a lot of things too

Visa - Main Options

J1- VISA (Study exchange) H1B- Visa (Work visa)

Sponsored by ECFMG Not sponsored by ECFMG

Most programs accept this Some programs sponsor this

Easier to go to fellowship with this You have to switch to GC before fellowship

Must do a 3-year waiver job OR return to home country for 2 years before GC application

Can start process for GC

J1 visa fees

Path to Green Card

Personal applicationThis is fastest

Can aim to get it done from residency

• Publications

• Minority work

Y- More expensive- you pay the fees

Work sponsored

Obtained after residency

Takes a long time- depends on employer & lawyer

Cheaper - Employer pays fees

Challenges should make you, not break you

Post- Residency

Should start before residency is over

• Medicine• Clinical pediatrics • Resident education?• research

• Finding your Niche

Decide- what matters most for you?

THE END