Victor Castilla M.D.October, 2009

What all International Medical Graduates MUST know about

Becoming a Doctor in the U.S.Becoming a Doctor in the U.S.Becoming a Doctor in the U.S.Becoming a Doctor in the U.S.

“The celebrated American dream of “freedom and opportunity” has attracted immigrants for centuries,

but the current reality may be less than egalitarian for doctors trained outside the US and Canada. Instead, the US healthcare system may be designed such that international graduates aren’t competing on a level

playing field for access to graduate medical education and the jobs that come afterward.”

Ellen M SoffinMind the gap.

STUDENTBMJ | Volume 14 | October 2006http://student.bmj.com/search/pdf/06/10/sbmj374.pdf

Where to start?

Who are we?

International Medical GraduateAn International Medical Graduate (IMG) is any physician who received his/her basic medical degree or qualification from a medical school outside of the U.S. or Canada, regardless of citizenship.

This includes any U.S. citizen who received a medical degree from a school outside of the U.S. or Canada

What does it mean to be an IMG?

In relation with medical U.S. Graduates

Where are we?

Certification of a Medical Specialist

Disappointed?

Becoming a Doctor in the U.S.…

Is only about passing USMLE tests?

Is only about passing USMLE tests?

NO

What is needed to Become

a Doctor in the U.S.?

What is needed to Become

a Doctor in the U.S.?

Hard work

Perseverance

Good Guidance

Advice from other IMGs

Create Networks

Realistic Picture of the process

However…However…However…However…

Some will accomplish their goal to become doctors and some will not.

To become To become oror

not to becomenot to become a Doctor? a Doctor?

How to takethe decision?

“For IMGs, a realistic picture of what it means to go to the US for residency training may be part of what

will make that process a success.”

Ellen M SoffinMind the gap.

STUDENTBMJ | Volume 14 | October 2006http://student.bmj.com/search/pdf/06/10/sbmj374.pdf

Becoming a Doctor in the U.S. is about….

EnglishEnglish

MoneyMoney

CulturalCultural AdaptationAdaptation

Networking

IMEDIMEDInternational Medical Education Directory

https://imed.faimer.org/

Medical Board of CaliforniaMedical Board of California

ECFMGECFMG

Educational Commission for Foreign Medical GraduatesEducational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates

USMLEUSMLE

Graduation Date

stop

Pass the test in the First attempt

Failing is not allowed

PTALPTAL

Postgraduate Training Authorization LetterPostgraduate Training Authorization Letter

Migratory StatusMigratory Status

Personal StatementPersonal Statement

Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation

U.S. Clinical ExperienceU.S. Clinical Experience

SupportSupport

Are you ready?Are you ready?

“Remember that medicine is very important but not everything. It is easy to understand that your residency will be

very important and a great preoccupation, but do not forget that it is also the time to go on with your personal development.”

Rodolfo A. Armas-Merino, MD, MACPSpanish Speaking International Medical Graduates Applying for a Residency in the USA: Some Thoughts

http://www.acponline.org/about_acp/international/graduates/training_in_us/merino.htm

Good Luck!

ThanksThanks

Victor Castilla M.D.

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