img path to residency & beyond in us
TRANSCRIPT
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
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