What all International Medical Graduates MUST know about Becoming a Doctor in the U.S. Victor Castilla M.D. October, 2009

“ 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 Soffin Mind the gap. STUDENTBMJ | Volume 14 | October 2006 http://student.bmj.com/search/pdf/06/10/sbmj374.pdf

Where to start?

Who are we?

International Medical Graduate An 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?

NO

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…

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

To become or not to become a Doctor?

How to take the 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 Soffin Mind the gap. STUDENTBMJ | Volume 14 | October 2006 http://student.bmj.com/search/pdf/06/10/sbmj374.pdf

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

English

Money

Cultural Adaptation

Networking

IMED International Medical Education Directory https://imed.faimer.org/

Medical Board of California

ECFMG Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates

USMLE

Graduation Date

stop

Pass the test in the First attempt Failing is not allowed

PTAL Postgraduate Training Authorization Letter

Migratory Status

Personal Statement

Letters of Recommendation

U.S. Clinical Experience

Support

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, MACP Spanish 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!

Thanks

Victor Castilla M.D. This presentation was created under a Creative Commons License