Application Process

For IMGs getting “matched” i.e. selected for a Residency program, requires careful planning. One should pass all 3 exams (Step 1, Step 2CK, Step 2CS); and also have your credentials verified by ECFMG, in good time for the application season. Failure to do may result in missing the match deadlines, and possibly having to re-apply the following year.

ECFMG Accreditation (For more information visit www.ecfmg.org )

This requires  a) passing all 3 exams (Step 1, Step 2CK, Step 2CS), b) Verification of credentials

 Verification of Credentials

          When you apply to the ECFMG, you need to send the original medical school transcript, and a copy of the medical school diploma. ECFMG then verifies your credentials by contacting your medical school and asking them to send a copy of your transcript. This is time consuming, as it means written postal communication between ECFMG and your medical school. In the past, you could sit for the USMLE exams while you are waiting for the verificiation.ECFMG  now requires primary source verification of the applicant’s credentials prior to registering for USMLE. Visit http://www.ecfmg.org/2010ib/2010ib.pdf for more details

Step 1

  • Computer Based Basic Science Exam conducted worldwide, including Egypt, UAE, Kuwait, and UK.
  • Results in 4 weeks.

Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge)

  • Computer Based Clinical Science Exam also conducted worldwide.
  • Results in 4 weeks.

Step 2CS (Clinical Skills)

  • Clinical OSCE-like Exam, with 12 stations that test history taking, clinical examination, communication skills.
  • Conducted only in the USA.
  • Results are reported as pass or fail,
  • Results after at least 4 months.

Once the above is achieved, the applicant receives the ECFMG certificate, which means he is eligible to enter the Match.

Step 3

  • Only needed if you plan on applying for H1b visa
  • You must be ECFMG certified i.e. passed step 1, step2 CS, step2 CK & medical degrees verified, and ECFMG certificate issued.
  • Computer based Exam of Clinical Subjects over 2 days
  • Conducted only in the USA
  • Results in 4 weeks.

ERAS and the Match

             ERAS (Electronic Residency Application System) is the website which is vehicle for communication between Residency applicants and Residency Program Directors.

  • The applicants upload their application details which includes Personal Details, Place of graduation, USMLE results, Clinical Experience, Visa status, Letters of Recommendation etc.
  • Program Directors download these details, and based on that invite applicants for interviews.
  • At the end of the interview season (around late February), applicants submit a ROL (Rank Order List), which is the list of programs they interviewed at in order of preference.
  • Program Directors do the same i.e. submit an ROL with the list of applicants in order of preference.
  • These ROLs are uploaded to the NRMP (National Resident Matching Program) website. After the ROL deadline (late February), the Match process begins, the computer matches the applicants to the program of the best fit possible. The results of the Match are then announced in mid March.
  • The Match result is legally binding, i.e. neither the applicant, nor the program director can remove themselves from the Match.