Do I need ECFMG certification for interviews?

[redhen]

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I applied to approximately 30 places about 3 weeks ago but haven't heard back from many places yet for interviews. Only 8 places have contacted me for interviews. I'm an IMG and won't have my ECFMG certification until late January because I am scheduled to take the clinical skills exam in December.

Could this be the problem? Is it likely that some progrmas won't even consider my application until I'm ECFMG certified even if I'm scheduled to take the exam in December and that is the only thing I still need??

 

[psychinfo]

redhen,

where have you applied? where did you hear responses from?

 

[danzx8]

I was in the same situation last year. From what I concluded, some programs, especially highly competetive ones, don't even review the application if there are any gaps like step 2 CS results pending, ECFMG certificate absent or any visa/green card issues. This may not be a case with community based programs.
Hope this helps

 

[DrIng]

I think most places are understanding about this, but I know some who say things like, we'd like to interview you but we only interview post-certification so please call us then...

 

[BabyPsychDoc]

I applied to approximately 30 places about 3 weeks ago but haven't heard back from many places yet for interviews. Only 8 places have contacted me for interviews. I'm an IMG and won't have my ECFMG certification until late January because I am scheduled to take the clinical skills exam in December.

Could this be the problem? Is it likely that some progrmas won't even consider my application until I'm ECFMG certified even if I'm scheduled to take the exam in December and that is the only thing I still need??

Yes, you do need your ECFMG certificate. Think about the PDs: why would they want to risk interviewing you, ranking you and then having the spot unfilled if you fail CS? Most programs actually state on their website that graduates of foreign medical schools need to be ECFMG certified at the time of application.

Can't you bring your exam forward? If not, good luck: maybe, some programs will be more understanding than most.

 

[redhen]

redhen,

where have you applied? where did you hear responses from?

I´ve applied to different tier programs ranging in competitiveness. So far I've heard from Emory, Albert Einstein, Mayo, U of Maryland, U of Iowa, UIC, Temple and a rejection from Brookdale.

If I move my CS exam to an earlier date in November, would this help or is it pointless if programs were looking for the ECFMG certification by the application deadline, which is tomorrow...

 

[prominence]

Don't waste your time with Maine Medical Center without an ECFMG certificate. I am not sure if they expect a passed Step 3 result at the time of the interview for IMGs.