ECFMG Certification for Match?

[akhim]

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So I read that you have to be ECFMG certified to be eligible for SOAP,

but do you have to be ECFMG Certified to match?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

You are incorrect on both counts. You only need to be "ECFMG Eligible" to match or SOAP.

That means that:
1. You go to an approved medical school, listed in IMED
2. You have passed USMLE 1, 2CK, and 2 CS.

In order to be ECFMG Certified, you actually have to graduate from medical school and have your diploma verified. That is NOT required to participate in the match or SOAP.

 

[akhim]

You are incorrect on both counts. You only need to be "ECFMG Eligible" to match or SOAP.

That means that:
1. You go to an approved medical school, listed in IMED
2. You have passed USMLE 1, 2CK, and 2 CS.

In order to be ECFMG Certified, you actually have to graduate from medical school and have your diploma verified. That is NOT required to participate in the match or SOAP.

Okay thanks aPD. I read that on a website and freaked out a little bit.

 

[Ronin786]

You are incorrect on both counts. You only need to be "ECFMG Eligible" to match or SOAP.

That means that:
1. You go to an approved medical school, listed in IMED
2. You have passed USMLE 1, 2CK, and 2 CS.

In order to be ECFMG Certified, you actually have to graduate from medical school and have your diploma verified. That is NOT required to participate in the match or SOAP.

aPD you might be able to shed some light on this, but would programs consider an IMG that hasn't officially graduated?

Say a student graduates in June but has completed all their ECFMG Eligibility requirements a year prior. Would you recommend applying that same year or waiting a cycle till they're ECFMG Certified?

Basically is there much of an emphasis on ECFMG Eligible vs Certified if all other factors are the same?

 

[gutonc]

aPD you might be able to shed some light on this, but would programs consider an IMG that hasn't officially graduated?

Say a student graduates in June but has completed all their ECFMG Eligibility requirements a year prior. Would you recommend applying that same year or waiting a cycle till they're ECFMG Certified?

Basically is there much of an emphasis on ECFMG Eligible vs Certified if all other factors are the same?

I'm not aPD but most Carib IMGs do it this way. Processing the diploma and getting the certificate done is probably the only thing that ECFMG does with any deliberate speed. If all you're waiting on is the diploma (and you'll get it at the beginning of June), it's generally not considered a problem.

That said, not every PD understands this and may only accept ECFMG-certified applicants.

 

[Ronin786]

I'm not aPD but most Carib IMGs do it this way. Processing the diploma and getting the certificate done is probably the only thing that ECFMG does with any deliberate speed. If all you're waiting on is the diploma (and you'll get it at the beginning of June), it's generally not considered a problem.

That said, not every PD understands this and may only accept ECFMG-certified applicants.

Man, I never knew that.

Sucks being on a different continent though. I don't know if its feasible interviewing at programs when it takes a 14 hr plane to reach

 

[septoplasty]

I agree with gutonc,

I've had several PC's tell me after calling me to book and interview that they wanted "certified" only. Bullocks since I'm A) Verified B) in school and will finish in time to start PGY1.

For IMG's, fresh graduation and ecfmg certified can't be achieved together. PC's need to be informed.