ECMFG certification for IMG

[blueberryjatt]

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Hi, I'm in a Caribbean medical school and have been finishing all my rotations back-to-back with minimal break time in between rotations. If I continue at this pace, I should be done by the end of July to apply for the 2020 match. My question is:

Is it better to delay my rotations by taking a break so that I don't have a gap in between when I start residency and medical school or is it better to finish medical school and get ECFMG certified prior to sending out applications.

I should get my Step CS results by mid July.

Thanks

 

[cf817]

I think it would be best to finish when you can. Not necessarily to get your ECFMG certificate but to never have to say was there ever a gap in your medical school education. It gets asked by many different state medical boards and it's easy to explain but it's one less thing you have to document and explain. Plus you'll be applying as a graduated MD with a passed USMLEs on your first application cycle. They won't have to worry about you finishing or any delay in your July 2020 start date.

 

[blueberryjatt]

Thank you for the reply, that's what I was thinking as well. I could also get Step 3 out of the way before starting residency, which if I take early enough, I can mention it during my interviews.

 

[mvenus929]

I mean, I don't think taking a week or so vacation in between a rotation is going to make or break your application.

But I agree that I would not recommend taking a prolonged break so as to significantly delay your completion.

 

[blueberryjatt]

Thanks for the input, I am planning on taking a week off in May and then finish school by the end of July.

 

[ddjamb]

Another way to look at it is to finish med school, get your ECFMG certificate, apply for residency and work on your step 3 and take it.
If you match, you will be ready to go.

 

[blueberryjatt]

Yea, I plan on taking Step 3 in November. Thanks