FM residency application question

[TypeADoctor]

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I am starting my MSIV and am beginning the match process. I have done a lot of research on what FM programs I am applying to but some state that an applicant "must be ECFMG certified." I will not have my certificate until April. My question to you all is: how stringently do program directors follow this? Have you ever heard of people matching at one of these programs despite not having their certificate at time of applying? I am from the rural midwest and I am a very strong applicant for FM and so I find this infuriating that I will not be considered based on this stipulation

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Any info and advise is appreciated.

 

[mamagir]

I am starting my MSIV and am beginning the match process. I have done a lot of research on what FM programs I am applying to but some state that an applicant "must be ECFMG certified." I will not have my certificate until April. My question to you all is: how stringently do program directors follow this? Have you ever heard of people matching at one of these programs despite not having their certificate at time of applying? I am from the rural midwest and I am a very strong applicant for FM and so I find this infuriating that I will not be considered based on this stipulation

.

Any info and advise is appreciated.

I assume since you are MSIV and need ECFMG certificate, then you must be a carribean grad. I would think that this criteria will be more stringent for IMGs proper. Your options will be to find out from the individual programs you are interested in or talk to your seniors that have been in the same position. I really don't think that would be a significant obstacle for you. Again, your best bet would be to talk to people from your school who have matched in the states you are looking at.


On another note, I am glad to see that I am not the only one infuriated by a whole lot of FM programs. In my own case, I am an IMG who is highly passionate about FM with decent scores, particularly looking to train in rural and underserved communities. Unfortunately, I can barely find enough FM programs that don't require me having a whole year of USCE. Some even go on to say observerships, research, externships don't count. Now I think I will have to apply to IM as backup. Who would have thought that!!