I was a non-traditional candidate that is almost done with anesthesiology residency. Long story short, I left medicine over 10 years ago to try another career, but after completing intern year AND passing all the USMLE steps. I returned to medicine and matched into an anesthesiology residency 4 years ago, and here I am today. I'm currently looking to work in private practice in California. Signed a contract with a private practice. However, the medical board of California said my USMLE tests expired since I passed them over 10 years ago. I would have to take the Special Purpose Examination (SPEX), which is $1300 and involves studying material I didn't anticipate.
According to their rules, the USMLE expiration date can be extended due to time spent in residency and/or "Good cause". They added 4 years to the expiration date (because of 4 years in residency), but because I started my anesthesia residency AFTER my scores expired, this doesn't help. So now I'm left with "good cause." I am currently drafting a letter to support my case. Does anyone know what I can include in the letter to support my case for "good cause?" I've done well on the ITE (at least 75th percentile for CA-0,1,2 years) and I passed my basic. Any advice will be helpful. I want to avoid taking the SPEX
According to their rules, the USMLE expiration date can be extended due to time spent in residency and/or "Good cause". They added 4 years to the expiration date (because of 4 years in residency), but because I started my anesthesia residency AFTER my scores expired, this doesn't help. So now I'm left with "good cause." I am currently drafting a letter to support my case. Does anyone know what I can include in the letter to support my case for "good cause?" I've done well on the ITE (at least 75th percentile for CA-0,1,2 years) and I passed my basic. Any advice will be helpful. I want to avoid taking the SPEX
