Ineligible for Match, options?

[neulite30]

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Hi,

I posted recently regarding path programs (AP/CP). International student, American citizen. I have completed the following:

Step 1: 244
Step 2 CK: 265

However, I just found out there is no availability for Step 2 CS at testing centers for reporting prior to the Match, thus I would be ineligible to participate.

As an international student I need Step 1, 2CK, and 2CS for ECFMG certification. Do all programs require this?

What are my options for 2013? Seems to be one thing holding me back from applying at this point.

Thanks.

 

[TMZ2007]

I would still apply if your application is otherwise complete. If you are located in the US and are not significantly restricted financially, spots for CS will open up every so often (people cancelling, etc.). You'll need to check the CS scheduling website like a hawk, but as long as you can afford the hastily-arranged flight and exam fees (and are prepared for the exam), this is actually not an unreasonable option. I know several people who took this route successfully. You will still need to be ECFMG certified before the match occurs in February, so you'll need to test on or before Dec 1st or so.

Has the prematch totally gone away as of this year? You could always apply, interview, and ask for a prematch if that is still an option...

 

[KCShaw]

Set up to take it as soon as possible. Dunno every GME office's rules on such things, but there may be some willing to step outside the box and offer you something outside the match or interview you knowing this issue, particularly if you're only waiting for -results-. Unfortunately that's going to be very program dependent. Some take an odd pride in being anal.

If it comes down to it, you can always try to do an intern year or part of an intern year in Oz so you don't end up with a gap. But it would kinda suck to get this far, do well on what you've done so far, yet hit such a barrier. This is exactly the kind of thing your med school should have warned you about -- there is generally a group of 10-20 looking to go to/back to North America for residency, and the issue should not have come as a surprise.

 

[sham wow]

You should get the "check4change" software to monitor the Step 2 CS schedule constantly and an alarm goes off when a date becomes available. That is how I was able to schedule a date for CS back in July when all of the dates were booked. However, I still don't have my score back, so it does take a long time to get that regardless of when you take it now.

Many of the bigger name programs require your CS and CK scores (in addition to step 1) before they will offer you an interview (this only applies if you are an IMG). There are a few that don't (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Vermont), so you still have a shot of getting a good place somewhere. Just book that CS date ASAP! 🙂

Best of Luck!

 

[anon3]

IMGs need ECFMG to apply to any program as far as I know.

AMGs need to get step 2 ck and cs done before the residency starts ranking for many/most programs I think.

 

[TMZ2007]

IMGs need ECFMG to apply to any program as far as I know.

Not true. Some programs will not consider you without ECFMG cert in hand at the time of your app, but others certainly will. This is a program-by-program requirement and by no means a ERAS/NRMP requirement.

You will have to show passing Step 1, CK, and CS before the match actually occurs in February, and you will have to be ECFMG certified in order to get any sort of medical license and start residency, however.

 

[KCShaw]

Just as a follow-on about internship in Australia -- I've recently read that with the addition of new medical schools/positions the graduating classes are vastly increased versus a few years ago (well, more like 10 now, yeesh) when even an international student there could almost -expect- to place in one of the larger city centers if that's how you ranked them. Around that time there was a dearth of junior staff (interns, residents) and a lot of hospitals functioned with empty positions. Anyway, that option evidently isn't as open as it used to be.