Question about licensure

[HalcyonDays]

This is my first month of residency...I just found out I passed Step 3 which puts the entire USMLE money making fiasco behind me. I was hoping someone could possibly answer a question for me, 'what now'?

Can I apply for a license after 1 yr? I graduated from Ross so I believe I am ineligible until all 3 yrs...someone correct me if I'm wrong about that.

Should I fill out the FCVS form? That thing is a couple hundred bucks, which is a couple of hundred more than I have to spare. Should I just hang out until later to take care of FCVS? FCVS is more for sending out info when you're looking for a job anyways right?

Finally, what do I do with the Step 3? It kind of just sits there right? Do I have to fax it to anyone (like FCVS)? I've been on night float this whole first month and haven't even talked to any of the residency staff people because I leave in the AM before they even come in. Will they want a copy of my Step 3?

Thanks everyone.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Winged Scapula]

This is my first month of residency...I just found out I passed Step 3 which puts the entire USMLE money making fiasco behind me. I was hoping someone could possibly answer a question for me, 'what now'?

Can I apply for a license after 1 yr? I graduated from Ross so I believe I am ineligible until all 3 yrs...someone correct me if I'm wrong about that.

Depends on what state you are in. FSMB lists the requirements here:http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_eliinitial.html

Should I fill out the FCVS form? That thing is a couple hundred bucks, which is a couple of hundred more than I have to spare. Should I just hang out until later to take care of FCVS? FCVS is more for sending out info when you're looking for a job anyways right?

Unless you are applying for a job in a state that requires it, I would discourage you from using FCVS. It serves you no purpose now. Please read the multiple threads about FCVS and see the problems most of us have had. Its a waste of money.

Finally, what do I do with the Step 3? It kind of just sits there right? Do I have to fax it to anyone (like FCVS)? I've been on night float this whole first month and haven't even talked to any of the residency staff people because I leave in the AM before they even come in. Will they want a copy of my Step 3?

Thanks everyone.

Didn't you release it to them? Yes, they will probably want some proof that you've passed the exam (as most residencies have some sort of requirement about this).

 

[HalcyonDays]

Thanks Winged, I meant to put I'm from NY. It says NY requires 1 yr if your school is LCME accredited...which Ross is not. There goes any dreams I had about moonlighting I guess since I'll have to go through the 3 yrs.

Release Step 3? Nope, didn't release it to anyone. Guess I'll just do it manually now.

Thanks again.

 

[dragonfly99]

halcyondays
congrats on passing Step 3
wow you are stressing
I wouldn't worry about getting your license now. I went to a US med school and didn't get mine until 3rd year of IM residency. IMHO nobody really knows enough to be moonlighting until end of 2nd year, probably 3rd year in my opinion. I think you are right they may not let you have a license until after finishing 3 years if you are an IMG.

Just concentrate on learning and don't worry about the few thousand dollars you could make while moonlighting as a resident. I know it must be hard, though, living in expensive New York state. Don't worry, lots of other house staff in similar bad financial situations. You just have to stick it out, try to pay the interest on your student loans if you can.

Most residencies don't require you to pass Step 3 until end of 2nd year...some require you pass it to move to 3rd year. I didn't take mine until end of 2nd (maybe even beginning of 3rd year?).

 

[HalcyonDays]

hey dragonfly, yeah i don't know what has happened to me. medical school and subsequent training has given me more anxiety issues than i remember having in the past. perhaps it unmasked it or maybe it just caused it, but whatever the reason it's not good.

i'll take your advice though and just do my thing, i was only concerned about the moonlighting because of the loans which are just downright stressful.

 

[roja]

Moonlighting may be possible depending on what specialty and what hospital you are in.

You don't have to spend the money for the fcvs if you don't have it. NY doesn't require it. The NY lisence is about 700 bucks and you will also need a DEA lisence which is another 400 or so. you probably won't be able to moonlight until you are done wiht your internship.

 

[2ndyear]

If I were you, I'd go ahead and pony up for the FCVS now. Try to get your program to cover it (unlikely, but worth a shot maybe). Reasons:
1) FCVS is very very slow. Set aside 6-9 months, so get it started now. It's painful.
2) All states accept FCVS, but only some require it. If you decide you want to work in a state that requires it, that's a good reason to start now.
3) You may very well find a job you like in a state that requires FCVS. If you're into your last year of residency, you won't have time to complete FCVS AND the state license requirements in time to start work in a reasonable fashion.
4) It's good forever, as far as I know, so that takes some of the pain out of future licensing.
5) Your steps to actually working, from getting a job is fairly long. I was surprised how long. Whatever you can get done now helps. I had to get my state license (3 months and I got lucky, could have been much longer), state controlled substance (another 2 weeks), DEA (about 1-2 weeks after state controlled), hospital credentialling (this was almost as bad as licensing, they had to re-verify med school, residency, more letters of rec, and an interview with the hospital board- another 2 months).

 

[DrJosephKim]

Also keep in mind that state licensing requirements are constantly changing. Keep your finger on the pulse and stay current on new requirements.