SF ophthalmology fellowship match query from an FMG

[jmarkmd]

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I am an international medical graduate planning to do a glaucoma fellowship
I already registered with the sf match for a 2012 ophthalmology fellowship
I only finished step 1 and 2 of the USMLE not step 3
So that my choices won't be wasted in the sf match how do I know which programs are amenable to my status having just completed the 2 steps?
Do I have to ask the programs directly or do I have to look at the licensure requirements of the specific states?
thank you
John Mark S. de Leon

 

[odieoh]

Are you saying that you don't plan on doing step 3? Most programs will want you to have this done. . . especially as an international student. Unless you are a superstar, that would be lower on the list of things to worry about, although still pertinent. Mainly you should focus on which programs are amenable to accepting IMGs.

 

[umsami]

Nearly all programs require Step III and licensure. I know because my a colleague faced a similar issue back in early 2000. Had Step I, Step II, ECFMG---but no Step III. If you don't have Step III, my guess is you'll be observing rather than having any actual patient contact.


No State will license you without Step III. None.


I know that some IMGs have done fellowships, and then gone back and done a residency (even though they have their residency from abroad)--but these are few and far between.

Look into Premier's Step III course.

 

[umsami]

There's a guy in South Florida who has had IMGs work for him as glaucoma fellows...but I think they end up basically doing research. I want to say East Florida Eye Institute or something like that. His last name begins with an F... can't remember it. I'm sure if they are licensed they can see patients, though.

To see patients, you're going to have to at least have some sort of licensing. While some States do training licenses for residents (such as Florida), every ophthalmology fellowship I'm aware of requires full licensure. Even if you look at the descriptions, you'll see Step I, Step II, Step III, eligible for licensure in whatever state, etc.

Another thing that can trip up IMGs is time between Step I and passing Step III. Many come with Step I and Step II--but then it takes them forever to match somewhere for a PGY-1. Most States have a 7 year limit, some allow 10, some 10 with board certification, and a few (NY, FL) don't have a time limit.

Don't forget that you'll need to take the Step II clinical skills test (and pass it) before you can sit for Step III. Requirements for sitting for Step III vary as well. Some require you to have a certain number of years of PG work--and I'm not sure if they must be US/Canadian based or not.

 

[Xlinks]

I have done my residency training in the UK and completed the USMLE steps. I would like to do a fellowship in the USA and hoping to apply for the 2013 match. However, I would like know how many programs are open to IMGs who also need sponsorship for a visa. Unfortunately, sfmatch only provides this information after you have paid your dues ! I do not wish to pay for the service if there are no suitable fellowships that are open to me.

Is there anyone who is in the same position as me? Any idea about which fellowship programs are open to IMGs and which ones sponsor visas?

 

[neuronerd12]

Anybody knows if any FMG matched at any US fellowship this year?

@Xlinks,
Hi, are you FMG from UK? Can you tell me what is residency training in UK like? Do they accept FMGs? WHAT are the qualifications required? Is UK training recognized in US? Thanks for your help

 

[tawfeek]

is there age after it not prefered to to apply to residency ?