UCSF applicant question

[classof09]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Just read this on the UCSF website...what does it mean? What is a California Medical Letter?? do you guys know??

"When do I need to submit my California Medical Letter?
The "Applicant Evaluation Status Letter" from the California Medical Board is required for application to the program. The letter must be submitted at the time of application. The letter can be scanned either as an addendum to the Personal Statement or Letter of Recommendation in ERAS, or it can be faxed to (415) 502-1976"

 

[DantheMan05]

My understanding is that only pertains to IMGs...

 

[indiamacbean]

this does not apply to you. I didn't submit anything like that and it worked out for me.

 

[dragonfly99]

I'm pretty sure this is only for IMG's and FMG's. Just check with the secretary/admin. assistant for the program you are applying to...tell her you are from "x" school (i.e. MD or DO school, IMG school, etc.) and ask whether this applies to you.

My understanding is that everyone needs a PTAL eventually, but for US grads the program will just get it for you after you are there...they have to get it within a year or two of you starting residency, I think. The reason IMG and FMG's have to get one ahead of time is to make sure their med schools put them through all the required clerkships, etc. that California requires, which are actually more specific than some other states...

From the ECFMG web site:

Postgraduate Training Authorization Letter (PTAL) or “California Letter”

If you apply to programs in California, you must submit a Postgraduate Training Authorization Letter (PTAL) issued by the Medical Board of California with your residency applications. The PTAL was known formerly as the California Applicant Status Letter and may also be referred to simply as the “California Letter.”

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Medical Board of California will require several months to issue the PTAL. You should contact the Medical Board of California for information and apply for the PTAL well in advance of program deadlines.

You must include the PTAL as one of your LoRs in your applications to programs in California. As a result, you can assign up to three LoRs and the PTAL to any program in California. List the letter as one of your LoRs by entering “California Letter” instead of a letter writer’s name, and checking the box that indicates “This is a California Applicant Status Letter.” Then send a copy of the letter to ERAS Support Services at ECFMG, accompanied by a completed DSF.

If you do not yet have your PTAL, you need to let programs in California know that you are working to obtain one. To do this, list the letter as one of your LoRs, as described above, and submit a temporary document, such as the receipt issued by the Medical Board of California or the “Originals Returned” letter that accompanied your returned originals, with a completed DSF. When you receive the final PTAL, send a copy to ERAS Support Services at ECFMG with a completed DSF requesting that it replace the temporary document.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please list “California Letter” only once in MyERAS. Do not create a second letter entry for your final letter. There should be only one slot designated for the “California Letter.”

Obtaining a PTAL (“California Letter”)

Please contact:

Medical Board of California
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1200
Sacramento, CA 95815
Tel: (916) 263-2382

Information and application materials are also available by visiting www.medbd.ca.gov or sending e-mail to [email protected].