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Hi all,
I am a US IMG - medical student intending to pursue a residency outside of the US - in my country of residence.
Initially, I was planning to take the USMLE steps during medical school, while material is fresh, in order to receive an ECFMG certification allowing me to pursue a fellowship in the US (after completing residency outside of the US) and then return to my country with a US fellowship (it is a common practice where I live).
Now that the Pathways are in place, and permanent ECFMG certificates are no longer provided, I am wondering if it makes sense to take the USMLE exam during medical school. My residency program is at least 4.5 years long + ~2 years until I will begin the program (I will not start residency immediately) = almost 7 years, with no guarantee from the ECFMG that my USMLE steps will not expire after 7 years…
Therefore, I am thinking it may be better to postpone the USMLE steps until completion of residency, and only if a fellowship position is relevant - return to the med school material and complete the steps.
Trying to figure out if this makes sense.
Any input would be appreciated 🙏🏼
I am a US IMG - medical student intending to pursue a residency outside of the US - in my country of residence.
Initially, I was planning to take the USMLE steps during medical school, while material is fresh, in order to receive an ECFMG certification allowing me to pursue a fellowship in the US (after completing residency outside of the US) and then return to my country with a US fellowship (it is a common practice where I live).
Now that the Pathways are in place, and permanent ECFMG certificates are no longer provided, I am wondering if it makes sense to take the USMLE exam during medical school. My residency program is at least 4.5 years long + ~2 years until I will begin the program (I will not start residency immediately) = almost 7 years, with no guarantee from the ECFMG that my USMLE steps will not expire after 7 years…
Therefore, I am thinking it may be better to postpone the USMLE steps until completion of residency, and only if a fellowship position is relevant - return to the med school material and complete the steps.
Trying to figure out if this makes sense.
Any input would be appreciated 🙏🏼
