USMLE and ECFMG

[holyravioli]

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Hi all,


Generally, I know from other posts that unless you have an ECFMG certificate, you cannot take the USMLE exam and thus cannot apply to any residencies. I've been doing research on Freida though and it seems there are a few programs more lax about this. Maybe I'm wrong about that... I'm thinking of attending a younger medical school in Italy, so it isn't listed in IMED. Thus, no definite chance of being ECFMG certified. Does anyone know how difficult it is to get your school approved for IMED?

Any advice is much appreciated, thanks!

 

[BADMD]

Are you an American Citizen? If so, abandon this plan.

 

[holyravioli]

Yes I am.. thank you for the warning, that's what I figured. I guess I'll be looking more into a native language program there if I really want to pursue going abroad.

 

[Smurfette]

I think what BADMD meant was, if you want to practice or do residency in the US, the best way to achieve this is to attend a US medical school. FMGs (even if a US citizen or a European grad) have a much more difficult time finding a residency program. Much more....the odds will not be in your favor unless you want to go into something non-competitive in an undesirable location.

But, to answer your question about IMED, this is a question better answered in the international forum. Moving.

 

[holyravioli]

I'm working now to save up money and do some research about my next step so thank you for advice Smurfette, it's much appreciated.

Oh and thank you for moving the thread, I wasn't sure of the best place to put this question.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Hi all,


Generally, I know from other posts that unless you have an ECFMG certificate, you cannot take the USMLE exam and thus cannot apply to any residencies.

Actually, you can't get the ECFMG certificate unless you've taken the USMLEs (so you've got it backwards).

Without the certificate or at least in process of getting it, you can apply for US residencies but are not going to be eligible. Some programs do require the certificate; others only that you've completed all the steps toward being awarded it.

Maybe I'm wrong about that... I'm thinking of attending a younger medical school in Italy, so it isn't listed in IMED. Thus, no definite chance of being ECFMG certified. Does anyone know how difficult it is to get your school approved for IMED?

Any advice is much appreciated, thanks!

Sounds like a mistake to me. There is no guarantee of getting your school listed. Then what are you going to do?

 

[holyravioli]

Thank you for clarifying that Winged Scapula, and for the advice!

I contacted IMED, and the secretary told me that since the school is listed in IMED, that both the international and native language program count, so I would be eligible for ECFMG. It made me feel very relieved, but again, I'm still going to be doing a lot of thinking about applying to school there (either University of Milan, San Raffaele or Pavia).

I'm Italian American, not fluent enough though, so that is why I've been looking at international programs Italy. It's kind of a long story, but my reasons for going over are cultural/financial/personal.

I appreciate all the input from everyone though, thanks again!

 

[BADMD]

I'm Italian American, not fluent enough though, so that is why I've been looking at international programs Italy. It's kind of a long story, but my reasons for going over are cultural/financial/personal.

As a US citizen, you will be putting yourself at a substantial disadvantage if you go to an Italian medical school. While I'm sure it would be really cool to spend 4 years in Italy, you will make it much more difficult for yourself to practice in the future. Residency programs are under pressure to reduce the number of FMGs they accept, while simultaneously the number of US medical schools are increasing.

I'll say it again. Abandon this plan. At best, this should be your medical school plan C.