Validity period

[ericdamiansean]

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Does anyone here know how long are USMLE Step 1 and 2 results valid? And how long can I wait after I've completed both these steps before I start applying for my residency programs?
Was thinking that once I've completed Step 2, I would like to join some foreign missions for a year or two, see new places etc

 

[QuinnB]

I think that it may vary by state, but from my understanding a lot of areas want you to complete all steps (I - III) within a 7 year period. After you do this, they are "valid" for life...but of course there will be other qualification exams to pass.

 

[colbgw02]

you probably already know this, but you have to complete an internship and step III in order to be licensed in the U.S.

you could probably go overseas and contribute in a meaningful way without being licensed, but the headache once you get back may not be worth it.

 

[ericdamiansean]

but the headache once you get back may not be worth it.

What do you mean by headache? If you scored pretty decently in both Step 1 and 2, then go off for say, 2 years, and then come back for Step 3, matching etc, wouldn't you be on the same level of qualification and competitiveness as someone who just graduated? Provided of course, what you did in those 2 years were clinical based so that you don't loose your grasp of knowledge

 

[colbgw02]

What do you mean by headache? If you scored pretty decently in both Step 1 and 2, then go off for say, 2 years, and then come back for Step 3, matching etc, wouldn't you be on the same level of qualification and competitiveness as someone who just graduated? Provided of course, what you did in those 2 years were clinical based so that you don't loose your grasp of knowledge

all i really mean is that any break in training requires an explanation. some states are more strict than others about what sort of break they'll allow. chances are you'll be fine regardless, but if it were me, i would go ahead and get licensed.

being a physician in the U.S. is really a five-year degree. if you get licensed now, then if your priorities change, you could always go work as a GP, etc.

^this happens to folks in the military all the time, but they always complete the internship first. i guess it just seems like an odd place to break up your training, but like i said, you'll probably be fine regardless.