The AMA IMG Page
AMA's Immigration Advice to IMG's
The ERAS
The ECFMG
The USMLE & The ECFMG
MY Canned Advice: Pursuing a Residency in the US
Pederson Law Office: Good Source for J1 Doc's
Integrating with The American Culture
Great Destinations!
Vidyashala Alumni in America
An Orlando Vacation
KANNADA: History & Culture
MCR Communications, Bangalore, INDIA
Great Links!
Penn State Geisinger Radiology Homepage
Never Assume: LEGAL ADVICE
The USMLE & The ECFMG
Pursuing A Resideny in the US : My Canned Advice
Things you Have to Do:
PASS:
1. USMLE Steps 1,2 & 3
2. 2. ECFMG English Test
3. CSA (Clinical Skills Asessment test)
Higher the USMLE scores, better are your chances.
Try to shoot for > 85 ( >220).
Many programs have a cut-off score of 80-82; So, if <80 your application will end up in the trash can
All books for USMLE preparation are available in INDIA
You do not need Step 3 for entering a residency program, but you do need it to get a H-1 visa. You can still enter a residency program on a J-1 visa with only Step 1 and 2.
Step 3 is administered by the state -although its a national exam (bit confusing). Only a small number of states let you take Step 3 prior to starting a residency.
PLEASE PLEASE AVOID getting a J-1 visa at any cost !!
- either for taking the CSA or for starting in a residency program.
Your Best Bet: VISITORS visa (B visa): for CSA and Interviews
H1-B visa (work visa): to start in a Residency Program
(remember, you will be WORKING while in a residency and you will be paid a salary)
CSA is really UNFAIR to all Foreign graduates. Its ulterior motive is to restrict accessibility to those who cannot afford the DRACONIAN fees and the sky-high costs of traveling.
Bottom Line: You have to talk and act like and American (Try to speak as close to An American Accent as possible). CSA is a new thing, its not required to start a residency right now, but in the future, more Residency programs will begin to ask for CSA scores. I have no idea about CSA prep. Material.
The Application Process:
You can start applying to residency programs once you have your STEP 1 & 2 scores ready.
Apply to as many programs as you can. Anywhere from 50 to 250 !!
Get Professional Advice on 'Resume' and 'Statement of Purpose'.
Some programs accept the 'Universal Residency application form' and some don't.
Refer to the "Green Book" (Graduate Medical Programs directory) for addresses of the Residency programs.
Find out about the ERAS - (another stab in the back for FMG's). There is a limitation as to the number of residency programs you can apply to via ERAS.
PLAN AHEAD - Getting a residency IS A LONG DRAWN OUT PROCESS.
ISSUES in the Planning Process:
Study Material
When will I take the Exams and Where?
How Do I arrange for the money?
Visa : You will have to be Present In the US for - Step 3; CSA and Interviews.
Do it one Step at a Time. A lot of information is available on the world wide web.
GOOD LUCK!! GOOD LUCK!! GOOD LUCK!! GOOD LUCK!! GOOD LUCK!!
The JOB MARKET
Integrating with The American Culture
GOOD WEBRATIONS
srkvs.usa@usa.net
