"The International Medical Graduate's Best Hope"
“THE INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATE’S BEST HOPE”
CONTENT
PART I
THE INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATE (IMG)
1 Definition of an International Medical Graduate
Distinction Between an IMG and a U.S. Medical Graduate
Overview of the Different Categories of IMGs
2 The Role of IMGs in the U.S. Physician Workforce
Statistics of IMGs in the U.S. Physician Workforce
The Primary Care Problem
3 Success Principles to Enter Residency
Analyze Your Thoughts
Release Your Fears
Get Organized and Uncluttered
Goal Setting
The Mindset for Success
Time Management
The Certain Decision
A Message of Hope And Persistence
4 Getting Organized: Timetable and Checklist
Definition of Acronyms in This Chapter
General Overview of the Steps to Getting Into a Residency Program in the U.S.
Timetable for ECFMG Certificate Holders
A Useful Checklist
PART II
THE EDUCATION COMMISSION FOR FOREIGN MEDICAL GRADUATES (ECFMG) CERTIFICATION
5 Eligibility Criteria for the ECFMG certificate
What does it take to be ECFMG certified?
Monitoring the status of ECFMG certification
6 USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK (+ testing regions)
USMLE Step 1
The USMLE Step 1 Overview
How Do You Best Prepare for the USMLE Step 1?
Frequently Asked Questions on USMLE Step 1
USMLE Step 2 CK (Step 2 Clinical Knowledge)
The USMLE Step 2 CK Overview
How Do You Best Prepare for the USMLE Step 2 CK?
Frequently Asked Questions About USMLE Step 2 CK
Testing Regions for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK
7 USMLE Step 2 CS(Step 2 Clinical Skills)
The USMLE Step 2 CS Overview
How Do You Best Prepare for the USMLE Step 2 CS?
Frequently Asked Questions About USMLE Step 2 CS
8 USMLE Step 3
The USMLE Step 3 Overview
How Do You Best Prepare for the USMLE Step 3?
Frequently Asked Questions About USMLE Step 3
Registration requirements for the USMLE step 3
9 Special Note to Multiple Attempt Test Takers
10 The United States Medical Licensure
Permanent License vs. Temporary License
11 The Seven-Year Rule
PART III
PREPARING THE RESIDENCY APPLICATION
12 Selecting programs
Types of Programs
1. AMG-Dominated Programs
2. IMG-Dominated Program
Fellowship & Residency Electronic Interactive Database Access (FREIDA)
The Power of Selecting Programs
Programs Closing
Some Specifics About Choosing a Program
How to Apply Wisely
Number of Programs to Apply to
13 Choosing a Specialty
Legend for IMG Competitiveness in Relation to Specialty
Our Advice When Choosing Which Specialties to Apply to
14 The Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Contents of a CV
Your Best Hope Now: A Winning CV
Sample Resume Outline (What goes where?)
Sample CVs
15 The Personal Statement
What is a Personal Statement?
How to Upload Your Personal Statement to ERAS
What Do You Need to Include in a Personal Statement?
The Structure of Your Personal Statement
Your Best Hope Now: A Winning Personal Statement
Sample PS
16 The Letter of Recommendation
Types of Letters of Recommendation for the IMG
Who to Ask for References
When to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
How to Ask for a Strong Letter of Recommendation
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Best Hope Now: Letter of Recommendation
Template Letter of Recommendation Request
Sample Letters of Recommendation for IMGs
17 The Dean’s Letter
What is a Dean’s Letter?
Template Dean’s Letter
Sample Dean’s Letter
What is the Medical Student Performance Examination (MSPE)?
Outline of the MSPE
Sample MSPE
PART IV
APPLICATION BOOSTERS
18 The Medical Clerkship
Who is Eligible for a Medical Clerkship?
Requirements
Where to Apply for Clerkship
Template Letter for Clerkship Request
Template Letter of Support for a Medical Clerkship From Your Medical School
Reputable Programs That Offer Clerkships to International Medical Students
You Are Accepted for Clerkship, Now What?
19 The Medical Externship/Observership
Distinction Between Observership and Externship
Advantages of a U.S. Clinical Experience
How to Apply for an Externship/Observership Position
A Few Programs That Offer a Clinical Experience for IMGs
Externship Organizations Assisting IMGs to Obtain U.S. Clinical Experience
What to do During the Externship?
20 The Pre-Residency Fellowships
21 Other application boosters
1. Physician Assistant (PA)
2. Nursing
3. Master of Public Health (MPH)
4. The Medical Research
How Do You Find a Research Position?
Requirements
PART V
IMMIGRATION AND VISA OPTIONS FOR IMGS
22 IMG’s Introduction to the U.S. Immigration
23 Types of Visas Sponsored for the Purpose of Residency Training
J-1 Visa
H-1B Visa
24 Research and Immigration Issues
PART VI
THE RESIDENCY PROGRAM APPLICATION
25 The Electronic Residency Application
The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)
Submission of individual documents
26 Communication With Programs
Instructions for Your First Phone Call to a Program Coordinator (PCs)
Sample Template for Follow-Up With the Program Director After Applying
27 The Interview
I. Preparation for the interview
Questions to Ask of Residents
Questions to Ask During the Formal Interview
Dress Code
Mental Preparation
Questions You May be Asked and Answers You May Give
II. Interviewing Skills
Tips for Interviews
Do Not Do and Avoidance List
III. Interviews With Medical Questions
28 Post-Interview Follow-Up
1. Thank-You Letter
2. Follow-Up E-Mails
29 The Second Look Interview
30 The Pre-Match
31 The Ranking List and the Match
The Match—National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)
What is NRMP?
The Ranking List
How to Participate in the Match
Couples Match and IMGs
Results of the Match
32 The Post-Match Residency Scramble
Timetable of the Scramble
Scramble Preparation
Transmission of Documents on Scramble Day
Plan of Action for Scramble Day
Scramble Interview
Post-Scramble Period
Frequently Asked Questions
PART VII
ALTERNATIVES TO MEDICAL RESIDENCY
33 A Wealth of Options Available to IMGsCurrently on Sale for $49.95
