ECFMG changes starting 2024! Must watch for future IMG applicants!

[@ahmedalyeddri]

Hi, actually it is more about starting the application and not gaining it. Meaning that if you applied the 186 form you have started and should not be affected, but to be more solid; doing one of the steps (USMLE Step 1 for example) will put you in the safe zone to peruse the rest of your ECFMG certification in the next 7 years (step2 & step3). Also verifying your medical credentials (through the ECFMG online upload tool or by mail) will eliminate any further needs for ECFMG to communicate with your medical school and you can apply for step 2 independently from any extra verification.

[@mohammadjarrar5995]

Thanks for that!! But by doing so, does that affect the residency matching rate? Because it will appear from ERAS to residency programs that ur unvisity is not accredited??

[@susanalsaeede3277]

Thanks for verifying , you made my day.

[@jbarah05]

That’s not true they won’t be grandfathering for anything. you won’t be able to sit for the step 3 . Even it you started your app this year. if you for example finished your application and taken step three you will no longer be ecfmg certified after next year if your school isn’t correctly accredited. so yes you’ll be able to finish your application but if by next year your school is not accredited you will not be grandfathered in. The reason is that schools have had since 2016 to begin to accredit their institutions correctly. If governments ignored this timeline that’s their issue. Also with this new change residency of directors will get an updated list and you will be flag for one of those school that is not an appropriate accredited school you’ll most Likely be kicked out of your program. There is no safe zone loop holes with this change it’s as simple as it sounds if your school is not accredited correctly you will not be able to receive Ecfmg accreditation if you happened to match and are currently in program your accreditation will be pulled next year if your school isn’t properly accredited. It’s pretty black and white

[@jbarah05]

@@mohammadjarrar5995 it means people from those countries will not be able to participate any longer in the match because simple put you can’t ecfmg certify. And their is no pathway loophole allowing you to do so till your counties accreditation body gets accredited correctly.

[@mohammadjarrar5995]

@jbarah05 thank you. One question to just clarify: if I had step 1 only and my university is not accredited by 2024. I can't apply for residency?? And how you know that? Thank you in advance

[@kaylakozub2065]

Thank you, Sarang for making this video!! So many of my friends from my medical school were asking me about this and I wasn't sure how to respond. Now I can send them this!! So helpful thank you!!

[@SarangChoiMD]

You are very welcome Kayla 😊 miss you lots and hope to see you soon :)

[@kaylakozub2065]

@@SarangChoiMD Yes!! SAME!!!

[@MDPowerhouse]

Wishing you all the best for this year's MATCH, Sarang! This video is super helpful!

[@SarangChoiMD]

Thank you!!! 😊

[@odionjesse2966]

Thank you so much for your videos. They have been very helpful. Wishing you the very best in #Match2023.

[@DocRen]

Oh my goodness, Sarang. This is rather terrifying... @____@ and I'm not even involved in anything related to this. Oh my goodness!!! Such an important video you've made! Glad to see you're also doing alright over there :) Stay safe always!!

[@SarangChoiMD]

Thanks Ren! I hope you are doing well too back there in the Philippines! :)

[@EinWochenedeImAusland]

I read the website and it states that although the implementation of the policy will begin in 2024, it will not yet be a requirement for obtaining ECFMG certification. What do you guys think about that ?

[@SarangChoiMD]

Yes that is correct! They did mention on the post that they will be lenient in the beginning and so it won’t affect certification in 2024. Probably good to be updated on their posts around that time :)

[@esthersanchogonzalez6986]

Hi! Thank you so much for your help! Just to make sure: if we have the ID number for ECFMG and have done Identification Form, and it all has been accepted, we shoudn't be affected by this change even if we still haven't applied for the steps?

[@geetkhatri]

I have same question?

[@vathsav6065]

Yes !

[@mariaisabelfloresmamani4199]

Please can someone help us.

[@Dr.ShruthiKotaprolu]

I have the same question too. Kimdly reply. Thanks

[@cirina3]

nice to hear from you!

[@moshiourrahman2257]

All the candidates having completion of just form 186 can be exempted from upcoming rules? It doesn't mean that I've to apply for step 1/ form 183 before 2024? Am I right ?

[@rizmorales]

Doc, I'm an incoming med student, I'm glad that I had subscribed to your channel, and had been watching it. Now I have time to choose and think what school is the best before I enroll next year 🥲. I'm planning to work in US.

[@SarangChoiMD]

Good luck on your journey! If you are a Filipino citizen, you might be affected by the new memorandum of agreement released by the department of health, so keep yourself updated on that too! I’ll be making a video on it soon :)

[@rizmorales]

@@SarangChoiMD thank you doc. I'll be waiting for your next video po ❤️

[@MadAboutMedicine]

I can’t seem to find Armenia in the list. I’ll be glad if you could help me. Thank you for the video 👌

[@SarangChoiMD]

If your country is not there, it means there isn't an accrediting body in your country that is accredited by WFME. Search for an accrediting body in your country that accredits universities and medical schools. That will be your first step!

[@hadipourshanbeh1767]

I deeply appreciate your useful videos

[@SarangChoiMD]

Glad you like them!

[@learnings_of_leaders]

Hello mam, I'm Gajanan a Indian citizen and studying medicine in Philippines at Emilio Aguinaldo college of medicine.(YOG will be 2027). And i have started preparation for USMLE. Hoping your support for my coming USMLE journey. Thanks for the video. Thank you...

[@kareengaelenriquez4788]

Hi doc, just to confirm my thoughts on this, if we get ECFMG certified by the end of 2023, then this should not affect or cancel the certification when this is implemented by 2024, right? Or not? :(

[@SarangChoiMD]

Yes! and actually a part of the news article says it won't affect certification right away. It says: "acknowledges that global events have disrupted key aspects of the accreditation and recognition processes. When the policy is initially implemented in 2024, it will not be a requirement for ECFMG Certification." Hope this helps! Read on it more here: www.ecfmg.org/accreditation/

[@andressanchez-ix6vv]

Hello Dr., can you share the link to share?

[@graciephil]

Thank you Doctor for the information. Do we need an OET for ECFMG certification ?

[@SarangChoiMD]

You need the OET for pathway approval, which is required for ecfmg certification. So, yes :)

[@mnhj6648]

@@SarangChoiMD going to do oet now! Is is valid for match 2024?

[@trinitasuhomoibhi2656]

@@SarangChoiMD what pathway is best for an IMG without a medical license

[@elpollomalo6454]

Y para hacer un fellowship ya siendo internista y habiendo estudiado la residencia fuera de USA, pero con los steps y ECFMG hecho?

[@lesionnervioradial6683]

Hi. If there are in IMGs from Ecuador watching this video, please know that our country is not getting recognition by the ECFMG, and medical graduates will not be able to apply for ECFMG certification in 2024. Please share this information, so medical schools can do something!😱

[@lesionnervioradial6683]

Si hay médicos de Ecuador viendo este video, sepan que el Ecuador no está haciendo el proceso de reconocimiento y en el 2024 los graduados de todas las universidades del país no podrán aplicar a la residencia en USA. Por favor, compartan la noticia. Esto depende del CACES y no de las universidades.

[@bryane.macias4759]

Ya en 2019 acreditaron a casi todas las escuelas de medicina en ecuador... CACES es reconocido por ECFMG como organismo acreditados en Ecuador... mediados de 2023 terminan de evaluar las pocas escuelas de medicina que faltan acreditar en ecuador

[@Dr.ShruthiKotaprolu]

Hello Sarang. Thank you for the update. I have a small doubt. I did my medicine from Emilio Aguinaldo College( EAC). And EAC is not accredited under PAASCU. I am planning to give my USMLE step 1 . But i am cluless . Can i get my registration ID before 2024 so that i can give my Steps kater even if EAC is not accredited under PAASCU? Is something that i can do? Kindly reply. Thanks is advance 🙂

[@MohamdRagabAmmar]

great video

[@patsantos4109]

Hi Doc Sarang, if I apply for my ECFMG certificate 2023, and it says on the page it will expire Dec 31, 2024. Can I apply residency for 2025 match, which application will start by 2024? Thank you, Doc!

[@_._._._._..]

Hi doc! Can a first year med student apply for ECFMG certification?

[@narinebaghdoyan4206]

My school's accreditation ends in 2024, but i plan to take the exam next year. Can i register now and take the exam later?

[@taisircleanin]

Can you explain today’s ECFMG report

[@j.j.4335]

Can't the school still apply for ecfmg accredition past 2024? Or will the school close down by 2024 if they dont have ecfmg? I mean is 2024 the deadline for the school to obtain ecfmg?

[@noyalnepal1471]

What is the validity of form 186

[@melikeekren6941]

it says turkey's accreditation ends july 2023. does that mean I will not be able to apply ? currently my school is accredited.

[@patricianucum7750]

Doc! My school is paascu accredited but paascu is still not recognized by wfme.. According to the news article, “it will not impede an individuals eligibility for ecfmg certification.” What do u recommend? Go for match 2024?

[@SarangChoiMD]

Yes, go for Match 2024! (Just to clarify, Match 2024 means you are applying for Match in year 2023, like how the current match cycle is called Match 2023). But yes, it does seem like the article states that it won't impede the certification itself :)

[@patricianucum7750]

@@SarangChoiMD thanks doc! So to be certain to be not affected by this recognition status policy, it’s better to be ecfmg certified prior 2024. Is that right, doc?

[@cheskalirio5909]

Hi Dr Sarang! Just a question - what if I obtain my ECFMG certificate by 2023? Will I be okay? Thank you !!

[@victoryland3311]

thats my question too...is it possible??

[@SarangChoiMD]

Yeah you’ll be fine :)

[@pierrevalentine9893]

Hello Dr. Thanks for the video. I am confused about the timeline for certification. Can i apply at any time for the certification?

[@fatenmousa1436]

So if i pass step 1 or step 1and 2 before 2024 i will not be eligible? Thank you for that great video

[@huangzhuzhu]

Hi ms sarang choi. Im a med student in the PH. Im a bit confused. Does that mean we have to apply before 2024 to be safe. Like exactly on Jan 1, 2024, if PAASCU is not accredited then we wont get ECFMG certification?

[@swaiyahrehman986]

if i have the ecfmg certificate already ,can apply after 2024 match ?or doesmatch alsogets affected after 2024?

[@manvi.trivedi04]

I had a doubt so from 2024 does it matter if your college is mentioned in wdoms or not? My college just needs to be accredited by my country agency right ?

[@astridastacio4009]

Hello, I had understood that even if your school is not accredited, but you have your USMLE number you will not be affected. I mean I just take my step one and OMW to take step 2 CK and I was told that because I has my USMLE step 1 Passed when I'm done with the others exam I can ask for my ECFMG accreditation. Am I wrong? 😭😭

[@SarangChoiMD]

If you apply for certification before 2024 then you’ll be okay even if your school is not accredited. As long as your school is on the wdoms website and says that you can apply for ecfmg certification you’re okay

[@krishnendumandal4049]

Mam if I do my ecfmg registration in 2023 ......can I take/schedule my usmle step1 2years after that is in 2025 ??....

[@SarangChoiMD]

Yes you can!

[@abulmasroor8352]

Dr Sarang, Thankyou for the video! I had a question! If I got ECFMG Certificate ie my pathway approved in 2023, Will that in anyway effect my residency application if my medical school goes unaccredited in 2024?

[@SarangChoiMD]

No it won't! Since you're already certified!

[@joselllim9419]

@@SarangChoiMD Hello May I clarify, If I already have ECFMG certificate but still have not completed all step exams necessary to apply for a match by 2024, will I be affected? Thank you!

[@asmm1160]

Dear Sarang , I m from Türkiye . When we looked in WFME site seems like Türkiye has recognised until july 2023 but I ll graduate in 2026. İs that mean I cant take ecfmg after 2023? İf I cant take what should ı do for now? İf you can help me ı would appreciate:)

[@ابوبكرصلاحالدين-ل1ش]

If I pass in USMLE STEP 1 before 2024, Will this decision affect me and I can't get ECFMG certification ? *My college recognized before 2024, but it will be revoked after 2024

[@pedroduque7761]

I have the same question.

[@bryane.macias4759]

Me too

[@shreyashnarade7566]

My school (china) is accredited my recognised agency, but on website it also has expiry date of 2025 will I be affected if I apply for form 186 in 2024 ?

[@drarunjoshi]

I graduated from Wuhan University,also they mentioned the expiry date 2023,I have the same doubt like you do...what we do ?

[@mithumnavodayasenaratne2651]

My school osnt accrediated yet. But they are in applied list. How much time they will take for this procedure 🥺 wanna make sure it before taking step 1

[@SarangChoiMD]

I’m sorry, I have no idea how long the accreditation process takes

[@ayuz5938]

What if an Indian student studying in Egypt (foreign) has its school accredited by wfme...can he/she get ECFMG registration

[@bilalkakar7723]

Hello My medical school is included in world directory of medical schools but we have not applied for ECFMG Sponsor notes so it means students of our college cannot appear in step-1 .But our college is recognised by country accreditating agency recently (pakistan medical Council) And country accreditating agency has applied for WFME recognition recently So Maam what we should do now ? We should apply for ECFMG sponsor notes or we can bypass it because till 2024 our college will automatically be recognised by WFME through PMC (Pakistan Medical Council) ?

[@samyukthag8300]

Hey , what are the chances of Phillipines getting accreditation?

[@manvi.trivedi04]

Can u pls help me out if uv gullas college pf medicine is paascu accredited

[@SarangChoiMD]

Go to this website and go to "member schools" to check for your school! paascu.org.ph/

[@saintsam7397]

Pass school?? Whats the name of the website where you can check your school’s status?

[@SarangChoiMD]

PAASCU is the accrediting body for Philippine schools. It’s different for other countries.

[@BTTalkMD]

My school (EAC) is also not accredited in PAASCU huhuhuhu

[@SarangChoiMD]

Tell them to get accredited! And share with other so they are at least aware of this information!

[@BTTalkMD]

@@SarangChoiMD yes po thankyou so much

[@tenagebeya]

Thanks for your information. What if we are registered for USMLR Journey before 2024,eg if I took Usmle step1 before2024 can i go the chance. Early registration may help us?

[@Dr.ShruthiKotaprolu]

Hello Dr. WHO. I am a graduate pd student from EAC too. Could you kindly take this issue to notice to our EAC medicine department? So that our EAC med school will get accredited under PAASCU and we can give our USMLE STEPS peacefully without any doubt? Thanks in advance.

[@poiurdebey]

Could you enlighten us on the situation of India.? Plz 😭

[@oluwapelumiipinlaye]

What if i pass my step 1 before 2024, will i also be affected too?

[@SarangChoiMD]

It’s not about when you take the steps but when you get certification and if your school is accredited or not at the time of your ecfmg cert application