Interviewing for IMGs : Tell Me About A Time When . . .

[@zaidal-husseiny2311]

Hi sir, I wish you are having a good day. I am at my final year of high school during the year of 2023 and I will enter my medical school in the end of 2023. I am from iraq and my medical school is not accredited by WFME, I don't think that it will be accredited in the future. I am considering as the moment I enter my medical school at the end of 2023, I will sign up for the ecmfg certification and apply for the usmle step 1 to take it after I finish my 3rd year of medical school. My question is can I do that? I am also planning to take my step 2 ck after I finish my medical school which mean after 3 years of step 1 So can I do that? When the ecfmg certificate expire? What should I do if it expires? I'm really stressed by the 2024 rule and I can't afford studying abroad in an accredited medical school, so can you answear my questions please or suggesting me any other suggestions that might help me to do the usmle exam.

[@USMDPedia]

Hello there! Thanks for the message. According to the ECFMG, if you apply in 2023 for certification, then the requirements do not apply for 2024. It is only if you apply from January 2024 that the medical school needs to be accredited. You have 7 years from your first USMLE exam to complete certification. Once you receive certification, you have a time limit to enter a residency program in the United States. If you can apply in 2023 and take the Step 1, then your application will be for 2023 and not subject to the rules from 2024. I hope this helps!

[@zaidal-husseiny2311]

Thanks for the help, but there is some points I want to have a clear on. I’m planning to apply for ECFMG certification at the end of 2023, but not take the actual step 1 exam until I finish my 3rd of medical school, so by the time it is 2026. My question is: Is there a time limit between applying for the certification and taking the first exam? Or the certification remains untill I take my step 1 then I will have 7 years to complete all the other steps. I’m also planning for taking the step 2 ck after I graduate by the time it is 2029, then applying for the residency on the 2030 match So my question is can I do that? Do you have any points that you can help me with? I really want to practice my medical training at the US at any cost So if i commit to the plan, am I going to be able to do it ? Or should I consider studying abroad in an accredited medical school? I’m sorry for wasting your time, but I really appreciate if you could help me. Thank you very much…

[@USMDPedia]

@@zaidal-husseiny2311 Hello there. Thanks for clarifying everything. You have 7 years from the first USMLE exam to complete everything. Is your medical school listed on the World Directory of Medical Schools (wdoms.org)? There are 20 schools in Iraq listed on the site. You can look at sponsor notes. There should be a note on the medical school saying the school is eligible for applying to US programs. If it is not, then there is no way to go if you go to that school. Once you begin the process, you will have 7 years to complete the required exams and to apply for a pathway. If you really want to pursue training in the US, you might want to consider looking at schools nearby. Jordan has Pathways approved schools. I am not sure what else I can help you with. Please note that the ECFMG can change the rules in 2024/2025 and beyond.

[@zaidal-husseiny2311]

I really appreciate your help and I am really sorry for wasting your time, but I have some more questions that I really appreciate you answering. 1. My medical is listed on the World Directory of Medical Schools and there is a sponser note saying that my medical school is eligible for applying on the US or Canada, the problem is my school isn't accredited by WFME. So if I apply before 2024, am I going to be able to continue the process of the certification and take the exams or should I study abroad on an accredited school? 2. Let's say that I applied for the certification, sumbitted my 186 form and have and USMLE ID. is there a time limit that I should consider to apply for the exams? because I'm planning to apply for the step 1 exam after 3 year from having the USMLE ID So can I do that or am I restricted with a time limit for applying to the step 1 exam? 3. Let's say that I completed the certification requirements and took the exams and became ECFMG certified. What is the time limit until the cerification expire and what can I do if it expired, because I am planning to do research before applying for the match. 4. As you said that if I become an ECFMG certified I need to apply on a pathway, but my school is not accredited by the WFME, so I can't go on pathway 3, is that going to cause a problem? 5. Thank you very much for helping me so far and I really appreciate your kindness, I'm really stressed by the idea of the 2024 rule, I really want to train in the US, I also want to study medicine in my home country and work my way out to the US So am I able to do it if I study medicine in my home country or I should study abroad? Thank you very much

[@USMDPedia]

​@@zaidal-husseiny2311 Hi there. You stated that you would like to study in your home country and then move to the US, and are not sure whether to study abroad. I understand you are stressed by the rule for 2024; my understanding is that the time of application is important. If you apply for certification - getting an ECFMG ID - in 2023 that is a good idea. It is my understanding that the time of application is important. I cannot decide for you whether to study abroad or in your country. If you want to eventually work in the US, then you have to consider getting an education at a school that is approved and accredited. That is the safest way. I know it is stressful. The ECFMG has decided on this course for its own reasons; they could possibly change requirements.