USMLE Overview for Filipino IMGs (FAQs + Expenses)

Can Filipino doctors pursue residency and fellowship training and eventually be licensed to practice in the US? YES! Here's an overview of the USMLE process.
Some definition of terms:
USMLE - United States Medical Licensure Exam
IMG - International Medical Graduate
US IMG - US citizen or Green card holder who graduated med school outside the US (ex. Caribbean, Canadian, Philippine med schools)
Non-US IMG - Non US Citizens (will require J1 or H1B visa) who graduated med school outside the US
FMG - Foreign Medical Graduate, often used interchangeably with IMG
My profile / credentials:
YOG (year of graduation) 2016
Filipino Citizen, Non-US IMG, applying for J1 visa
Passed USMLE Steps in one attempt (score reveal in another video!)
Step 3 not taken yet
3 months of US observership (all through connections, mostly community clinics, not paid)
4 letters of recommendation (1 from med school academic training officer, 3 from US MDs)
No research, no publications
More than 6 months of work experience as general physician in the Philippines
For more info:
For Filipinos SERIOUSLY considering USMLE, join the FB group "DTTS".
How the NRMP MATCH works:
• How the NRMP Matching ...
Main Residency Match Data and Results (Charting Outcomes 2019)
www.nrmp.org/main-residency-ma...
FIND ME ELSEWHERE
Blog - auraazarcon.com
Twitter / Instagram - @auraazarconmd
Facebook: /DoktAuraAzarcon
Email - [e-mail]
xx DoktAura
Music by Joakim Karud
/ joakimkarud

[@sienaplacino6190]

I'm so grateful this kind of information is available to the masses now...Thank you Doc Aura for your true-to-heart advice and ever-inspiring endeavors in your career and in life. Padayon!

[@jayspark1091]

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences! I'm going to be a first-year medical student starting in July and you have inspired me to vlog and track my journey. Wish you all the best!

[@motongever]

Wow doc aura, I am sure it has been a difficult journey for you pero lumalaban ka pa rin. I am proud of what you have accomplished and I know your parents are too. I don’t doubt that all your hardwork will pay off. Malapit na doc! You inspire me to go through the same journey although I have been back and forth with my decision due to personal circumstances but every time I watch your vlogs namomotivate ako uli doc. Let’s hope na one day ma-ishare ko rin ang magiging journey ko sa iba. God bless you dok au!

[@marylynellev]

watching this vid now after watching your latest upload and yes, 'it can be done' indeed! congrats again, Doc!❤️

[@ianjayambutong8365]

God bless on ur journey doc. Kaya mo yan! 🙏🏿

[@jocelynmadrigal1069]

Doc Aura I admire you for being such a hardworking woman. I had seen your video on Pinoy Big Brother and I know how you strived hard to reach your goal to success.

[@lourdessabandal3912]

Wow! Congratulations Dra. Aura! Dream ko rin dati magmedicine. But God has other plans for me. Still I am very amaze about world of Medicine and Service to it. Nanay po kasi Pulmonologist. So I salute all in Health Care Field. Am RND but my line of work is different. In any way I can I still do help anyone ask for assistance in terms of Health. I appreciate your candidness and simplicity even if you're already accomplished MD. All the Best Dra. Aura. God Bless. Stay Safe and Be Healthy. 😍😍😍

[@adrian123456781000]

Thank you so much for this Doc Aura! I'm currently a third year nursing student and i aspire to work in the states as a physician. Keep up the content and God bless you on your journey

[@gloriaharroun654]

Very Smart girl! Congratulations!!! Hope to see you in person...from California. Take care and God Bless 🙏

[@thewanderer2627]

This is so informative! I am SO SO SO SO grateful for your existence, doc!! Thank you for sharing this journey to us. I will include you in my prayers ❤

[@AuraAzarcon]

I appreciate this!!!

[@sonnychavez2231]

This is the right video to watch , very informative mas may kabuluhan ..Keep safe Doc .Aura..God bless watching from Brisbane California.USA.

[@imnpantig]

Grabe yung perseverance nyo Doc! Nakakainspire. Thank you for continuously motivating us through telling us your journey. All the best!! ❤

[@AuraAzarcon]

Masaya rin lang ako na nagdodocument hihi

[@KarlTheCatto]

This is very timely considering kung ano ang nangyayari sa Pilipinas ngayon. Thank you for the information po doc.

[@bairuwaishakusain6769]

The video i’ve been waiting for!!! Thank youuuu

[@AuraAzarcon]

Welcome 💙💙

[@romanaranchadiya7803]

Thank you doc for sharing your full usmle journey with us. Maraming salamat po 😊

[@alnskiaera3905]

Been waiting for this! ❤️

[@randommusicluver]

Thank you, doc. Sobrang iyak ko after USWA1 and everyday is a struggle with UWorld. Been watching your videos since internship (fresh board passer) so natutuwa ako na your videos are paralleling my journey so far. Crossing fingers for your success! :) (Huhu, all in!!!)

[@AuraAzarcon]

Nakakaloka yung mock exams no like wtffff hahahaha tanggap lang!!!! Marami ka pa ibibigay 🙏

[@johanncrispillejera2904]

I didn't know it's this difficult to work there huhu btw, my Lola is an anesthesiologist in NYC for almost 2 decades. I understand her better now that I know what she's been through to get to where she is.

[@brookezamora3873]

Congrats & God bless you 😊🎊🎉🎈❤️

[@goodkarma1041]

Doktora saludo po aq sa katalinuhan nio at saludo po aq sa kabaitan nio.💙

[@arnold077]

Congrats and God bless you more!

[@axllrosscampos1062]

Laban doc! 💚

[@leanzabuela3034]

Thank you for sharing your journey!

[@felicicorpus8434]

That's true Doc, kahit pag-aapply palang sa Universities (based on my experience with UC), you have to make yourself interesting like as you said, volunteer works, extracurricular activities that's related to your career goal (coz if not, you'll sound indecisive and unorganized), etc.

[@CarloCaputanAsoyThePalaboy]

Alam mo yong hindi naman ako doktor or related sa medical field pero lahat ng videos ni doktaura napanuod ko na at nageenjoy ako haha

[@markyleopo8472]

Very helpful, thank you doc!

[@rxclvn7596]

Taking the PLE this coming sept 2021! Biggest piece of advice for the boardtakers? Wish me luck ate au!

[@Jo-hf5rb]

huhuhu can't wait for the results doc!! Get that 7120!! you deserve it naman talaga hahahha 💖 labannn and prayer lang alwayss :--) 🙏🏿

[@mykbdcpa]

Hi Doc! I am not a doctor nor someone in the medical field. I am a CPA but I am love watching your videos!! It maybe because when I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming a doctor, in fact my elementary and high school yearbooks says my ambition is to become a doctor. Hahaha! Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing more of your videos. Hopefully, someone in my profession from the Philippines would start a vlog such as yours. I am too shy to start an accounting vlog. xD More power and God bless you, Doc!

[@AuraAzarcon]

Appreciate having you here!!

[@mcarlogm]

My childhood dream was to be a doctor but wasn't able to push it through due to some unavoidable circumstances in life. But I'm now enjoying corporate life as an IT professional. So no regrets. Somehow i still end up watching your videos about your journey. Wishing you the best of luck! You are doing great so far. Keep it up! 🙏

[@AuraAzarcon]

Thank you!!! gusto ko rin mag IT dati, hilig ko gumawa websites nung bata ako

[@bamboo7714]

DoktAURA ... Ako din mahilig sa mga websites nung bata pa. Tapos pinanglalaban namin ang mga nakikita sa website sa iba pang taga website, mga gagambang bayabas, saging, kuryente, gubat, at iba pa!😂

[@ciaomarco8562]

Same here! Now im going to research if there are pre meds night class so i can work at the same time. Not really sure if meron though 🤔

[@irisjoann]

Can we just appreciate the aesthetic background, lol. Go doc!!! Nakaka overwhelm ang dami ng steps and iniisip ko pa lang, talagang sugal sya. But for now, focus muna ko sa premed haha I will be praying for u, doc!! My inspiration whooo

[@AuraAzarcon]

Once lang ako nakafilm dito sayang hahaha Christmas decor yan ng ate ko :))

[@mnurm90]

You got this! Match 2020!

[@delaluz4634]

Well spoken and very informative. Where are you planning to do your residency in the US? What do you plan on specializing in? There are many great hospitals in NYC. Thanks for sharing.

[@leobesa2887]

A well calculated gamble, i say.

[@ria6508]

All the best ❤️❤️

[@regiomagdadarojr7579]

Doc Aura....you are truly a remarkable doctor...by the way I am an RN in US, I wish I can help you with your situation, if you need something....please don't hesitate to ask...Gob Bless you and your family, stay safe doc.....

[@unknownvlogger5277]

Salary of RN in US??

[@baboylove]

Thank you for this vid, doc! Congrats! I just took UWSA1, bagsak. Hay. Huhu. Long way to go.

[@AuraAzarcon]

Ako din, when I started uworld, 40-50% correct lang ako. Nakafirst run na ako ng first aid non ha. Adapt adapt lang. Don't give up. Walang nadalian sa step 1

[@baboylove]

@@AuraAzarcon Thank you, doc! You got this in the bag! I'm in faith for #RoadTo7120!

[@evangelineclemen4000]

Good luck .God is good all d time .

[@nasrecto3538]

First♥

[@headlikeahole9235]

Hey read the description board - how did you have/find connections to be able to do clerkships? Thanks

[@krizelda2148]

Thank you doc!

[@AuraAzarcon]

Welcome 💛💛

[@jocelynmadrigal1069]

Im a medical technologist but now Im already old at the age of 60. I also dreamt of becoming a dr until now I still read a lot in medical field sometimes Icontradict some drs with regards to how they handle patients and sometimes they accept my recommendations. Go for your goal and stay healthy

[@manuelmoraleda9285]

God bless you. What a difference ! I came here to the U.S. in 1968. I was recruited by the hospital to be an intern, airfare was paid for, and accommodation provided with free meals in the cafeteria. I passed the ECFMG in the Philippines before coming here. I did not take any review based on my thinking that with multiple choice questions, the answers are either there or not there. The fees for applications, reviews, and exams are higher now. They want your money ! Don't give up.

[@ludymalate6257]

Hello doc, can i ask, where did you take that exam? And how they recruited you for internship?

[@manuelmoraleda9684]

Any advice I give you is already obsolete. Passed ECFMG in 1966, FLEX licensing exam in 1971; Specialty Board in 1973. Rules change.

[@KrystelElyse]

Doc, just curious, since US residency is recognized here in PH, if I do PGY1 in the US then take the local board here in PH, will PH recognize the PGY1 there as a requirement for the local board here? Thank you so much, Doc! Also looking into all options possible.

[@winxmc9529]

all the exam fees are really expensive but it think the biggest game changer here for pinoy MD's wanting to take residency in the US is whether you have relatives to support you in the US througout the application process... Living in hotels or airbnb's and everyday expenses will be very pricey, so salamat sa mga parents na very suportive

[@rzdllmrls3517]

How much po kaya ?

[@travel-trade]

Thank you for all your valuable tips and info. More clarification about pathways / stair-casing for Philippine graduates of BS programs in nursing, medtech, etc to be able to work abroad, would be gratefully received. Our nephews and nieces in high school in the Philippines are interested in medical careers, and we want to get them into the best pathways for working abroad. Is there any one specialty (eg, radiology) that would give them a broader array of opportunities? Eg, for work in the US, Australia, UK, Middle East, etc. Thanks again.

[@ronaldroque4714]

Doc Good luck! Also a PH IMG. I’m applying to the match this September. Is it required to submit a dean’s letter? Did you also submit a home school/pgi department chair letter for desired speciality? My Gf will also start her journey soon. Thanks for making this video since there’s so little resources out there. M

[@AuraAzarcon]

#RoadTo7120 gets nyo na ba hehehe

[@mariaileanamacapagat7929]

u r an inspiration :(( 💖

[@pamcemusicandvids1956]

Oh wow congratulations! I know youll make it 😁

[@abegailmayang353]

DoktAURA Hello po pwede po ba kayo gumawa nang vlog about tips para sa mga student athletes na gustong mag pursue ng kanilang pre med? Thank youu❤️

[@JJ-zh9kk]

Thanks!! Helpful!

[@hannahtricia7127]

You go Doc! ♥️

[@AldwinLayug]

Dr Aura, right after internship, take the PH Board exam right away then prepare for USMLE? or vice versa po?

[@rhodachismosasantiago8539]

Ang galing mo mag explain l life it

[@ensayh]

Doc. Aura! Paano niyo po ginagamit yung anki? Do you use it everyday? Ano pong card type ginagamit niyo? Does it differ for the kind of term or concept you are studying? Thank you po :)))

[@meetvirani4079]

hello doc. i'm grateful for this useful information. Doc. how to get clinical experience still in my clerkship..currently i'v finished my 3rd year med school. i'm confuse, bec as per you say graduated cant get clinical experience so after my clerkship over i'm already an graduate, so when or what thing i should do to get hand on some clinical experience in US.

[@clarissahernandez7119]

Hi! what reviewers would you recommend for Step 1? :D thank you so much!

[@nasrecto3538]

OMG GETS KO NA YUNG #Roadto7120. Sabi na nga ba ih!

[@AuraAzarcon]

Hehehe Sana magkatotoo

[@nasrecto3538]

@@AuraAzarcon fingers crossed! Good luck and congrats Doc. Proud kaming lahat sayo. #PediaPadin

[@lemuelannemalazarte2758]

FinMan graduate ako pero naeenjoy ko yung vids mo, Dok. Where's Doc Noe. Vlog na din siya. Your life in US and His Med life here 🤗

[@AuraAzarcon]

Kailan ba sya huli nasa vlog onga no it's been a while ahah sige

[@lemuelannemalazarte2758]

Perfect combi kayo! I really admire him sa pag support sayo, Dok. I'm excited to see his side naman.

[@EvelynGaming765]

Hello doc aura 😍😊😊💕

[@Robin-bp1qt]

huhuhuhuhuhu gusto ko pa namang mag residency sa us kaya lang ang mamahal ng mga bayarin kaya parang wag na lng nakakapanghina talaga

[@Lindaeyshane]

YES MAY MIC NA si DOKIE !!!

[@AuraAzarcon]

Lololol asenso char 800 pesos lang yan dapat dati ko pa binili :))

[@thewanderer2627]

😍😍😍😍

[@maimaipattinson3077]

Same process lang po sa laht ng state in the US. like texas or canada

[@icecreamycakeycake728]

Doc I have a question.. :/ PLAB is considerably much(like how I heard) easier than USMLE and quite cheaper. Why do you prefer USMLE? I ask this because I'm not really in the stage yet where I begin to think what I'll take soon but please share a realistic pov on why you took USMLE love love! Is PLAB impossible for us Filipinos? Love you poooo ulit hehe and thank youuuu! And kahit po na hindi po kayo mag tatake ng PLAB can you please explain po the process of the exam, procedures, visa, and expenses po in taking the exam as a filipino :>>

[@pamcemusicandvids1956]

Hi doc, thanks for all your inputs..

[@johanncrispillejera2904]

Ate/Doc Aura, hello po! May I know po if you know any USMLE review centers in the Philippines? Thank you so much po!

[@jannahibrahim8741]

Hiiiii, it's not that related to this video but can you share your thoughts about UST LEAPMED program?

[@alekhinegeraldino8975]

Prepare 1M nalang siguro doc, moonlight to the max 🤣, for sure its worth it naman when you get there

[@yunicodilonotiossestudy7416]

after ko marinig yung prices for usmle, gumuho na ang american dream ko

[@grethelnavarro7387]

Dok Aura, can I have the details of the clinical observerships you went through, including the costs. I’m planning to have my clinical experience this year. Thank you.

[@joetua8852]

Doc did you apply in California hospital?..if you do ..kababayan here will help you out.okay. Be safe and God bless you.

[@elbertpaulbrosas7673]

Doc, good evening po. May question po ako, if gusto mo lang mag take ng USMLE pero pag-iisipan mo pa ng let's just say 1-2 years before ka talaga tutuloy, may validity po ba yung results especially yung Step 1 and Step 2 CK lang itetake. Thank you Doc and God Bless!

[@whatshappening1975]

Ask ko lang po kung ilang years po kayo nag USMLE after graduation. I am planning to take USMLE after I finish residency here in the Philippines.

[@pandaxtaiga8213]

I am a licensed nurse in the state of ILLINOIS and I was wondering how I can become a doctor in the USA or be admitted in a medical school in the USA.

[@songnabi8176]

In which college did u do it ug Love ur videos

[@reginecuevas4540]

Hello, Dok Aura! I would like to ask what are the medical schools in the Philippines eligible for ECFMG Certification? para maka take ng USMLE and maging Pinoy US-MD

[@0deszuh111]

Im still in hs but i wanna be a doctor and work in new york or london

[@ru4521]

Doc possible din po ba Ph graduate nga medicine to practice in UK? 😊

[@theguy1824]

Hi Doc. Do you need to have a research paper published and US clinical experience to be accepted in the match?

[@mihirmakwana9012]

Hello ma'am I have some doubts about usmle I am studying medicine in cebu,Philippines. Please can u tell me when should i start to prepare for it because as we have 4 year med - school here so I guess we don't get time for preparing for it because we have half days goet in school and other times to reading, assignment and all etc as you know because u r a senior so it it okay to start preparing for it during internship or after that??? I am actually thinking to prepare like that for now in 1 st year I just want to clear my concepts and buid the basics so is it okay to do like that? Thank you please do replay. Thank you😊😇

[@blythesaunders3124]

Ate, yung IELTS po ba kailan po ite-take? Is it before you take USMLE?

[@justinecarpio9440]

excited na ako sa score reveal hehe KAILAN UPLOAD NON DOC HAHAHAHAH DEMANDING

[@ksdann2941]

Hello Mangyaring magmungkahi sa akin ng isang mahusay na doktor ng ENT sa metro manila o Makati?

[@fayeberris972]

Hi doooc, is it possible po ba mag internship in the US po? 🥺❤️

[@purplelily2009]

Doc, will it be okay to take the USMLE like 3 years after passing the PLE as I have to serve my scholarship return service?

[@andreferrer9350]

Everybody can match online. Not only americans

[@KrystelElyse]

Also, Doc, last Q, hypothetically, if I already finished my residency in the US then plan to go back home and take the local board here in PH, will my US residency still be recognized even if the local board came later? Thank you so much, Doc!

[@dr.arivera9075]

From what I know from PRC Medical Boards- US trained doctors needs to pass Philippine board exam before one can practice

[@ron980]

For a Filipino high school student who wants to pursue medicine in the US, what advice do you have regarding the timeline of moving to the US? Are there particular advantages to doing undergraduate school or medical school in the US vs. going to school in the Philippines? I would think that going your route (although expensive, as you stated), is much less expensive than having schooling in the US. However, are there any other advantages to going to the US prior to becoming a physician, besides cost?

[@itsgonnabeanaurfromme]

You will get the name and fanfare of being a "US trained" med student, making it easier to take the usmle. US med students also have it essier since they have strict limits to work hours since many complain about their mental health.

[@Seds1]

Will a person be able to study for the usmle exams here and then go to the US for the exams?

[@jhonrenaultrocios2745]

hello i know this video has been a while and i have a question about IMG, on top of the USMLE's scores or other statistics does the name of the school has a great factor for you to be accepted in the residency program? thanks

[@tiktokcentralph9410]

Yes. But only those school that is known in the US or is associated in the US.

[@marieb8711]

At least you dont have to spend at least minimum of half a million dollar in student loan that US doctors have to take- just that you are already ahead, compare to what you spend, just saying.

[@adrianjeffreychato3358]

Doc pwede po ba mag doctor sa US pag naka earn kana ng degree as MD kht na hindi pre med ang undergrad mo?

[@lourdessabandal3912]

Wow! Dami naman pag USME. Whew!😂😂😂

[@semipeculiar3481]

Ano po pinagkaiba ng clerkship and internship?

[@liittanciongco9534]

Hello, Doc. I'm confused. What do you mean by $75 for account? What "account"?

[@tiktokcentralph9410]

Online registration fee ng account. Parang subscription but more on registration fee.

[@zoenavales7846]

Do you get paid po ba kapag nag-residency ka sa states?

[@mytravelvlog4593]

Expensive, but money makes more money.

[@sassyfranzy4890]

Hello po. Lahat po ba ng university sa pilipinas pwede mag apply sa US? I am planning to go to medschool in cebu.

[@bangcm7557]

U can check in ecfmg if the school you're enrolled in is accredited

[@reginecuevas4540]

how much do residents get paid in the US?

[@alayzuhhh]

I have a question... Can Americans study medicine in the Philippines and work in the US at any school? Is the USMLE only available to take for specific schools *maybe due to accreditation (ex. UST)?

[@s0ul.starr_2]

Yes

[@toeknee8154]

Can a US pre-med graduate take med school in the Phils? Are they required to do internship after graduating med school?

[@toeknee8154]

Also, will they need to pass the local board exams?

[@marianaecheverri24]

How did u learn good english enough to understand all the medical stuff?

[@adiksadiatabs]

English is the official language of instruction in the Philippines 🇵🇭

[@tiffanybuzon818]

Doc, how long did it take you to do all the tests before you practice residency?