USMLE Step 2CS Permanent Cancellation: IMG Implication

[@PavanDadlani.MD.]

Hi!. I have 2 questions: 1. Are these pathways going to extend to the 2023 application process? 2. Regarding the USCE. Does it consider the video chat clinical experiences like the ones currently offered by AMOpportunities? or is it better to get a physician in the states to sponsor me and rotate with her/him to get my letter of recommendation? Thank you in advance!.

[@matcharesident]

Since CS has been cancelled, the ECFMG Pathways will now be an continuing aspect of certification: www.ecfmg.org/certification-requirements-2022-match/ Hands on, in-person USCE is almost always superior to virtual ones, if you are able to obtain them!

[@mayurmule3915]

So there is no plan to take back USMLE step 2 CS in future?

[@matcharesident]

That's correct! The Step 2CS has been permanently cancelled.

[@strongDr]

So, Step1 is pass/fail since 2022, Right? Where do I start on this channel, if need to learn it's implications for non-us IMG and best course of actions to maximize chances of match?

[@matcharesident]

As mentioned in this video, you will benefit from: - Strong Step 2CK - Plenty of hands on USCE - US-based LoRs (specialty-specific) as well as the other normal factors that help make a strong application: residencyexperts.com/9-ways-to-improve-your-residency-application/

[@oncebyulharang977]

So now that CS is cancelled, just passing step 1 and CK is enough to get an ECFMG ID, am I right?

[@matcharesident]

There are other requirements as well, depending on the Pathway you choose. Here's a link that will help: www.ecfmg.org/certification-requirements-2022-match/

[@thundercries]

what if I have a failed attempt for step 2 cs on my transcript. How does this decision to cancel step 2 cs impact me?

[@matcharesident]

The attempt will still be visible to programs as it's part of your USMLE transcripts, but it's likely to carry less significance now that it's been permanently canceled.

[@squirreleyy]

The 19,000 IMGs seems like a large number compared to prior years. Is the competition to match becoming more difficult?

[@matcharesident]

There has been an increase in both residency programs, positions, and applicants over the years. The percentage of IMGs compared to the total pool has roughly been about 40%. You can learn more here: www.aamc.org/data-reports/interactive-data/eras-statistics-data

[@yousefabogoush7734]

So now the competition will be based on step 2 CK, clinical experiences, and research only? do u have any tips on how to do more research?

[@matcharesident]

Yes, with the cancellation of Step 2CS and the majority of Step 1 scores being reported as P/F beginning with the 2022-23 Match cycle, the factors you listed are some of the most important. Program Directors also note Letters of Reference (specialty-specific and US-based) and Personal Statements as significant factors in selecting candidates for interviews.

[@matcharesident]

Unfortunately, Match A Resident doesn't offer any services related to research placement at this time!

[@Xtr3me0wn4ge]

How much YOG is too much to apply in ophthalmology in US? For ex., is doing a residency in family medicine in Canada (2 years), then doing USMLEs for one year, then applying the next year too much? I Graduated in 2020 in Canada

[@matcharesident]

Ophthalmology is a highly competitive specialty that is not typically very IMG friendly. It also requires high USMLEs. An IMG would need strong specialty specific LoRs in addition to being a relatively recent grad (although we do not have a specific year, since each program is different. B/c ophthalmology is not very IMG friendly, we do not have data nor minimum requirements for such programs).

[@pnp072000]

I'm a third year medical student, that's doing a 6 year MD program in Europe. My original plan was to take step 1 during summer of 4th year in 2022, but I'll try to study and take it during this December due to it being changed to p/f. Would this look a lot better even if I scored badly than just getting a pass? Does more US clinical experience and more than 3 LoR look better than just the bare minimum?

[@matcharesident]

Getting a poor 3-digit Step 1 score is not better than simply getting a "pass". We might recommend taking Step 1 early if you feel sure of getting at least 220 or greater, although 230+ would be more ideal. Most programs only expect 3 LoRs, although some allow for or require 4. The more USCE you have, the stronger you are as an applicant, generally speaking (especially if it results in strong US-based LoRs!)

[@vianneyrivera2477]

I have a question, I’m starting my process for the step 1, I was planning to take it in 2022 as well as the step 2 and then graduate from med school in 2023, get my certification and apply for the residency in 2024... is this something I still can do?

[@matcharesident]

You can still take Step 1 and Step 2CK. However, if you are an IMG, you will have to go through an ECFMG Pathway to satisfy the clinical skills portions of ECFMG Certification requirements.

[@saadharoonraja1342]

As an IMG from pakistan, I'm a first year medical student, here we do a 5 year mbbs degree before residency, so at the end of which year should i give step 1, then step2 and 3?, plus in which year should i do USCE? please guide, thank youu

[@matcharesident]

Hello! You'll want to try to complete USCE during your clinical rotations, if at all possible. Regarding when to take your USMLE Step exams, this is helpful information taken directly from the USMLE website: In LCME-accredited medical schools, although Step 1 and Step 2 can be taken in any order, most students will take Step 1 at the end of their second year and Step 2 in their fourth year; Step 3 is usually taken during the first or second year of postgraduate training. Students and graduates of medical schools outside the United States and Canada should contact the ECFMG for information on ECFMG Certification and Step 1 and Step 2 eligibility.