First Aid for the IMG – International Medical Graduate

FIRST AID FOR THE IMG - INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATE

“International medical graduate” (IMG) is the term used to describe any student or graduate of a non-US, non-Canadian, non-Puerto Rican medical school, regardless of whether he or she is a US citizen/resident or not.

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First Aid for the IMG - FAQ

  1. What is an international medical graduate (IMG)? An international medical graduate is a physician who has graduated from a medical school outside of the United States or Canada.
  2. How can an IMG become licensed to practice medicine in the United States? In order to become licensed to practice medicine in the United States, IMGs must complete the following steps:
  • Obtain a visa to enter the United States.
  • Pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam (COMLEX).
  • Obtain certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
  • Find a residency program and apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
  • Match with a residency program through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).
  1. What is the ECFMG? The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) is an organization that evaluates the qualifications of international medical graduates. In order to be licensed to practice medicine in the United States, IMGs must be certified by the ECFMG.
  2. What is the USMLE? The United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States. It is sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). IMGs must pass the USMLE in order to be eligible for medical licensure in the United States.
  3. What is the NRMP? The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) is a non-profit organization that matches medical school graduates with residency programs in the United States. IMGs participate in the NRMP in order to secure a position in a residency program.
  4. Is it more difficult for IMGs to find residency positions in the United States? It may be more difficult for IMGs to find residency positions in the United States due to the high demand for these positions and the limited number of spots available. However, many IMGs are successful in finding residency positions and ultimately becoming licensed to practice medicine in the United States.
First Aid for the USMLE Step 1