1. What all International Medical Graduates MUST know about Becoming a Doctor in the U.S. Victor Castilla M.D. October, 2009

2. “ The celebrated American dream of “freedom and opportunity” has attracted immigrants for centuries, but the current reality may be less than egalitarian for doctors trained outside the US and Canada. Instead, the US healthcare system may be designed such that international graduates aren’t competing on a level playing field for access to graduate medical education and the jobs that come afterward.” Ellen M Soffin Mind the gap. STUDENTBMJ | Volume 14 | October 2006 http://student.bmj.com/search/pdf/06/10/sbmj374.pdf

3. Where to start?

4. Who are we?

5. International Medical Graduate An International Medical Graduate (IMG) is any physician who received his/her basic medical degree or qualification from a medical school outside of the U.S. or Canada, regardless of citizenship. This includes any U.S. citizen who received a medical degree from a school outside of the U.S. or Canada

6. What does it mean to be an IMG?

7. In relation with medical U.S. Graduates Where are we? Certification of a Medical Specialist

8. Disappointed?

9. Becoming a Doctor in the U.S.… Is only about passing USMLE tests?

10. NO

11. What is needed to Become a Doctor in the U.S.?

12. Hard work Perseverance Good Guidance Advice from other IMGs Create Networks Realistic Picture of the process

13. However…

14. Some will accomplish their goal to become doctors and some will not.

15. To become or not to become a Doctor?

16. How to take the decision?

17. “ For IMGs, a realistic picture of what it means to go to the US for residency training may be part of what will make that process a success.” Ellen M Soffin Mind the gap. STUDENTBMJ | Volume 14 | October 2006 http://student.bmj.com/search/pdf/06/10/sbmj374.pdf

18. Becoming a Doctor in the U.S. is about….

19. English

20. Money

21. Cultural Adaptation

22. Networking

23. IMED International Medical Education Directory https://imed.faimer.org/

24. Medical Board of California

25. ECFMG Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates

26. USMLE

27. Graduation Date

28. stop

29. Pass the test in the First attempt Failing is not allowed

30. PTAL Postgraduate Training Authorization Letter

31. Migratory Status

32. Personal Statement

33. Letters of Recommendation

34. U.S. Clinical Experience

35. Support

36. Are you ready?

37. “ Remember that medicine is very important but not everything . It is easy to understand that your residency will be very important and a great preoccupation, but do not forget that it is also the time to go on with your personal development.” Rodolfo A. Armas-Merino, MD, MACP Spanish Speaking International Medical Graduates Applying for a Residency in the USA: Some Thoughts http://www.acponline.org/about_acp/international/graduates/training_in_us/merino.htm

38. Good Luck!

39. Thanks

40. Victor Castilla M.D. This presentation was created under a Creative Commons License