IMG Residency Application Considerations

USMLE Exam Scores

Timing: Schedule USMLE exams early enough to ensure that scores are available for residency applications and the Main Residency Match. It typically takes 3-4 weeks to receive scores.

Score Requirements: Depending on your chosen specialty, certain minimum scores may be necessary to be competitive.

US Clinical Experience (USCE)

Importance: Residency programs often require, or prefer, applicants who have completed hands-on clinical experience in the U.S.

Types of USCE: This experience can include Externships, Clerkships, Internships, Sub-Internships, and clinical rotations within the U.S.

Letters of Recommendation (LoRs)

Relevance: Obtain recent (within the last year), specialty-specific LoRs from your USCE. While other LoRs might be considered, those from U.S. clinical experiences carry more weight.

Personal Statements

Purpose: This is a crucial document that introduces you to Program Directors and Residency Committees.

Content: Focus on your dedication to your specialty, and demonstrate your English proficiency, medical knowledge, and positive personal traits.

Other Supporting Documents

Variety: Besides LoRs and Personal Statements, other documents like the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), medical school transcripts, USMLE transcripts, and the MyERAS application, are critical.

MyERAS Application: Ensure to fill out this application comprehensively, detailing memberships, awards, work, research, volunteer experiences, and hobbies. Accuracy and thoroughness are key, as once submitted, no changes are allowed.

IMG-Friendly Residency Programs

Research: Thoroughly research programs to understand their IMG friendliness, visa support, ECFMG certification requirements, and USMLE score expectations.

Strategy: By focusing on IMG-friendly states, specialties, and programs, you increase your chances of securing interviews and successfully matching.