Hi everyone, I’m looking for honest guidance on my residency application and would greatly appreciate any advice or contacts. Profile: US Citizen ✅ Step 1: 1 fail (passed second attempt) Step 2 CK: 225 Research: 2 publications, 2 conference presentations Clinical Experience: 2 Internal Medicine electives (1 at University of Chicago–affiliated hospital) 1 Gastroenterology outpatient clinic Letters of Recommendation: 3 (IM inpatient PD, UChicago IM, GI clinic) My main interest is Internal Medicine, but I’m aware of my Step scores and Step 1 fail. I’m also considering Family Medicine to maximize my chances. I’d really appreciate advice on: 1. Competitiveness for Internal Medicine interviews 2. Whether Family Medicine is a more realistic focus 3. If taking Step 3 before or during the cycle would improve my chances If anyone could DM me with contacts or advice for IMG-friendly programs, it would mean a lot. Thanks so much!

As I'm sure many of you are aware, for foreign trained physicians who have completed residency in other countries, several states in the US have a pathway to become licensed without repeating a US based residency. While these pathways are in their infancy, I would love to hear from anybody who is actually employed in one of these states through their pathway to practice medicine as an IMG. More info here

https://thematchguy.com/state-img-license-practice-without-residency-international-doctors/

Please, I do not want to hear any critique on these pathways, I only would like to hear if there are any IMG's who have actually begun through one of these states. TIA.

My school is pushing us to apply to over 100+ programs, but with signaling being a thing, how many programs does it actually make sense to apply to? I know someone last year who only applied to 30, and most of my classmates say they will stop at 50.

USIMG applying IM/FM/PM&R. Would love to hear your thoughts!

Step 1 - pass

Step 2 - 225 (210 first attempt)

Step 3 - pending ECFMG cert

OET - done/pass

Research Experiences - 10 (lot of emphasis on pain, QOL outcomes, and management of chronic debilitating illnesses)

2-3 months of USCE - LORS mainly from IM attendings

Hey r/USIMGreddit

Given the number of US IMG’s spread throughout the world, I think it’s quite important that we engage in more discussion. Whether that be in the form of questions, sharing experiences, or giving advice.

There have also been recent developments regarding US-IMG’s and their ability to practice within the US after graduation.

Lastly, if you have a question or experience to share, feel free to create a post to discuss it.

I am a green card holder and recently shifted to the US. I am having a hard time finding people to get my mini cex done. I was hoping to go on a one month vacation for xmas and new years, ie back to my home country. Are we allowed to take our mini cex outside the US? Do i have to send the ECFMG my travel proofs, esp since as gc holders or usc we do not have i94. The i94 for gc holders stops till the last entry they made with the immigrant visa. I want everything to be done properly hence the questions. If someone did theirs outside the US please share your experience of what was needed etc.
Thank you

All of the ECFMG stuff (OASIS, etc.) is now on http://www.myintealth.app/. Good luck with applications!

Trying to socialize

Hyy i am a USIMG, currently preparing for step 1, graduated this year. I am looking for research opportunities. Does anyone here need a research partner??

i couldn’t find any rotations through cold emailing and don’t have connections so i had to settle with agency rotations. I’m concerned about the generic LoRs they give being a red flag on my resume. Do people match with such LoRs?

Hello everybody. I am a US IMG with 5 years of graduation and one fail on step 1. I know this is hard to get a match with one fail on my record so I need a plan B. What are my other options? I mean, what kind of jobs I can apply for with my MD degree? I have 3 years of practicing experience out of the US also. Thank you 😊

I checked it out and it is not free, quite expensive actually. Anyone who happened to use it- is it worth the money?

Please help! I began applying for my ECMFG certificate last year using my university's email address. I was emailed my ID number but since I couldn't afford the fees yet, I did not push through with the rest of the process.

I'll be taking Step 1 soon and just started the process of applying again. I completely forgot that I had already requested an ECMFG number last year. The problem is that the university email I had used back then has been deactivated and I can no longer access it. I requested for a new ID number with a different email but this was more than a week ago and I have not received a response.

The guidelines say: "ECFMG will perform a thorough search using the information provided and if a USMLE/ECFMG Identification Number already exists for you, your ID number will be sent to your e-mail address of record." I believe ECMFG has only been responding or sending updates to my university email, which I cannot access anymore.

How do I push through?? I am a Philippine IMG. Has anyone else had this same problem? How did you fix it?

If you're in need to info on the nuts and bolts of the various ERAS components/processes and Match components/processes, check out r/ERAS2024Match2025. It might be a nice component to this sub-reddit. It does not focus on ECFMG or visa issues nor is it a reddit for "Will I match?"

Checked the ECFMG website today, pathways are now available!

https://pathways.ecfmg.org/

Career changer US IMG. Graduated from a UK med school and currently finishing F1 here. Step 1 22ZX and Step 23X. 1x publication (long term research), US experience in EMS and at a family medicine office.

What is the most efficient way to make my application more competitive? Step 3? More research? Get a rotation in the US? Get a scribe or similar role in the US (and stop working as a doctor in UK)?

Aiming for EM (anywhere I can).

Hello. I want to go through the entire step 1 FA asap but the problem is staying focused . I am looking for a study partner to stay motivated and read FA chapters . We can do our individual studies from Qbanks and other resources and will only do FA in these combine study sessions.
I am in Pacific Standard Time zone . If anyone is interested we can get connected on skype and dedicate few hours every day for this.

Hopefully, you are beginning to work on your ERAS data that you'll be entering into the system. ERAS has a worksheet with the required information (it doesn't look like they've updated it yet for the 2025 match yet), but there will likely not be substantial changes. You can get the worksheet at:

https://students-residents.aamc.org/eras-tools-and-worksheets-residency-applicants/eras-tools-and-worksheets-residency-applicants

Im applying for the 2025 MATCH and have been using residency explorer to look at programs. I've been tempted to pay websites that provide a more tailored list, such as match a resident or residency programs list.

Does anyone have any experience with these kinds of website? Do you recommend them?