COVID 19 and Residency Match FAQs

Match 2021 general questions

What are some changes to this year’s match?

1. ERAS token availability for IMGs is on June 23rd
2. September 1st applicants can start submitting their applications and on October 21st residency programs will begin reviewing applications
3. ROL deadline and Match day are tentatively set in March.
4. Programs will conduct most of the interviews virtually. AAMC has issued a guideline on virtual interviews.

 
What are some of the ramifications of conducting online interviews?

1. Candidates will not get to visit the program or interact with residents. Interaction on interview day is what applicants use to rank their programs. ROL decisions will be tricky this year. 
2. Programs may prefer applicants with complete applications over incomplete applications. Though candidates with exceptional scores need not worry (with or without a complete application). You do not need an ECFMG certificate to apply or be called for an interview.
3. Visa status has always played a small role in the past but unfortunately might play a bigger role when sending out invites to potential candidates this cycle.
4. Travel expenses played a limiting factor on the number of interviews accepted by a candidate in the past. Since interviews will be virtual there is nothing limiting a candidate from accepting more interviews. Some of speculated that interview caps might come in place.

 
With so much uncertainty, should I even apply or pay to get the ERAS token?

Yes. It is always good to apply. Uncertainty works both ways. This is also new to the programs. If you have Step 1 and have or can get CK done by Oct 21, you should make every effort to apply. No application no match!
 
How can I get research experience during the current situation?

1. Experience in research projects be it publications or working in a wet lab has increasingly played a big role in the selection of candidates for Residencies.
2. In the past our students have successfully volunteered in projects by persistently emailing 200+ organizations/hospitals.
3. Due to the current situation, this opportunity now is exceedingly difficult to secure. But we at USMLESarthi have designed a research course that will help you conduct meaningful clinical research, with the opportunity to publish in PubMed indexed journals and present at conferences. Head on over to the link provided for more information.

https://www.usmlesarthi.com/researchtomatch.html
 
I am unable to book any rotations due to COVID 19? How should I go about gaining US clinical experience?

1. Due to the current situation most hospitals are not allowing FMGs rotate at the hospital. Medical students are now completing their rotations via Tele-Medicine.
2. Our website has a list of Telerotations that can help with gaining US clinical experience.
3. You may also access a list of rotations at Clinics (affiliated to Hospitals) that are been provided currently.

https://www.usmlesarthi.com/clinicalrotations.html
 
Are Telerotations any good?

Yes and No. No, they cannot compete with actual hands on experience because you do not physically interact with a patient BUT it is an innovative way to interact with patients and especially recommended for candidates with no USCE or LORs older than 12 months.
 
Are home country LORs of any value?

1. Now more than ever home country LORs hold value. Continuous experience as a Physician shows commitment and passion a candidate possess for Medicine.
2. Get involved or volunteer in programs providing COVID 19 relief. Volunteer or participate in research projects. These are some of the few opportunities’ candidates can get involved in to build a strong application.
3. Big busy hospitals in home country- these experiences will definitely be useful

 
I have not completed Step 2 CS, should I start studying for Step 3?

1. According to the current guidelines, you need an ECFMG certificate to sit for Step 3. That said, there is no harm in studying for an exam.

 
Are online courses provided by Harvard Medical School, Coursera or EdX of any value?

1. Unfortunately, they do not add much value to the CV. There is no harm in mentioning completion of online courses down in your ERAS application.
2. Coursera does provide a course (approximately 5 hours) on COVID 19 Contact tracing and upon completion does provide some job opportunities (paid).
3. Spend some time learning Medical Spanish as there is a growing need for candidates who can converse in Spanish with patients. Especially in states like Florida or California that take a lot of IMGs.

 
Is clearing the Canadian exam and working as a Medical Assistant in Canada valuable experience towards US residency application?

1. Canadian experience as a Medical Assistant is beneficial due to the similarities that exist between US and Canadian healthcare.
2. Experience of any kind that has an applicant interacting with a patient will be useful this season.

 
Will programs send out more interviews than previous cycles?

1. Over 90% of programs will conduct interviews virtually. The number of applicants applying has steadily increased and during these uncertain times will place tremendous strain and stress on the faculty and team reviewing applications.
2. It is difficult to comment if more interviews will be handed out, but stellar applicants will accept more interviews who were in the past held back due to travel, finance, and scheduling constraints.

 
Will MSPE and Personal Statement (PS) be given more importance this season?

1. Good scores on Step 1 and Step 2 CK obviously will make or break your valuation but documents like Personal statement and MSPE are particularly important.
2. Program directors read personal statements of applicants before calling you for an interview. Professionally written PS that details your skills, knowledge, and dedication you possess for the field is highly recommended.
3. MSPE historically has not been important for IMGs but it may play a role this season.

 
Are BLS and ACLS certification important for the application?

1. They are not important when it comes to adding value to the application. After you Match the certification can be taken care then.

 
Should we explain our attempts in our Personal statement?

1. Depends on the narrative. Mentioning an attempt is acceptable provided there is demonstrable learning experience. Experiences drawn from overcoming a failure shows a candidates' determination and passion towards Medicine.

​
Rotations at a private clinic in the US considered as USCE?

1. Yes. Most programs consider this as a form of clinical experience. If the physician has a hospital affiliation. A performance-based LOR on a hospital letterhead can be requested as well.

​
Should I pursue a degree in Public health?

1. Public health training is a wonderful opportunity to grasp a better understanding of US healthcare. Decision to pursue MPH must be on the applicant’s passion and dedication towards the field, rather than impressing a program.

 
Step 1 2xx/Step 2CK 2xx/Step 2CS/YOG 201x/x months of USCE/x publications. What are my chances?

1. Unfortunately, it is extremely hard to provide a concise answer to such questions. Every applicant has his/her strengths or weakness. We have a tool that can help provide an approximate probability to Match. Head here to check out our free Match probability calculator

https://www.usmlesarthi.com/usmlefreeguidance.html


Is it different if I am a Green card holder or a US citizen when applying?

Programs do not make that distinction between GC holder or a citizen. Unless applying to a Military residency program.
 
Do I need a professional service to write my CV and PS?

1. Your ERAS application and personal statement is one of the aspects of the USMLE match journey that you control, and you can use it as a tool to impress the programs and create a positive impact.
2. Our panel of US journalists and Physicians will work with you to transform your personal statement to an impactful story, which will be compelling to read and help you drive the interview. Do not wing it!
3. Check out this video on the common mistakes IMGs and Caribbean students make in their PS, CV.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QtF6YE4KRw

1. Head here to better understand our ERAS PS CV service.

https://www.usmlesarthi.com/eras-cv-ps-review-edit.html
 
I have graduated 10+ years ago. Can I Match?

1. One of our students matched this cycle (2019 – 2020) with a YOG of 2001. Determination and perseverance is the key to success and us at USMLESarthi pride ourselves to help applicants Match successfully.
2. Our panel of Mentors, Video Lectures, Discussion group are geared towards one thing, you Matching successfully.
3. Submit your application for a free profile review and start your journey the right way.

https://www.usmlesarthi.com/imgprofilereview2021match-672393.html

FAQS ON Step 2 CS SUSPension 

UPDATED AS OF 5/27/2020

​As many of you may be aware, USMLE has suspended Step 2 CS for 12 to 18 months as of May 26, 2020. This is one in the series of changes due to the COVID 19 situation that is impacting the upcoming residency match season 2021. So without going into the merits and demerits of the CS, we will discuss some of the concerns and questions from IMGs who are going to apply for the upcoming season

1. What are the implications of suspending Step 2 CS for students who have taken and not taken step 2 CS exam?
   1. Students who have completed Step 2 CS will be considered as complete application. This will play a huge role this match cycle (2020-2021).
   2. The ramification of suspending Step 2 CS on IMGs is yet to be determined and any input on it is conjecture at this moment.
2. I have failed Step 2 CS; will my results be blinded by ECFMG/USMLE when I apply to programs?
   1. Most likely not. The score of pass/fail may show up on the programs end when they view your score report.
3. Can I take Step 3 without taking Step 2 CS?
   1. As of right now, Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) has yet to release any information. As of right now ECFMG certification is required to sit for Step 3.
   2. They have extended their 3-month eligibility period (to take the exam) to more than 6 months in view of the current situation.  
4. In the past we required ECFMG certificate prior to Match date. Will it affect my ranking if I am now not ECFMG certified?
   1. Students with exceptional scores (ex. Internal Medicine candidate with 240+ on Step 1 and 230+ on Step 2CK) will not face a problem when it comes to being ranked by programs.
   2. In this match cycle a complete application (maybe one or two red flags) will have a slight edge over an incomplete application with otherwise average profile unfortunately specially when it comes to community programs.
5. Will programs consider applicants with an incomplete application when it comes to sending out interviews?
   1. Even if USMLE/ECFMG/NRMP remove certification as a barrier to apply/rank/selected, the final decision on who gets selected or interviewed falls on the program. As we have mentioned before, strong scores, recent graduates and other profiles with minimum red flags should be ok even without certification.
   2. Each State Medical License has its own set of requirements for licensure. Program director may prefer complete application just so they can avoid the hassle or uncertainty involved with taking an incomplete application.
6. Will ECFMG provide a provisional certificate to IMGs who have completed Step 1 and Step 2 CK?
   1. We do not know but highly unlikely this requirement will be removed/altered for IMGs (US or Non-US)
   2. Medical school in US are removing Step 2 CS as a requirement to graduate (rumor on WhatsApp group) meaning they are adapting to the current situation. Only applies to AMGs.   
7. For those who completed Step 1 and 2CK. What is the road for them? No USCE, no US LORs, should we go for Home country LORs?
   1. Home country LORs will play a big role. Working in a hospital shows your continued dedication to the field of medicine and continued exposure in a hospital setting. Especially hospitals that are playing a role in tackling COVID patients in any country.
8. With so much uncertainty, should I even apply or pay to get the ERAS token?
   1. Yes. It is always good to apply Though it is uncertain, but remember it works both ways. Even programs will need to figure out how to navigate this situation. So many of you will be in advantageous position. Prepare yourself to take advantage of it.
   2.  Review your profile, taken pending exams if you have not- like CK or if you are eligible- Step 3.
   3. Target strong specialty specific LORs-
9. This suspension of Step 2 CS, do you think they might completely forgo/cancel the exam?
   1. We don’t yet. But unlikely to be cancelled- ofcourse some substitute tests will come in. PDs/Program value Step 2 CS results when it comes to choosing a candidate (especially for IMGs) not so much for AMGs (MD/DO)
10. With no Step 2 CS exam or ECFMG certification, what are some steps I as a candidate can take to strengthen my application?

• Gain clinical experience and good letters of recommendation.
• Volunteer to help with COVID.
• Get involved in a research project. Be it writing a review article or working as a Research assistant.
• Target some upcoming conferences even for poster presentation or abstract submissions

​​
What may be some alternatives to Step 2 CS for IMGs? (nothing announced yet)

• Spoken English Proficiency (SEP)
  1. TOEFL or IELTS exams
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills (CIS)
• Integrated Clinical Encounter (ICE)
• Maybe US (sanctioned) clinical experience under certified (by ECFMG/USMLE) physicians who grade you on a standardized sheet over a period of day/week/month.
  
  

​How will Program Directors react to Step 2 CS been cancelled?

1. Program Directors have used the exam as a proxy for good grasp on the English language, communication with patient, and as a measure of familiarity with the US health care culture.
2. Scheduling nightmare on their hands as their whole intern class requests time off to finally take their CS exam.
3. ​Maybe US (sanctioned) clinical experience under certified (by ECFMG/USMLE) physicians who grade you on a standardized sheet over a period of day/week/month.
   

References

1. https://www.fsmb.org/siteassets/usmle-step3/pdfs/2020-usmle-bulletin.pdf
2. https://www.usmle.org/announcements/
3. https://www.usmle.org/frequently-asked-questions/#covid19
4. https://www.aamc.org/system/files/2020-03/AAMC%20response%20to%20USMLE%20Step2CS.pdf

ECFMG Pathways for 2021 match​

• In response to the suspension of Step 2 CS for the next 12-18 months, ECFMG has provided pathways that will allow qualified IMGs who have NOT passed Step 2 CS to meet the requirements for ECFMG Certification.
• These pathways are directed ONLY towards IMGs who intend to enter the 2020 - 2021 Match and have completed Step 1 and CK (with no more than 2 or more attempts in each exam).
• This pathway does NOT apply to Applicants who have passed Step 2 CS and/or are certified by ECFMG.
• It is mandatory to attain a satisfactory score on an English proficiency assessment to be ELIGIBLE for any of the 5 pathways mentioned by ECFMG.
• Details regarding which English Language Proficiency it will be has NOT been disclosed currently. It should be announced very soon.
• Unlike previous ECFMG certificate that do not have an expiry date this “Provisional Certificate” has a few stipulations.
  1. Applicant must participate in the 2020 - 2021 Match by purchasing a 2021 ERAS Token and register with the AAMC (MyERAS).
  2. Enter an ACGME-accredited GME program for the 2021-2022 academic year – meaning Match on Match day (PreMatch/Outside the Match).
  3.  Complete the first year of ACGME-accredited training.
• If a candidate meets ALL the above mentioned criteria. He/She will NO longer have to take CS again and their certificate is no longer subject to expiration.
• Let us summarize the eligibility for ALL pathways
  1. Not passed Step 2 CS
  2. Are not barred by ECFMG.
  3. Are not barred by USMLE from taking a Step from August 1 to January 31, 2021.
  4. Have not failed any USMLE Steps two or more times.
  5. Only applicants who have taken or been registered for any USMLE Step since January 1, 2018 are eligible.
• Applicants must meet ALL requirements I have just summarized and meet ALL requirements listed under a Pathway that applies to the candidate.

 

• What are these 5 different pathways?
  1. Pathway #1: Already Licensed to Practice Medicine in Another Country
     • Applicant has held a full, unrestricted license or registration to practice medicine in any country at any time on or after January 1, 2015. License does not need to be currently valid.
     • The license or registration has not been subject to disciplinary action.
     • There are a lot of unanswered questions regarding this pathway. As this applies to IMGs from India and Pakistan.
     • Additional details and specific instructions regarding this pathway will be provided by ECFMG soon but we will try our best to answer your questions to the best of our ability.
  2. Pathway #2: Already Passed a Standardized Clinical Skills Exam for Medical Licensure
     • Has completed the standardized clinical skills exams of UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland.
     • Date of examination must be on or after July 1, 2018.
  3. Pathway #3: Medical School Accredited by Agency Recognized by World Federation for Medical Education (WFME)
     • Graduated from a Medical School on or after Jan 1st, 2018 that is accredited by an agency recognized by World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).
     • You must obtain an authorized letter on an ECFMG form that can attest to your clinical skills.
     • Unfortunately, if you have graduated from a Medical school in India or Pakistan. This pathway does not apply to you.
  4. Pathway #4: Medical School Participates in U.S. Federal Student Loan Program
     • Does not apply to IMGs
  5. Pathway #5: Medical School Issues Degree Jointly with a U.S. Medical School Accredited by Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)
     • Does not apply to IMGs unless the IMG has graduated or is a student from the mentioned Medical schools in Qatar or Singapore. ​

FAQs on Pathways

Considering that an English proficiency test is required, should I book a TOEFL date?

• ECFMG has not released what these exams will be. It is premature at this moment to book a date.
• There are several English Language Proficiency exams like OET, IELTS, TOEFL. Either one of them or all of them might be chosen. We do not know at this moment.

Do you know if Indian MBBS is considered eligible for pathway #1 or is there a separate licensing exam needed?

• With respect to India: A candidate who graduates from Medical school is provided with a provisional certificate to practice until he/she completes their mandatory 12 months of Internship.
• At which point you receive an unrestricted license to practice from Medical council of India.
• As far as I know you do NOT have to take an additional exam to obtain an unrestricted license (provided one has completed their 12 months of internship).

ECFMG should blank out CS results (Pass/Fail/Pending).

• This falls under the purview of USMLE. USMLE transcripts contain your examination history and will include all attempts: passed, failed, pending.

2019 graduate from Europe. Am I eligible to get certified under Pathway #1? My Medical school is NOT Accredited by an agency recognized by World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). I have taken Step 1 and CK.

• If you hold a full, unrestricted license to practice in home country and plan on applying for Match 2020 – 2021 you are eligible for Pathway #1 (provided you meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set forth by ECFMG).

Do we have to renew our ECFMG certificates?

• If you are already ECFMG certified, you do not have to renew it. It currently does not have an expiry date.

What about people who passed Spoken English Proficiency (SEP) component of Step2 CS and failed one of the other two? Do they still need to take an English proficiency test?

• Yes. According to the current guidelines as mentioned above.

If I apply in the 2023 season will this new ECFMG certification pathways apply?

• No. As of right now everything goes back to how it was after the completion of Match cycle 2020 – 2021.

What about provisional license you get after diploma, am I eligible for Pathway #1?

• According to discussions with ECFMG - whatever that has been posted on the website are the rules currently BUT are subject to change.
• That said, a provisional license does not mean a candidate possess an unrestricted license to practice. So no, you would not qualify for Pathway #1.
• Please visit the ECFMG website frequently for updates regarding this requirement.

License to work in 2012 from home country and does not have an expiry date. Can I apply via the first pathway?

• Language of the document states “Applicant has held a full, unrestricted license on or after January 1, 2015”.
• I believe you are eligible if the document means held and not issued. We will have to wait for ECFMG to clarify.

I have yet to take Step 2 CS and my school is recognized by a WFME agency. What should I do?

• Date of graduation must be on or after January 1, 2018
• An authorized school official must attest to your clinical skills on an approved ECFMG form.
• Clear the English Language Proficiency exam (to be determined by ECFMG) and you will qualify for a “Provisional ECFMG certificate”.

I have taken Step 1 and CK and cleared PLAB 2 (currently hold GMC registration) – Am I eligible?

• Clearing PLAB exams means you have either completed IELTS academic or OET.
• If ECFMG determines they are acceptable English Language Proficiency exams. You are qualified for an ECFMG certificate.

If your school’s graduates are eligible for ECFMG certification based on the world directory of medical schools’ website, does that mean you can apply by pathway 3?

• Applicant’s medical school MUST BE currently accredited by an agency recognized by WFME.
• Medical schools that show up on the world directory of medical school website does NOT mean you qualify for pathway #3.
• Check first with your school about its accreditation status and check WFME website if an agency recognized by WFME has accredited your Medical School.
• For example: Medical schools in India show up on the world directory of medical schools list but there is NO agency recognized by WFME that accredits Medical schools in India.
• Graduates from India, Pakistan, Philippines will have to choose Pathway #1. 

​What do these new ECFMG rules mean for a person planning for 2022 match?

• As of right now. ECFMG has stated everything will return to its previous state after the Match cycle 2020 – 2021 has completed. 

Videos/Webinars on Covid19 and impact on IMG match