How to Revalidate Your Medical Degree in the United States: Guide for IMGs

If you are an International Medical Graduate (IMG) and dream of practicing medicine in the United States, you have surely already faced the question of how to revalidate your degree. This process can seem overwhelming, but with the right information and a good dose of motivation, it is possible to achieve it. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know to become a doctor in the U.S.

How to Revalidate Your Medical Degree in the United States:

Basic Requirements

To practice as a doctor in the U.S., there are two main paths:

1. State License: This license allows you to practice medicine only in one of the 50 States. You can obtain it through:

   • Completing a Fellowship (subspecialty) with 2 or 3 years of clinical training. For this, you need to be a specialist in that same specialty in your home country and have ECFMG certification.

   • Sponsorship from certain institutions.

   
   

2. Board Certification: Demonstrates that you have experience in a specific medical specialty. You can obtain it through:

   • Completing a medical residency.

   • Fellowship of 4 or more years depending on the specialty.

ECFMG Certification

The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) is the only organization in the U.S. that authorizes the revalidation of medical degrees for foreigners. You will need their certification to apply for a residency.

Requirements for ECFMG certification:

• Your medical school must be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

• You will need your medical degree and transcript.

• Complete the online application and notarize the Certification of Identification Form through the Interactive Web Applications (IWA).

• USMLE Exams

Link a ECFMG

The Feared USMLE: Your Gateway

The revalidation process is primarily focused on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), a set of exams that every IMG must pass. Although it sounds complicated, with adequate preparation and perseverance, it is possible to overcome it.

The USMLE is divided into several parts that evaluate your medical knowledge and clinical skills:

• Step 1 and Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge): Evaluate your knowledge in medical and clinical sciences.

• ECFMG Pathway: Evaluates your communication and clinical skills.

Keep in mind that passing these exams does not guarantee a residency, but it is a mandatory step to advance in the process.

Link a USMLE

The MATCH: Your Opportunity to Enter Residency

Once you have passed the USMLE exams and obtained ECFMG certification, you can apply to the Match, a system that pairs doctors with residency programs in the U.S.

Important Match dates:

• The application process begins in September and ends in February.

• Interviews are conducted between October and January.

• Results are published in March. Those who do not Match have a second chance with the SOAP (Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program).

What makes you more competitive in the MATCH?

To improve your chances of success, these are the key factors:

1. Good score on USMLE Step 2 CK.

2. Number of attempts on USMLE exams (fewer attempts, better).

3. Clinical experience in the U.S. (preferably hands-on).

4. Letters of recommendation.

5. A strong CV that includes research, jobs, and volunteering.

6. Scientific publications and research experience.

7. Passing USMLE Step 3.

8. Interview skills.

Step 3: When to take it?

Step 3 is the last USMLE exam and can be taken before or during the first two years of residency. This exam evaluates your foundations for independent practice and is conducted over two days:

• Day 1: 6 blocks of 230 questions.

• Day 2: 6 blocks of 180 questions plus clinical simulations.

Options if you don't Match

If you do not secure a residency in the Match, there are some alternatives:

• Apply for an Assistant Physician license in states like Missouri or Florida, which would allow you to work under the supervision of a physician.

• Participate in research.

• Consider the option of becoming a Medical Liaison, a role that connects medical science with pharmaceutical and clinical development.

Medical Licenses

In some states, there are laws that allow graduates of foreign medical schools to exercise their medical license without restrictions. Among the requirements you must meet are having an active license in your home country or having completed a residency similar to those in the U.S.; and ECFMG certification remains a fundamental requirement.

Additionally, there are limited licenses for "Graduate Assistant Physicians" that allow for providing medical care under the direct supervision of a physician authorized by that state's board.

🔖 Conclusions

How to Revalidate Your Medical Degree in the United States? We hope this article has helped you; however, we want to emphasize that revalidating your medical degree in the United States is a path full of challenges, but also opportunities. The process involves passing the USMLE exams, obtaining ECFMG certification, and competing in the Match to secure a residency. Although it can be long and difficult, with effort and dedication, many people achieve their goal.

Don't forget to maintain a positive attitude and seek support from the medical community. You are not alone on this journey!en la comunidad médica. ¡No estás solo en este viaje!