International Applicants

Q: Do you accept applications from International Medical Graduates (IMGs)?

A: Yes.

 

Q: How are IMG applicants selected for interview?

A: The selection process is similar for all candidates. We evaluate the academic accomplishments and personal qualities of applicants to determine the best fit for our challenging program. Because of the large variation in the formal training and clinical experiences offered by many international medical schools, IMGs are at a disadvantage in competing for our program. By contrast, we have a long track record of evaluating candidates who are trained in the relatively uniform curricular and clinical environments offered by U.S. medical schools. While we have no formal criteria, and each applicant is evaluated individually, the following qualities will suggest readiness for the educational, clinical, and cultural requirements of the American medical system and our residency training program:

  Academic achievement
   - Dean's Letter indicating top 10% of graduates, with top 10% clinical evaluations
   - USMLE 1, 2, 3 greater than one standard deviation above the mean (eg, > 230)
   - Significant specialty training in their country (eg, equivalent of board certified)
   - Other academic achievements (eg, research)

  Clinical experience in the US
   - Amount of clinical experience in US
   - Responsibility during clinical experience (eg, more than observerships)
   - Recommendation letters from US clinical experience

 

Q: What is the process for application if I am an IMG?

A: The application requirements are described in our web site. In addition, we require the following:

1. Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG): current, valid certificate
2. "Applicant Evaluation Status Letter" from the California Medical Board
3. National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) enrollment
4. Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) application

 

Q: What Visas do you support?

A: The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) will sponsor a J-1 visa for candidates. Please refer to their website at: http://www.ecfmg.org. We do not accept H1B visas.