FOR INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATES
Your Guide to Practicing Medicine in the USA
Clear, up-to-date help with ECFMG certification, the USMLE, the Match, US clinical experience, visas and licensing, from a foreign doctor who walked the same road.
Welcome, Doctor
I’m Dr. Ray Makar. I practiced dermatology in Egypt for 20 years before moving to the United States in 2003 and taking the USMLE myself. I know how confusing, expensive and lonely this journey can feel. This site brings together the guidance I wish I had, explained step by step and updated as the rules change.
Step-by-Step IMG Guides
1. ECFMG Certification
Requirements, OET Medicine scores, the six Pathways and key deadlines for the 2027 Match.
2. The Match and ERAS for IMGs
Timeline, costs, how many programs to apply to, and how to rank.
3. US Clinical Experience
Observerships, externships and research: what programs look for and how to find them.
4. Visas for IMGs: J-1 vs H-1B (coming soon)
Which visa programs sponsor, and what each one means for your future.
5. New Licensing Pathways for Foreign Doctors (coming soon)
States that now license experienced IMGs without a US residency.
Practice for the USMLE
Preparing for Step 1 or Step 2 CK? Practice with hundreds of free, explained questions on my question bank.
Latest Articles
Read all guides and articles on the Articles page.