Dr Ray Makar

If you ask US residency program directors what IMGs are most often missing, many will give the same answer: US clinical experience, usually called USCE. Many programs require it, and most strongly prefer it. Just as important, USCE is how you earn US letters of recommendation, one of the strongest parts of an IMG application. … Read more

Passing the USMLE and getting ECFMG certified are big achievements. But they don’t give you a residency position. For that, you need to apply through ERAS and match through the NRMP. This is where many strong IMGs, including me, make costly mistakes. This guide explains how the Match works, the key dates for the 2027 … Read more

If you graduated from a medical school outside the United States and Canada, there is one credential you must have before you can start a US residency: ECFMG Certification. Without it, you cannot enter the Match as an independent applicant, start graduate medical education, or take USMLE Step 3. When I came to the US … Read more