First Aid for the International Medical Graduate

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1. Evaluating YourselfFour categories of IMGs: where do you belong?Out of touch with medicine for a while?Why do you want to go to the US?Goal setting2. Getting to the United States“Achieving” the visa—strategic movesRefusal of visaTypes of visaAbout Form DF-1563. Preparing for the ExamsWho needs to take the exams?Obstacles facing IMG ExamineesComputer based testing (CBT)Long vignettes: A method to the madnessA Few Last Things to Remember4. USMLE Step 1Eligibility criteria for step 1What is WHO World Directory of Medical Schools?Medical education credentialsApplication processStep 1, the examPass/fail statisticsCourse outlinesTopics likely to be overlooked by IMGsWhat if I fail?5. USMLE Step 2Eligibility criteria for USMLE 2Application processStep 2, the examPass/fail statisticsCourse outlinesWhat if I fail?6. English Exam (TOEFL)Importance of having a good grasp of EnglishPros and cons of computerized TOEFLApplication processSchedulingTOEFL, the testPreparing for TOEFL7. Clinical Skills Assessment ExamStated purpose of CSAIssues surrounding the CSAWho needs to take CSA?Eligibility criteria for CSAApplication processScheduling the testScheduling strategyTiming the application for a visaMaking your travel arrangementsCSA, the examWhat is a SP?Things not to do while working on each caseScoring componentsStep-by-step approach to doing well on the CSAUse of abbreviationsNot sure of your command of English?8. USMLE Step 3RegistrationSchedulingComputer based testing (CBT)ComputeresePass/fail statisticsStep 3: The examCCS, an introductionPreparing for the exam9. Getting into a Residency ProgramThe problem of low scoresApplication processChoosing among the programsInterview process10. Building Your NestGetting a Social Security numberA thing called credit historyFinding a place to liveObtaining a driver’s licenseArranging for telephone serviceGetting your wheelsLining up car insuranceOpening a bank accountEnrolling in a health insurance planFinding your compatriotsGetting to know your town or city11. Survival SkillsYour first month in residencyFrequently asked questions on an on-call day (or night)Learning to function as a public relations (PR) personDealing with the members of your teamSurviving the ICU rotation12. Getting Through the ResidencyHistory taking, American stylePhysical examinationH&P and daily progress notesElectrocardiography (EKG)The Mentor ProgramHow to get the maximum out of a rotation?Clinical examination testEvaluation13. Some Distinctive Features of the Practice of Medicinein the United StatesEthics, patient rights and legal issuesEvidence based medicineComputers in medicine14. The Second Year of ResidencyFellowship huntingBecoming a senior residentResident as teacher15. The Final YearGetting ready to go back homeContinuing with a fellowshipJob huntYour visa typeYour job optionsAn IMG’s job huntCPT tanglesYour Contract—the fine printBuying a houseMovingBoard certificationLicensing boardsPolishing the rough edgesAppendixImportant Organizations and AgenciesWeb Addresses