Licensure & Practicing Medicine in the U.S.

The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, http://www.ecfmg.org , is the definitive agency certifying the medical education of schools outside of the United States and Canada. As a graduate of AUA, you are an “International medical graduate” or “IMG”. 

The purpose of ECFMG is “to assess the readiness of graduates of these schools” to enter residency programs and requires strict adherence to the following: passing all parts of the USMLE; satisfying the medical education credential documentation requirement; and securing ECFMG certification in order to: i) start post-graduate medical training (residency); ii) secure an initial license in the state in which the residency program is located; and iii) secure an unrestricted license for practicing medicine in the U.S. 

The Federal State Medical Board/FSMB website provides information regarding each state’s requirements for licensure, both initial and full, at http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_eliinitial.html. When determining residency program(s) and the geographical location(s), it is essential to research the eligibility requirements for securing a training license or permit in that state. Each state is an independent entity and establishes its own criteria regarding standards and restrictions and requires many supporting documents and some states may require additional information and/or paperwork for IMG’s. 

IMG’s must be ECFMG certified prior to beginning residency, obtaining licensure, and taking Step 3. Almost all states require Step 3 for licensure.  

Non-US citizens or non-permanent residents must have a visa in order to secure a residency.