USMLE Forum Archives - The Match & Residency - how i became license physician no USMLE
how i became license physician no USMLE
drtonycamuy - 01-07-08 17:58
I want to share this experience with you because some times we get frustrated, and the key is never to give up. I am a native born Puerto Rican and am very proud of it. As amentioned before Puerto Rico is about 3000 miles from the shore of Florida USA and we are a territory of the United States of North America.
In Puerto Rico up to today we have 2 options of becoming a license physician.
number one is taking the Puerto Rican boards steps I and II ( what we call la revalida) and a clinical exam. Another requisite once you complete the test is a one year internship and after this you are on the run. You then become license and are elegible to practice in Puerto Rico as a general physican GP. With this licensure you also cualify to work in the USA only with some federal agencies (indian reservation, VA, correctional service etc).
The other way to become license is the one we all know by taking the USMLE.
One disadvantage of not having USMLE and only the Puerto Rican licensure is that we are not elegible for residency training up to now.
I say up to now because in the near future because of the shortage of physicians in Puerto Rico we might have residency training locally, not necessarilly AGME accreditated. This gives us a chance to do residency training and practice as a specialist in PR.
I have aColombian friend whom followed my advise , became license in Puerto Rico and today is working in the USA as a physician.
Of course there are some requisites in order to become license in PR, i will give to you the address of our boards so you can ask for further information.
The basics that you will need is your pre-med and have graduated from an accredited US MD program or one from abroad recognized by the world health organization (WHO,, in the green book)
good luck,keep in touch
drtonycamuy - 01-07-08 17:58
I want to share this experience with you because some times we get frustrated, and the key is never to give up. I am a native born Puerto Rican and am very proud of it. As amentioned before Puerto Rico is about 3000 miles from the shore of Florida USA and we are a territory of the United States of North America.
In Puerto Rico up to today we have 2 options of becoming a license physician.
number one is taking the Puerto Rican boards steps I and II ( what we call la revalida) and a clinical exam. Another requisite once you complete the test is a one year internship and after this you are on the run. You then become license and are elegible to practice in Puerto Rico as a general physican GP. With this licensure you also cualify to work in the USA only with some federal agencies (indian reservation, VA, correctional service etc).
The other way to become license is the one we all know by taking the USMLE.
One disadvantage of not having USMLE and only the Puerto Rican licensure is that we are not elegible for residency training up to now.
I say up to now because in the near future because of the shortage of physicians in Puerto Rico we might have residency training locally, not necessarilly AGME accreditated. This gives us a chance to do residency training and practice as a specialist in PR.
I have aColombian friend whom followed my advise , became license in Puerto Rico and today is working in the USA as a physician.
Of course there are some requisites in order to become license in PR, i will give to you the address of our boards so you can ask for further information.
The basics that you will need is your pre-med and have graduated from an accredited US MD program or one from abroad recognized by the world health organization (WHO,, in the green book)
good luck,keep in touch
Page 1
#2
Re: how i became license physician no US mindswapper - 01-07-08 23:22 Tony, I understand that what u say is abt working in the PR... But I have a few queries:
1. How is the prospect of residency training in Puerto Rico w.r.t. an IMG?
2. How competitive are the specialties?
3. Are the residency trainings done in PR recognised or are they accredited by the ACGME of the US?
4. Is it possible to be licenced in the US after doing residency in PR?
#3
Re: how i became license physician no US nnfarah - 01-08-08 12:55 Dr. Tony, I am an IMG, old graduate, graduated in 1980. I have already passed the USMLE steps I, II, and III( in 1997, and 1998), and I have the licensure of the medical council of canada(2007). Do you think I can get a residency in PR? and is it recognised in USA or CANADA? Thanks
#4
Re: how i became license physician no US
drtonycamuy - 02-05-08 23:11 I am so sorry not to answer sooner. Have been out of town for a while.
Residency training in Puerto RIco is fully accredited by ACGME, therefore full accreditation in the USA and Canada.
You can become license in USA , no problem.
NNFARAH: I dont see why you shouldn't be able to get a specialty in Puerto RIco. I feel you are well prepared. Search and apply, you may do so as applying in the USA through ERAS.
GOOD LUCK,
TONY
Page 1