Re: match & residency
TheOne - 06-05-08 05:16

Matching is a process where candidates "AMG or IMG" list their post-graduate residency training programs where he interviewed with and submit it through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) AND programs submit a simillar list of their favorite candidates whom they choose to be part of their residency training. The NRMP will process these lists and come up with the results of Matching/UnMatching on March 17th of each year.

To be part of this process, a candidate must participate in 2 systems, the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) and the NRMP. The first kcik of this process start when an applicant requests an "ERAS Token" from his OASIS profile on the ECFMG website which will start generating these numeric tokens by the first day of July of each year. To further understand the process check my post on The Match & Residency Forum under "Step by step guide toward the Match".

It's a must to have USMLE scores (Step 1, 2 CK and 2 CS) on your hand in order to be considered for a residency. Passing these test along with ECFMG verification of your medical school credentials is required to have the ECFMG certificate, which is mandatory for IMGs to be considered by residency program as future potential residents.

The USMLE score plays a major part in the selection criteria for residency programs, saying that, other factors do play major roles like your med school performance, US clinical experience, research, publication, personal statement, letters of recommendation and your resume.