Colombian Doctor Wishing to practice Medicine in the United States

British Paisa says on Apr 12, 2005, 11:28:

Medical Doctors from Outside North America

Physicians trained outside of North America are required to complete the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Certification. To get this certification, it is required to write Part I and Part II of the three-stage United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), which in this case is administered by the ECFMG. Between Part I and II, you are required to complete the ECFMG Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA). Completing these requirements verifies your readiness to enter a residency or fellowship program in the US. Testing centers for Part I and II of the USMLE exam can be found at the Thomson Prometric website, and can be completed world-wide. The CSA examination is only available in 2 locations in the US. For more information, on these tests and requirements, please contact the NBME and the ECFMG.

If you wish to immigrate to the US, and practice as an MD and obtain a state license, you will then be required to complete Part III of the USMLE exam. Part III is administered by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB). Part III is only available in testing centers in the US and its territories. For more information about Part III of the USMLE exam, please contact the FSMB.

For information about board (specialty) certification, see the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) .

VISA Information: You are required to have a US work visa before being allowed entry to the US and employment in the US, and usually sponsorship is required. Please contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate to inquire about obtaining a US work visa

(article obtained from www.medhunters.com)

Related websites:
http://www.ecfmg.org/ (education commision for foreign medical graduates)
http://www.usmle.org/ (united states medical licensing examination)
http://www.fsmb.org/ (federation of state medical boards)
http://www.abms.org/ (american board of medical specialities)
http://www.nbme.org/ (national board of medical examiners)
http://www.prometric.com/Default.htm (thomson prometic)

I have a friend who is doing it, it is not easy and takes ages...

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JD says on Apr 12, 2005, 12:27:

Foreign Doctors Practicing in the U.S. Thank you ! Why so difficult and how long is "ages"

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dwmte says on Apr 12, 2005, 16:30:

it should become transparent.... why the well educated and cosmopolitan choose narco trafficing to other professions, as the pay is actually higher and one is able to work in this profession immediately.

no special exams, extra credentials, etc. no internships and make up exams.

most of the successful 'gentlemen' i met over the years living in poblado, were actually very well educated, often in foreign universities, and from wealthy families. and getting very rich and never risking anything. somebody else did all the work. isn't it always that way?

dw

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Jack Smith says on Apr 12, 2005, 16:47:

Stay in Colombia and help your own poor.... Stay in Colombia and help the poor in your own country.....?

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platano says on Apr 12, 2005, 16:56:

Difficult but not impossible I know many Colombian doctors (most graduated from Univalle) who have passed the USMLE exams with high scores (96 and 98) which speaks very well for the quality of medical education in Colombia. Of course, during the time required to study for the exams (months, even if you do a Kaplan prep course) the doctor needs to be pretty single-minded and motivated (no movies, no chicas, etc.). Once you pass all the exams (TOFEL, USMLE, etc.) then you need to do a three-year residency. And then, being a bilingual doctor in the United States, you will have no trouble finding work and buying the new house in the suburbs and having the Audi or Volvo or Prius you desire. Oh, and get a 52 inch HDTV flat panel plasma TV, too. Symbols of success that Colombians enjoy. And I would imagine a much safer and more satisfying profession than being a "gentleman" in Poblado or Envigado.

Plátano

plátano

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Jack Smith says on Apr 12, 2005, 17:04:

Tell them to sstaay in Colombia I am tired of foreign national professionals that have to run to the US to make $150,000 + a year......they should stay in Colombia and attend to the needs of their own poor....lots of slums in Colombia with people that need medical care!

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dwmte says on Apr 12, 2005, 17:06:

having known both, plantano... you would have to ask each their opinion on that matter. it might be interesting, the answer.

as both gentlemen the dr and the other, have homes in poblado, miami, and often, switzerland or someplace equally poor.

oh, and they both have the large flat panel tv's. as well, several nice cars.

dw

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JD says on Apr 13, 2005, 07:17:

Foreign Doctors Thank you all for your thoughts and opinions. I did not intend to start another conflict with this forum. This doctor I speak of is and has helped the poor people of Colombia in Bogota and other regions. This doctor is dedicated to helping the poor and indigent. This doctor has been for the past 20 years. Sometimes this doctor is successful but most time not because of government bureaucracy and much red tape. This doctor feels that there is a need in the states to service the Colombian emigrants in NYC or Miami. What is wrong with that ?

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