Organization Guide
Understanding the “who’s who” of organizations involved in U.S. graduate medical education (GME) can be difficult, but knowing who to contact about what and how is an essential part of your successful integration into the U.S. health care system. To help you navigate this system, we have compiled a list of the organizations you will likely come in contact with during the residency application process and throughout your first year of residency. To view an organization’s mission, website, and information about what you would contact them for and what resources they can offer to assist you, click on the appropriate tab below.
Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates
Also known as...
ECFMG
Their Mission is...
To promote quality health care for the public by certifying international medical graduates for entry into U.S. graduate medical education, and by participating in the evaluation and certification of other physicians and health care professionals nationally and internationally. In conjunction with its Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), and other partners, it actively seeks opportunities to promote medical education through programmatic and research activities.
You might contact them to...
- Apply for ECFMG Certification
- Apply for USMLE Step 1, 2 CK, and 2 CS; obtain USMLE results; and request USMLE Transcripts if you have not taken Step 3
- Obtain a token to participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and manage the submission of your ERAS supporting documents
- Complete an application for J-1 visa sponsorship and mantain your visa status throughout your residency
- Have your medical credentials primary-source verified and proof of this verification sent to a medical regulatory authority
- Request verification of your ECFMG certification status be sent to a state medical board/medical licensing authority
- Access the ECFMG Certificate Holders Office (ECHO)
- Stay up-to-date on news related to USMLE and ECFMG Certification
Some resources you might find helpful...
- The ECFMG Reporter
- ECHO News
- ECFMG Information Booklet
- ECFMG Fact Card
- ECFMG Certification Fact Sheet
- USMLE Bulletin of Information
- Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program Reference Guide
- Reference Guide for Medical Education Credentials
- ECFMG Policies and Procedures Regarding Irregular Behavior
