GRADUATES OF FOREIGN MEDICAL-SCHOOLS - PROGRESSION TO CERTIFICATION BY THE EDUCATIONAL COMMISSION FOR FOREIGN MEDICAL GRADUATES

The application process leading to certification by the Educational co mmission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) was studied using the g roup of 9,491 graduates of foreign medical schools who initiated their applications in 1988. Using the ECFMG's database, these applications' countries of citizenship, examination histories, certification status , and exchange visitor status were determined for a period of seven ye ars and nine months, ending in September 1995. Within that time, 45% o f these applicants became ECFMG-certified, and 26% of that group enter ed residency programs accredited by the Accreditation council for Grad uate Medical Education. Of the total number of non-U.S. citizens (2,24 3) who entered such programs, 61% did so as exchange visitor physician s. The remainder had other kinds of visa status, such as permanent res ident, or had become U.S. citizens. Although U.S. citizens and non-U.S . citizens achieved certification at the same rate (45%), the U.S. cit izens had greater success in obtaining positions in graduate medical e ducation (GME). Seventy-four percent of the ECFMG-certified U.S. citiz ens entered GME, versus 57% of the ECFMG-certified non-U.S. citizens. The status of the 55% of the 9,491 applicants who did not obtain certi fication is discussed; a portion of this group continues to pursue cer tification. Details and requirements of the ECFMG certification proces s are also described.