On-line Resources

ECFMG's on-line resources provide broad, convenient access to ECFMG's publications and services. ECFMG's on-line services are available around the clock at no cost to users. To access these resources, visit the ECFMG website.

ECFMG Website

The ECFMG website provides convenient access to important updates and detailed information on ECFMG's programs. Currently, more than fifty publications and forms are available on the ECFMG website, including the ECFMG Information Booklet; USMLE Bulletin of Information; and application materials for USMLE Step 1/Step 2, the ECFMG Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA), Exchange Visitor (J-1 visa) Sponsorship, and participation in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The website offers publications that are only available in electronic format, such as ECFMG's e-mail newsletters. The website also provides access to ECFMG's on-line services, including IWA, OASIS, IMED, and CSA Candidate Scheduling.

Interactive Web Application

ECFMG's Interactive Web Application (IWA) allows ECFMG applicants to apply for USMLE Step 1/Step 2 and the ECFMG CSA via the Internet. Registered USMLE applicants can use IWA to request an extension of their USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 eligibility period.

Users submit most application items and pay for the exam(s) on-line. Instructions are available throughout the process, and on-line validation helps to prevent common errors that may delay registration. After completing the on-line portion of the application, applicants print a Certification Statement to be completed by the applicant and an authorized official. The completed Certification Statement must be submitted to ECFMG to complete the application process. On-line applicants receive e-mail updates throughout the processing of their applications.

IWA is easy to use and is available to both new and existing applicants. Applicants who have submitted a prior application to ECFMG may be able to access some of the information submitted previously, eliminating the need to reenter some information.

On-line Applicant Status and Information System

The On-line Applicant Status and Information System (OASIS) is a web-based information service for ECFMG applicants and ECFMG certified physicians. OASIS allows users to verify general information, such as their name of record, contact information, and the status of their ECFMG financial accounts. Additionally, users can check the status of exam applications and score reports, USMLE scheduling permits, TOEFL score acceptance, medical education credentials, transcript requests, the ECFMG Certificate, and other items. Finally, OASIS provides the ability to make certain transactions on-line, such as updating contact information and submitting payments. Access is limited to individuals with a USMLE/ECFMG Identification Number who are successfully authenticated through a password-protected security system.

International Medical Education Directory

The International Medical Education Directory (IMED) is a web-based resource that provides basic information on the world's medical schools. For the medical schools listed, IMED provides basic information, such as address, title of medical degree granted, and enrollment. IMED also provides information on the medical school curriculum, such as duration, language of instruction, entrance examination requirements, and the years for which the school is recognized by the government of the country where the school is located. IMED provides this information in a format that is searchable by geographic region, country, name of medical school or affiliated university, and the city in which the school is located. Detailed search instructions are provided.

IMED was developed by the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), a nonprofit foundation of ECFMG. The schools listed in IMED are those that are recognized by the government agencies in the countries where the medical schools are located. FAIMER updates IMED as new information is received from these agencies concerning their recognition of medical schools, and from the officials of the listed medical schools. The result is an accurate, up-to-date resource that is freely available to the international medical education and licensing communities. For detailed information on IMED, refer to the FAIMER 2002 Annual Report.

FAIMER is not an accrediting agency. The medical schools listed in IMED are those that are recognized by the appropriate government agencies in the countries where the schools are located. The medical schools listed for a given country, and the information available for each school listed, are provided by these agencies and the medical schools. Listing of a medical school in IMED does not denote recognition, accreditation, or endorsement by FAIMER.

CSA Candidate Scheduling

CSA Candidate Scheduling is available to ECFMG applicants who are registered for the ECFMG Clinical Skills Assessment. This service allows registered applicants to view available test dates and schedule their CSA sessions via the Web.

E-Newsletters

The ECFMG Reporter is ECFMG's e-newsletter for international medical students and graduates. The ECFMG Reporter strives to provide timely, objective information on developing issues related to ECFMG Certification and graduate medical education in the United States. Interested individuals can subscribe to this newsletter on the ECFMG website.

Introduced in October 2000, the first issue was published in December 2000. By the end of 2002, The ECFMG Reporter membership list had grown to more than 17,000 subscribers.

The ECFMG Correspondent provides timely updates on issues of interest to ECFMG certified physicians. Interested individuals can subscribe to this newsletter on the ECFMG website.

The ECFMG Correspondent became available for subscription in mid-2001, and the first issue was published in December 2001. By the end of 2002, more than 4,000 individuals had subscribed to The ECFMG Correspondent.

ECFMG-ERAS News is an e-newsletter for international medical students and graduates participating in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). ECFMG-ERAS News provides updates and helpful tips for using ERAS to apply for residency positions in participating medical specialties. Interested individuals can subscribe to this newsletter on the ECFMG website.

Introduced in July 2000, the ECFMG-ERAS News membership list had grown to nearly 19,000 subscribers by the end of 2002.

ECFMG News is an e-newsletter for overseas educational advisers who frequently interact with international medical students and graduates. ECFMG News provides brief, timely updates on selected topics related to ECFMG Certification and entry into graduate medical education in the United States.

First published in August 1999, more than 200 overseas educational advising offices currently receive regular issues of ECFMG News.

Computer-based USMLE™: An Introduction for Students and Graduates of Foreign Medical Schools

Developed in early 1999 in preparation for the transition to computer-based USMLE, this brochure provides international students and graduates with an introduction to the basics of the computer-based test format. The topics covered include registration and scheduling procedures, exam format, and preparation.

At the time of publication, ECFMG distributed this brochure to international students/graduates pursuing ECFMG Certification, medical schools, and overseas educational advising offices. Although no longer distributed in print, ECFMG maintains an updated version of the brochure on its website.