Message from the President

In reflecting on the past year, there are a number of events and accomplishments that are worthy of mention. One item of particular interest has been a significant increase in the number of international physicians pursuing ECFMG Certification. This upward trend was evident throughout 2002 and appears to be continuing into early 2003.

In 2002, ECFMG experienced double-digit increases over the previous year in the demand for the exams required for ECFMG Certification. Although there has been much speculation on the impact that the events of September 11, 2001, would have on the number of international medical graduates (IMGs) pursuing ECFMG Certification, these events have not halted this upward trend. I am pleased that opportunities remain for IMGs to obtain graduate medical education in the United States, and that increasing numbers of international physicians are pursuing these opportunities, which have great potential for improving international medical education and health care.

The increase in the number of physicians pursuing ECFMG Certification underscores the importance of this program. By evaluating the qualifications of international physicians entering the U.S. health care system, ECFMG assures residency program directors, and the American public, that these physicians have met minimum standards for providing supervised patient care. This sustained increase in volume placed additional demands on ECFMG's operational areas. We managed these increases well, and the certification program and related services continue to function smoothly. At the same time, there were several developments which enhanced the program and our service to applicants.

The opening of an additional Clinical Skills Assessment Center in Atlanta, Georgia, in September allowed ECFMG to accommodate increased demand for the Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA®) in 2002. Established jointly by ECFMG and the National Board of Medical Examiners as part of the collaboration to develop a clinical skills exam for the USMLE, the Atlanta center also served as a second administration site for the ECFMG CSA, and 1,300 IMGs took the CSA in Atlanta between September and the end of the year. This represents a significant increase in testing capacity during the months of heaviest demand for the CSA.

ECFMG's on-line resources continue to provide increased accessibility, efficiency, and convenience to applicants for ECFMG Certification. The Interactive Web Application (IWA), ECFMG's web-based exam application, was introduced for Step 1 and Step 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination in 2001 and for the Clinical Skills Assessment in April 2002. By the end of 2002, IWA had become the preferred method of exam application, accounting for the majority of exam applications received. Applying on-line eliminates the need to obtain paper application materials in advance. It has also resulted in fewer applicant errors, faster processing times, and prompt, regular e-mail updates for applicants on the status of their exam applications.

A major benefit of ECFMG's on-line initiatives is enhanced communication. Through the On-line Applicant Status and Information System (OASIS), IMGs can verify personal and certification-related information and make certain transactions, at their convenience. More than 30,000 ECFMG applicants and ECFMG certified physicians can now access OASIS. Effective October 2002, applicants are able to contact ECFMG by e-mail with all inquiries, and we have been able to provide customized responses to these inquiries within two business days. Finally, we continue to reach thousands of readers through our e-mail newsletters, which anticipate informational needs and provide important updates on ECFMG Certification and related issues.

The International Medical Education Directory (IMED), introduced in April 2002, represents a significant new resource on the world's medical schools. Developed by FAIMER, IMED provides up-to-date information on medical schools and their curricula. The schools listed in IMED are those that are recognized by the governments of the countries where the schools are located. IMED is an important new tool in evaluating the credentials of physicians applying for ECFMG Certification. Effective April 2002, an applicant's medical school and graduation year must be listed in IMED to be eligible for examination and ECFMG Certification. IMED's web-based format allows updates to be made as new information is received and allows free access by medical schools, organizations concerned with credentialing and licensure, researchers, physicians, and individuals interested in ECFMG Certification.

ECFMG's program of certification plays a significant role in ensuring the quality of medical care in the United States. In the past year, we have maintained the high quality of the program, while introducing significant enhancements that benefit U.S. programs of graduate medical education, the American health care consumer, and applicants for ECFMG Certification. We will continue to pursue developments that ensure and enhance our ability to perform this critical function.

James A. Hallock, M.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates