USMLE Exams

[premsut]

Hey there,

(Happy New Year!)

I was just wondering if anyone had been considering taking the usmle exams?
I wasnt sure when the best time was to take the step 1 exams, as in after the second year or the third?
And are there any books that people reccomend using for the step 1 exams?

Any other info would also be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Prem

[chahalg]

Hi Prem

Everyone I know that has taken the USMLE has taken it after completing their MBBS or MBChS, I dont know if the exam is purely preclinical bases though Id assume not. So doing it at the end of all 5 years is probably your best bet, rather than attempting it after 2-3 years.

There are intensive courses designed to help you pass which are probably your best bet, I have a friend that has just taken it. Unfortunately they are based in the States, so if you have links there or can go there its your best bet.

IF you need further info email me.

[Buzfvar]

DO you have to be a citizen or anything of the US to do the exam? OR can you live in Britain, pay the dosh, do the exam, and then just store it for use in the future, should you decide to get a VISA or Green Card or whatever and start practising there? [I'm aware they don't recognise our specialist training].

[chahalg]

I dont think you have to have citenzenship bufz to do the USMLE but Im not 100% certain.

[premsut]

hey, thanks a lot for the info chahalg.

re the question buzfar asked about being a citizen, you dont have to be a US citizen to take the exam, but obviously if you want to reside permanently in the US you have to go through the same visa process as any other professional. to take the exam in the uk costs $450 plus $150 on top because you are taking it out of the US the clinical skills exam is c$1200 and has to be taken in america (philadelphia i believe). From the point you take your first (step 1) exam you have to complete the USMLE (step 1, 2, 3 +CSE) within 7 Years this means you would have to start working in the US as an intern before finishing the exams, so no you cant really complete them before going to work in america, as far as i know.
They reconise our training but everyone outside the US (inc canadians) have to take the USMLE.

[friend]

www.ecfmg.org every question is answered there.