Fifth Pathway

xxxxxFifth Pathway – five years plus Social Service, where applicable

xxxxxAnother option is to complete the Fifth Pathway Program, then return to Mexico and complete the one-year social service requirement. The year in the Fifth Pathway program would count as the Internado. However, it is important to make an appointment with the Associate Dean of Off-Campus Programs to discuss these options, and the current regulations pertaining to each one.

xxxxxThe Fifth Pathway program was developed, to assist U.S students studying abroad to circumvent the social service obligations of a foreign institution and facilitate the return home to continue with their professional education. Instead of the six-year commitment abroad, students complete the four-year course of studying at the UAG and one year of supervised clinical studies.

xxxxxThe Fifth Pathway saves students one year in their application for graduate medical education in comparison with ECFMG certification. It also provides students with a year of supervised training in an American hospital, as opposed to working within the health system of a foreign institution, prior to applying for a residency program. All 50 states and territories accept Fifth Pathway certification licensure

xxxxxAs with ECFMG certification, Fifth Pathway certification does not guarantee acceptance into a residency program.

xxxxxAfter considering the scope of these two certification processes, the question that begs to be asked is “Which path is the right one for me?” A large part of making this decision rests in what type of medicine you want to practice. Careful research into the type of specialty you would like to consider, the residency programs available for this specialty, and the requirements to remain eligible for these programs helps to clarify which path is best suited for your future. A second consideration that weighs heavily on many American students is cultural competence. The prospect of practicing medicine for two years in a foreign country while not having a real language or culture can be daunting to say the least. However, if these factors do not pose any professional difficulties, the extra year may prove worthwhile. The year saved through the Fifth Pathway deserves due consideration, as now is a good time to start thinking about your career, your priorities, and where you want to be in four years.

 

ECFMG

xxxxxThe Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) was formed in 1956 to develop a program to evaluate individual of foreign medical schools seeking entrance into graduate medical education the United States. The following organizations established the first cooperating committee: American Medical Association (AMA), Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States, Inc. (FSMB), and American Hospital Association (AHA). In 1974, two more organization were added: American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and National Medical Association ( NMA). Now the total board of trustees include two appointees each from AMA, AHA, FSMB, ABMS, NMA, AHME and seven trustees at large elected by the board plus the CEO of the ECFMG who is a voting member of the board. Only two members out of the at-Large members can be physicians. The board meets three times a year. ECFMG processes USMLE and CS and CK applications for international medical students and graduates. ECFMG reviews all documents associated with a student’s final medical diploma.

xxxxxFor graduates of the UAG, there are two paths to certifying eligibility for application to a graduate medical education position in the United States. Both of these methods are accessible by the U.S. citizen and legal resident studying abroad. The main differences between the two processes lie in the time needed to complete certification.

xxxxxECFMG certification and Fifth Pathway are accepted in the United States and qualify a UAG graduate to apply for residencies and licensure in all 50 states and in U.S. territories. New students at the UAG need to consider their options and begin preparation for their return to the states early on in their careers. As an aside, remember that certification through either program hinges on successful completion of Step 1 and 2 CK,CS of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (www.usmle.org). Many veterans of these exams will tell you that success on these exams starts with early preparation. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what each procedure has to offer the prospective UAG graduate.

xxxxxThrough its certification program, the ECFMG assesses whether graduates of foreign schools are prepared to enter residency programs in the United States. Graduates who receive ECFMG certification are recognized as having met minimum standards of eligibility and competency. Although this certification process grants eligibility, it does not guarantee acceptance into a residency program. The ECFMG reports annually that it receives many more applications than there are positions available. To be eligible for ECFMG certification, graduates of foreign medical schools must meet certain requirements. Check the USMLE website for up to date information.

xxxxxAfter receipt of these Materials ECFMG will issue a standard certificate the graduates may use to apply for residence programs. After completion of the program, graduates can then apply for permanent validation of the certificate. It is with this validation that ECFMG will confirm certification of foreign medical school graduates for the purpose of licensure.

ECFMG Route – Six years


xxxxxWhen students graduate from the UAG School of Medicine, the Medico/Cirujano degree (Physician/Surgeon) received is not considered a final medical diploma. Graduates must first complete one year of Internado or internship in Mexico, and one additional year of social service. After fulfilling these requirements and completing requisite exams, graduates are awarded the Titulo and can then apply for ECFMG certification. Students choosing this option will be making a six-year commitment to study and practice in Mexico prior to returning to the United States and applying for residency.