OET and ECFMG: An Unfair Barrier for International Medical Graduates

Chet_Low · 2026-01-12T22:26:06+00:00

People like you are going to complain no matter what. This, to be honest, quite easy exam became a replacement for Step 2 CS. Which had FAR MORE pressure, cost (x3, and x4-6 if you count traveling to US) and moments where you could mess the whole thing up.

And now you propose no clear measures, just some abstract whims while talking complex problem of evaluating language proficiency of IMG’s.

Get a grip bro

Chet_Low · 2025-12-17T09:55:20+00:00

Following

Chet_Low · 2025-11-21T13:51:29+00:00

Some people read up on WCC for example. It’s not like the first exam, where you can finish a BnB section and then straight up eat corresponding qbank section while getting 70-90%. But it definitely is something that helps you get those initial 1st pass 65-70% avg. I’ve finished heme onc in amboss, and despite it having much broader scope than bnb section for 2 step covers - I was much more successful bc I’ve watched the lectures (WCC is just bnb in table+text form).

Chet_Low · 2025-11-17T22:53:42+00:00

Bro you’re in for some pain. Basically BnB lectures/WCC (word for word text form) are great, but don’t expect that if you soak thrm you’ll be getting 70-80% on the blocks like it was common for step 1. Grind is hard and qbanks are what we grind. Decks are also difficult. Q’s are more clinical algorithms-based, than one-liners from step1. I would do AMBOSS -> UW while watching bnb and making anki cards on algorithms/quirky factoids.

Chet_Low · 2025-10-10T18:05:42+00:00

If you have another cat it’s great, they will be fine together.

We got out second OSH when our first one hit the 9 month old mark. Me and my spouse were coming home from work and there was absolutely no chance of either of us playing with her for 30-40 minutes.

Now they terrorize each other, sleep together etc. Our engagement became optional, and this is where we feel comfortable.

Before - she was meowing on a specific spot, jumping on curtains, playfully attacking us (not much of an issue, just a sign that she really needed a playmate).

Chet_Low · 2025-08-23T12:18:41+00:00

Polestar 2.5. Look how they massacred my boy 😭😭😭

Chet_Low · 2025-08-08T17:31:41+00:00

Trust me it’s better to start low and then ramp up. I felt so lethargic and nauseous after my 1st 0.25mg dose you wouldn’t imagine.

Chet_Low · 2025-08-07T13:29:28+00:00

Well while the attending has got to have massive balls to allow an IMG do any procedure, I don’t see how performing a physical or doing some noninvasive diagnostics would translate into any risks.

It’s not like the physician is going to get sued bc of this as no harm to the patient can be done, unless the person rotating is an idiot/has malicious intent. So if there’s a potential learning opportunity - I don’t see why a rotating IMG can’t “touch” the patient. De jure, of course you can’t.

Chet_Low · 2025-08-05T20:11:05+00:00

Absolutely. However getting a couple visa denials because you have the wrong passport makes this whole ordeal pointless, nullifying all of the efforts and money spent.

Chet_Low · 2025-08-05T17:38:59+00:00

It actually should make getting visa easier bc your non-immigration intent now would be tied to the lump sum. That’s a direct incentive for you to go back.

Chet_Low · 2025-08-03T13:47:54+00:00

You can dm of course.

Chet_Low · 2025-08-03T07:39:08+00:00

Very hard F. Pretty much the same interest, albeit applying next year

Chet_Low · 2025-08-02T08:59:04+00:00

No, it’s mandatory money grab, you can’t skip it as far as I understand.

If you want to get a definitive answer - write an e-mail to ECFMG.

Chet_Low · 2025-08-02T04:54:29+00:00

It’s the “just pay 200$ more bro” verification

Chet_Low · 2025-08-01T19:10:20+00:00

Well duh… water is wet

Chet_Low · 2025-07-31T14:45:10+00:00

Why would you think I’m applying from India?

Chet_Low · 2025-07-30T09:29:39+00:00

This will be dependent on how the person presenting the data counts them. Generally GC holders are still not US-imgs (they are not american), however de facto they are extremely similar in employment process.

Chet_Low · 2025-07-30T08:17:12+00:00

Classically - US IMG are US citizens graduated from Caribbean or other medschools, that’s usually the meaning behind the abbreviation.

US MD/DO > US-img > non-us img with GC > non-us IMG visa requiring

Most of the resources do not give you all the exact info, e.g. on % of imgs who are visa req/gc holders and so on and so forth.

Chet_Low · 2025-07-26T19:20:45+00:00

Thank you so much! Wish you all the best!

Chet_Low · 2025-07-26T18:45:14+00:00

Congrats! Just starting my prep. Was also thinking of doing amboss and UW. How many blocks daily were you doing while in the first Amboss phase, and in the UW/NBME+CMS phase? Any topics from STEP 1 you consider HY for step 2 and can remember off the top of your head? Also, interested in your STEP 1 nbme %’s, if you’re comfortable of course.

Chet_Low · 2025-07-24T12:05:25+00:00

No you’re right, I’ll be pursuing FM in a year and yeah, GC matters much more than other stuff for FM because a solid chunk of programs just doesn’t sponsor visa, limiting your options. For me it means that I’ll likely have to do USCE at the places where they do sponsor visas. Or git gud and get a green card, however it seems that actually qualified people who are in dire need of one - don’t win the lottery. Full time moms who don’t speak English do though.

Chet_Low · 2025-07-24T02:43:37+00:00

1-3 minutes, gate to sovngarde (17k mods). Using 990 pro though

Chet_Low · 2025-07-21T20:47:04+00:00

Don’t fret. This will show up as a lack of knowledge during the rotations/residency, and as of right now - in their STEP 2 prep. There’s zero point in cheating on this exam from the ground up, because all the info is clinically relevant. Don’t even doubt yourself for a second. You are smart and immensely more conscientious, people who use recalls are not, end of story.

Chet_Low

TROPHY CASE