Just like the dream of passing the medical entrance exam until you get your diploma, becoming a doctor in the United States involves a long and rigorous process that also requires dedication, study and planning. To achieve this dream, you need to be familiar with all the stages of the process and meet a series of requirements.
For example:
Do you know what ECFMG certification is?
Do you know what Match Day is?
Do you know all the steps of the USMLE?
Do you know how to prepare for the mandatory exam?
If you don’t already have a complete Immigration Consultancy to help you with this, D4U Immigration explains everything you need to know about the process of becoming a doctor in the United States in this exclusive content. Check it out!
Requirements, Steps and Documentation: What does it take to be a doctor in the USA? (with a Brazilian diploma)
If you are studying or have already graduated in Medicine from a Brazilian university and wish to pursue a medical career in the United States, you should know that the process starts in Brazil and goes through rigorous bureaucratic steps, but is totally achievable and rewarding. In order to work as a doctor in the United States with training in Brazil, you need to meet the following requirements:
1. Have a medical degree from a higher education institution accredited by the CFM and recognized by the WDOMS;
2. Take the Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE);
3. Complete a Medical Residency program in the USA;
4. Apply for a State Medical License;
5. Obtain a work visa for the United States.
Below we detail each of the requirements of the process to work as a doctor in the USA.
Medical degree and preliminary assessment of the higher education institution
The first step to meeting the requirements for becoming a doctor in the USA is to complete your medical degree at a higher education institution accredited by the CFM (Federal Council of Medicine) in Brazil. In addition to accreditation by the CFM, you should check the website of the World Directory of Medical Schools (https://search.wdoms.org/) to see if your Higher Education Institution is eligible for the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) – a multi-stage exam that a doctor must pass before being authorized to practice medicine in the United States. All you need to do is
1. Access the WDOMS website;
2. Select the country (in this case, Brazil);
3. Fill in the name and city of your Higher Education Institution;
4. Click on “search” to complete the search.
Tip: If you have trouble finding your university, just select the country, fill in the city and click on “Search”, as shown in the example below:
If your educational institution is registered on the World Directory of Medical Schools website, you can register with the ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) and start the exams for the diploma revalidation process. When you register, there is a list of the documentation required, which must be sent by post for a fee. This process usually takes between 1 and 6 months to be validated. Once the documents have been sent, you must wait for a response that the documentation has been accepted, and then continue with the second stage of the process to revalidate your diploma and medical residency in the USA. Ensure the process is as easy as possible: contact our specialists in immigration to the United States and get a free assessment to find out if your CV is suitable for the process of becoming a doctor in the USA.
Revalidation of medical degree
To become a resident in the United States after graduating from medical school, you need to take the USMLE – United States Medical Licensing Examination. Important: in order to apply and start the ECFMG process, you must have studied at least 2 years of medicine. The process for getting your medical degree revalidated by the American authorities varies according to each state, but generally involves:
1. online registration on the ECFMG website;
2. Paying the Registration Fee;
3. Sending documentation to the *ECFMG;
4. Passing the USMLE (Medical Certification Examination for Foreigners);
5. Obtaining the Foreign Medical License.
*ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) Certification is an essential requirement for doctors trained outside the United States who wish to practice medicine in the country.
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To start the diploma revalidation process, the first step is to register online with the ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) by paying a registration fee (currently US$145). After registering, you will receive your USMLE Number – a number that will be used during all stages of the process. Then you just need to send the required documents to authenticate your medical credentials.
Mandatory documentation
The full list of mandatory ECFMG documents may vary according to your specific situation, but generally includes the following items:
Medical degree: The original diploma or a certified copy of your medical degree issued by an institution recognized by WDOMS (World Directory of Medical Schools).
Academic transcript: The original academic transcript or a certified copy, with the workload and grades of all subjects taken during the medical degree.
Certificate of Completion: The original certificate or a certified copy proving the completion of the medical degree.
Medical License: If you have a license to practice medicine in your home country, send a certified copy of your license.
English Proficiency Exams: The results of an English proficiency exam, such as TOEFL, IELTS or OET, are required to demonstrate your ability to communicate in the English language at a level suitable for medical practice in the USA.
Letters of Recommendation: Two or three letters of recommendation from teachers, doctors or other professionals who can attest to your medical training, qualifications and character.
Photograph: A recent passport-size photograph.
Additional documents
In addition to the mandatory documentation, the ECFMG may request some additional documents, such as: Statement of Purpose: A written statement explaining your professional goals and why you wish to practice medicine in the USA.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed curriculum vitae (in English) describing your medical training, professional experience, publications and other relevant activities.
Residency Program Acceptance Letters: If you have already been accepted into medical residency programs in the USA, please submit copies of your acceptance letters.
Other information: ECFMG may request additional documents according to your specific situation.
Curriculum adaptation
D4U Immigration offers a free CV analysis to check if your CV is suitable for the immigration process to the United States, as well as job placement advice.
Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
Anyone wishing to become a doctor in the United States must take the exam and pass all the stages of the USMLE. The USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) is a compulsory exam divided into 3 steps for doctors wishing to practice medicine in the United States:
Step 1: assesses basic knowledge of medical sciences.
Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK): focuses on clinical medical knowledge.
Step 3: tests knowledge of evidence-based medicine.
To help you prepare for these steps, we’ve detailed each of the three USMLE Steps below.
Step 1: Basic sciences
Focus on Basic Sciences: Covers knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, immunology and human behavior.
Purpose: To assess whether the candidate has a solid foundation in the basic sciences that are essential for practicing medicine.
Format: 7 blocks of 60 minutes each, with 40 multiple-choice questions per block.
Duration: 8 hours and 45 minutes, including a 45-minute break.
Taken: Usually at the end of the second year of medical school.
Step 2 CK: Clinical knowledge and skills
Focus on Clinical Knowledge: Assesses the candidate’s ability to apply medical knowledge in real clinical situations.
Objective: To verify that the candidate has the ability to reason clinically, formulate diagnoses and make appropriate treatment decisions.
Format: 9 blocks of 60 minutes each, with 40 multiple-choice questions per block.
Duration: 9 hours, including a 45-minute break.
Carried out: Generally after completion of the third year of medical school.
Step 3: Advanced Clinical Skills
Focus on Clinical Skills: Assesses the candidate’s practical skills in a simulated clinical setting.
Purpose: To verify that the candidate possesses the interpersonal, communication and physical examination skills necessary for the practice of medicine.
Format: 16 stations of 10 minutes each, where the candidate interacts with standardized patients and performs clinical tasks.
Duration: 2 days, with a total of 160 minutes of assessments.
Taken: Usually after completion of the fourth year of medical school or during internship
Doctor with business plan for the USA approved in EB2-NIW
Each step charges a fee for the exams. After completing the three steps, the student is directed to The Match(National Resident Matching Program), where they select the hospitals where they want to do their medical residency and wait for the results. Important: Since 2021, Step 2 CS (Clinical Skills) has been permanently discontinued due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its functions have been integrated into Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge). Step 2 fees cost around U$1,175 + U$1,580. To find out more or even apply to the USMLE Steps, visit the website: https://www.usmle.org/step-exams/. If you still have any questions, contact our US Immigration Specialists via WhatsApp at D4U Immigration.
Medical residency and match day
To work as a doctor in the United States, you need to complete an accredited medical residency program in the country, even if you have already completed your residency in Brazil. Important: Medical residency in the United States is valid for Brazil. Not the other way around (as the programs have different curricular structures, durations and requirements). After obtaining the ECFMG Certification and passing the USMLE exams, the selection stage for the Residency Program begins. This stage includes:
Match Day: Annual resident selection process, where candidates apply to residency programs and are “matched ” based on their rankings and available positions.
Requirements: Each program has its own specific requirements, such as USMLE scores, letters of recommendation, previous experience and curriculum vitae.
Applications: You will need to apply to several residency programs using the ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) system.
Interviews: Candidates selected for interviews will be invited to participate in interviews with the directors of the residency programs.
Entrepreneur (Doctor) approved for EB2-NIW – Visa to the USA
Match Day
Match Day is a crucial and exciting day for medical residency applicants in the United States, marking the moment when they find out which residency program they’ve been approved for, or “matchaed”, as applicants popularly refer to it.
How the match day works
1. Applicants and Programs: Thousands of medical residency applicants apply to various residency programs across the country, ranking them in order of preference. The programs, in turn, also rank the applicants according to their selection criteria.
2. Centralized Algorithm: A centralized algorithm, administered by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), analyzes the rankings of the applicants and programs and tries to find the best possible match, taking into account the preferences of both sides.
3. Results Revealed: On Match Day, usually held in March, applicants gather at their respective medical schools or designated locations, anxiously awaiting the unveiling of the results. At the same time, across the country, envelopes with the results are opened simultaneously.
4. Match or No-Match: Candidates find out which residency program they have been matched to. If the candidate is matched with their first choice, it’s a great success! If it’s not their first choice, but it’s still in one of their preferred options, it’s also a positive result. However, some applicants may not be matched with any of their choices, which means they will need to participate in the Resettlement Match process or look for other options.
With dedication, hard work and the professional support of a Complete Immigration Consultancy, you can achieve your goals and fulfill your dream of working in the medical field in this country.
State medical leave
After successfully completing medical residency in an accredited program, you can apply for a medical license to practice medicine in the state where you resided during residency.
The process of obtaining sick leave includes:
1. Applying for a License: After completing your medical residency, you can apply for a medical license in the state where you resided during your residency.
2. Additional Exams: Some states may require you to take additional exams, such as the medical jurisprudence exam (MBE) or specific exams according to your chosen specialty.
3. Background Check: The state will conduct a background check on you, including criminal history, credentials verification and an assessment of your moral fitness.
4. Approval: If you meet all the requirements, the state will issue your medical license, allowing you to practice medicine within its jurisdiction.
Work visa
Finally, the last step in how to become a doctor in the United States is to obtain a suitable work visa. The type of visa you choose depends on your individual situation, but the American EB2-NIW and H-1B visas are the most suitable for foreign medical professionals.
D4U Immigration Success Story: Doctor approved for EB2-NIW visa in 8 months – Check out the testimonial about the whole process:
EB-2 NIW visa: Everything you need to know
The EB-2 NIW visa is the easiest way for highly qualified professionals to obtain a green card in the USA. D4U Immigration has several success stories with doctors approved for the EB-2 NIW. Find out all about the EB-2 NIW visa in our content:
EB2-NIW VISA: WHAT IT IS, HOW IT WORKS AND ITS ADVANTAGES. CHECK IT OUT!
CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY FOR THE EB2-NIW VISA
EB2-NIW VISA REQUIREMENTS: FIND OUT WHAT THEY ARE AND HOW TO GET ONE
EB2-NIW DENIED: FIND OUT HOW TO PROCEED IN THIS COMPLETE GUIDE
Don’t hesitate to contact our specialists in immigration to the United States for a free analysis to see if your CV is suitable!
Glossary of acronyms and bodies
The process of becoming a doctor in the USA involves a number of specific bodies, as mentioned in this exclusive content from D4U Immigration. Below we list the main acronyms and what they refer to: ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates): The American body responsible for revalidating medical degrees by evaluating the qualifications of foreign doctors who wish to practice medicine in the United States. ECFMG ID: Registration number created by registering on the ECFMG website. It is through this number that you are identified on the platform. WDOMS (World Directory of Medical Schools): World Directory of Medical Schools (a sort of list of all medical schools around the world). USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination): Mandatory exam to obtain a medical license in any US state. Administered by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), the exam is carried out in 3 stages (or steps, as they are called) that doctors wishing to practice in the United States must complete. TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language. IELTS: International English Language Testing System. OET: Occupational English Test. Acronyms and/or bodies not mentioned in the content, but which correspond to the process of how to become a doctor in the United States: Sponsor Notes: Recognition that the Higher Education Institution receives when it meets certain criteria required by the ECFMG. In other words: the Sponsor Note is what makes your school recognized in the United States. Without this recognition, you won’t be able to take the USMLE steps or even apply for medical residency positions in the United States and Canada. IES (Higher Education Institution): Corresponding to a university center, college, university or any higher education institution eligible for the diploma revalidation process. IMG: acronym for “International Medical Graduate”, which refers to doctors who have graduated from a medical school outside the country where they intend to practice. The term is commonly used to refer to individuals trained in medicine outside the United States, Puerto Rico or Canada. For more information on how to become a doctor in the USA, check out all the services offered by D4U Immigration, the complete immigration consultancy that will help you get closer to your dream!
Main questions about becoming a doctor in the United States
Despite this D4U Complete Guide for those who want to know how to become a doctor in the United States, the complexity of the process can still generate some doubts. That’s why we’ve selected our clients’ main questions on the subject and listed them below:
I’m a doctor in Brazil. Can I work in the USA?
To work as a doctor in the United States with a medical degree from Brazil, you need to complete all the steps in the diploma revalidation process outlined in this exclusive content from D4U Immigration. In short, to work as a doctor in the United States with a Brazilian degree, you need to complete a medical course at an accredited university recognized by the WDOMS, register with the ECFMG, take the mandatory USMLE exams for a fee, complete a medical residency in the United States and secure an appropriate US visa.
Is it possible to become a doctor in the USA without residency?
The answer is yes. Since 2024, it has been possible to work as a doctor in the USA without necessarily doing a residency in the country. However, the condition is only valid for the states of Tennessee and Alabama. In May 2023, the state of Tennessee passed law HB 1312, which grants provisional licenses to international medical graduates to practice without the need for medical residency in the country. Also in May of the same year, Governor Kay Ivey signed a law allowing doctors licensed in other states to practice medicine in Alabama without the need to obtain a full license in the state. However, it is important to note that both cases are exceptions and that specific conditions must be met. Important: In the case of Tennessee, the program is only available to doctors in certain specialties, such as radiology, pathology and anesthesiology. Finally, it’s worth noting that even with the new laws, medical residency is still the most common way to become a doctor in the USA.
Is it worth becoming a doctor in the USA?
Living the American dream in the land of opportunity can bring many advantages and benefits to the professional careers of Brazilian doctors. The 5 main advantages of being a doctor in the USA are:
1. High salary and good quality of life
2.
Professional recognition and prestige (as well as the chance to work in renowned medical centers)
3. Research and innovation opportunities
4. High demand for professionals
5. Diversity of practice areas
Check out the map below of salaries for doctors in the United States (in each state) according to The Economist:
How long does it take to become a doctor in the USA?
The total time to become a licensed doctor in the USA for an international student can vary significantly, depending on several factors, such as their academic background, country of origin, performance in exams, choice of specialty and other variables. In general, the process can take between 11 and 17 years or more:
1. Medical degree: 4 years
2. USMLE exams: 2 to 5 years
3. Obtaining ECFMG Certification: 1 year
4. Medical Residency: 3 to 7 years
5. Obtaining a Medical License: 3 to 6 months on average
6. Work Visa (optional): 3 to 8 months, depending on the situation
Unrecognized diploma: What to do?
If your university is not accredited by international medical bodies, your degree will not be recognized in the United States. This means that you will not be able to obtain a medical license to practice in the country.
Alternatives:
Retake your medical degree: One option would be to retake your medical degree at an accredited school in the USA or in another country that recognizes your current degree.
Complementary programs: In some cases, it may be possible to complete complementary medical training programs at American universities, which would allow you to obtain a license to practice in the country.
Other areas: You can also explore opportunities in other areas of health that do not require a medical license, such as research, administration or health education.
For more information about becoming a doctor in the United States, contact the immigration experts at D4U Immigration.
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