THE to
LONG ROAD
MEDICAL SPECIALTY
in the
UNITED STATES POR: JAVIER ALONZO CAMPOS GONZÁLEZ
The long-awaited road to medical specialization in the United States of America; steps to follow, requirements, information and tips.
The golden dream of many medical students is to become part of one of the best health systems in the world, such is the case in the United States. As is to be expected, this is not an easy path for anyone, but it is not impossible either. Here we will tell you everything you need to know if your plan is to apply to a specialty position within the United States. The process consists of 3 main phases: The first step is to obtain a certification by the ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates.) It is necessary to make sure that your medical school is certified by the ECFMG. This is probably the longest step on your way to medical specialization. In order to obtain your certification by the ECFMG, you must have obtained a medical university degree from the country in which you studied and passed the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination): STEP 1, STEP 2 CK (clinical knowledge) and STEP 2 CS (clinical skills). 17 | RED-CCS | NOVIEMBRE - DICIEMBRE 2021
What are the USMLE exams? Medical students from American universities usually take the exams while attending university: -USMLE STEP 1 is usually taken once they have completed the subjects of the basic core of medicine during their 2nd or 3rd year of the degree. The objective of STEP 1 is to assess whether medical school graduates or students can apply important concepts from the fundamental sciences in clinical practice. -STEP 2 is divided into two parts; STEP 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) and STEP 2 CS (Clinical Skills). STEP 2 Clinical Knowledge consists of 310 questions to be answered in 9 hours. This exam tests one’s clinical knowledge of the basic branches of medicine, such as, pediatrics, gynecology, internal medicine, surgery and family medicine. STEP 2 Clinical Skills is a practical exam that takes place in hospital settings. During this portion of the exam you must solve 12 clinical cases in 6 hours, in which you must carry out an interrogation, physical examination, clinical history, give differential diagnoses and options for treatment. Within this exam your handling and command of the English language and medical terminology, as well as the treatment you give to patients, is evaluated.
