PLAB

Applying for Residency is a long process

Chapter 1.

If you are planning to enter the NRMP ( National residency match programme) by august/september you need to be ready to buy a token through ERAS. Though you can apply till nov/december its better if you apply early. You can buy a token for 75 dollars for residency online through www.ecfmg.org
Have a good email ID and internet access as all the communication is done through email
You have to complete USMLE exams or atleast be in the process of completion. Typically you apply through ERAS in september of each year
Have nice letters of recommendations ready usually 3-4 are enough. Get them to write a full page note about you. These could be your supervisors if you are training or you professors if you are in medical school
Principals or deans letter is important. Make sure you have one ready.This letter states about you or what you are doing and what you wish to do
Write a nice personal statement. This should be about 250-300 words describing about you. Write without spelling mistakes.
useful websites

www.aippg.info

www.residentscafe.com

www.imgexperts.com

www.scutwork.com

www.usmle.net

www.usmleforum.com

Chapter 2.

Now that you have taken a token and got you letters of references ready you are all set to apply.
Through ERAS you will have to fill a common application form ( CAF)
Once you are done in CAF you have to send the letters of recommendations , a photograph to the ERAS post office in Philadelphia
You need to be ready to decide if you need a H1 or J1 visa. If you are a Citizen of USA or have green card you can apply wherever you want
Try to buy a list of IMG friendly programmes. These lists are sold over internet.
Try to call the programmes during august – september
Enquire what their requirements are. Enquire whether they sponsor h1 or J1 visa.
You can find all programmes by region at www.ama-assn.org
Try to call the programme coordinator and ask about requirements
On september 1^st you can apply through the ERAS

Chapter 3

If you have good friends or relatives try to do an Observorship/Research or associate with some projects as this certainly helps to some extent especially if you have no clinical experience.
Applying early through ERAS will help. Some programmes in USA still do paper applications and may not be participating in the NRMP. If you know such programmes you can apply.
Once you fill the CAF you can view you application status and view the MYERAS page which you can enter through you password.
Once your documents have reached the ERAS post office they will be uploaded on you MYERAS page.
You can view your interview invitation calls on MYERAS page.
They will also email you
As a courtesy you should call the programme back. Thank them for shortlisting
Try to pool up all your interviews.
Travelling in USA in winter can be hard and expensive.
You need to plan in advanc

Chapter 4

Once you are set for interviews try to read about system of medicine. the interviews in USA for residency are well organized.
They have a whole day for showing the hospital, joining in the floor rounds, noon conference etc
Sometimes you can spend some time with the residents who are working
Make sure you know why you are attending the interview,what your goals are and what you wish to do in the future. You do not need to answer that I am going to return to my country as they are training you to work in America
Dress smartly. A dark suit will do
Sometimes they invite you to join for dinners before the interview or after the interview. Its good to go for these
You can pool the interviews on successive days or close to each other and take a rail/coach pass. Flying is easy but could be expensive
Get you driving licence. Driving may not be easy if you drive on the other side of the road in your country. And could be expensive for already battered applicants
You can buy air tickets on www.priceline.com , www.expedia.com, www.travelocity.com plus lots of other websites
Coach tickets can be bought on www.greyhound.com . Train tickets can be purchased from www.amtrak.com
They offer convenience passes for travelling unlimited places.
Its good to have student card as you may get some discount in certain places
Buying phone cards may be economical as phone booths are more expensive

Chapter 5

This chapter will deal with life as a resident and the programme expects from you

Residency is a busy training programme
You need to wake up early
Work starts around 5-7 am based on what type of rotation you are in. Work goes till 5-8 pm
You need to be well organised.
Be good to you senior residents as you learn the system of medicine and managment of patients from your seniors in USA
In America we use the term Attending instead of Consultant or Registrar
There are assistant professor, professor or associates as well.
In general they are quite good
There’s a lot of teaching in a day in residency. I think this is a major difference compared to any other country.
During year one you may have to do a lot of paperwork(scutwork). You don’t have other choice
Chief residents are the once responsible for you schedules(rotas).
If you have any issues you can talk to them.Leave is fixed in year one. Usually about 4 weeks
There are opportunities to do case reports, retrospective/prospective studies etc
Research is encouraged if there are any projects.
You hardly have any time to do your laundry or banking during the week
You get one day of during the week and may work upto 80 hours a week

Some tips to succeed

Be punctual. starting early at work is a habit
Try to present well in the sign in or sign out rounds ie when handing over the patients
Documentation and good legibility helps. everone will praise you
Work on case reports, research opportunities or any studies.
Do not leave the work to others.
Try to attend teaching sessions regularly

Chapter 6

This chapter will deal with common issues you could face on landing in USA or starting a job like social security number, opening a bank account, buying a car, renting a home or buying a home etc,

www.aippg.info www.residentscafe.com www.imgexperts.com www.scutwork.com www.usmle.net www.usmleforum.com