Roadmap to Residency: - AAMC

Roadmap to Residency: FromApplication to the Match and Beyondholding J-1 visas and their host institutionsmeet the federal requirements forparticipation. ECFMG does not sponsorphysicians for other U.S. visa types.Information about general eligibilityrequirements for the Exchange VisitorProgram can be found at:www.ecfmg.org/evspAn H-1 visa, a visa for a temporaryworker sponsored by an employer, isanother option for international medicalgraduates seeking training in a U.S.residency program. The U.S. Citizenshipand Immigrant Services bureau grantsH-1B visas to temporary professionalworkers who are required to have aprearranged job, either temporary orpermanent, in a professional field beforethey receive a visa. There is an initialadmissions period of three years, withthe possibility of extending one’s stay fora second three-year period. After stayingin the United States for the maximumsix-year period, a foreign citizen isrequired to live abroad for one yearbefore re-entering the United States inan H or L visa category.In ERAS, applicants have the option toenter both their current visa status andthe visa status they expect to hold duringresidency training. This allows applicantsthe opportunity to indicate an expectedvisa change.International medical graduates who areneither U.S. citizens nor permanentresidents are strongly urged to consultpromptly with the directors of theresidency training programs at whichthey are interviewed regarding relevantvisa issues.D. ContractsIt is National Resident MatchingProgram (NRMP) policy that residencytraining programs “are expected toprovide complete and accurate informationto interviewees, including a copy ofthe contract the applicant will beexpected to sign if matched to theprogram and all policies of the institutionregarding eligibility for appointmentto a residency or fellowshipposition. This information must becommunicated to interviewees in writingprior to the relevant rank order list certificationdeadlines.”It is very important that residency applicantscarefully review the contract of anyresidency training program in whichthey are interested prior to finalizingtheir rank order lists because theapplicant will want to be reassured thatthere is mutual compatibility betweenthe institution and the applicant andbecause the match is contingent uponthe applicant being able to meet theinstitution’s requirements.E. HousingSoon after the announcement of matchresults, most future residents begin theprocess of identifying and arranging forhousing near their residency trainingprogram.Depending on their financial circumstances,some residents, knowing thatthey will be residing in the same area fora minimum of three to five years, chooseto purchase a home during the period oftransition from medical school toresidency. Other residents decide to rentrather than purchase so they can familiarizethemselves with the region prior tomaking such a significant investment.Various individual and personal considerationsmust be taken into account byincoming residents as they consider theirhousing options. These include theamount of time available during thealready challenging PGY-1 year toperform home- and yard-related chores,the amount of personal or family disposableincome available for mortgagepayments, and the fact that somegraduates do not have an income sourceduring the transition from medicalschool to residency training.For some residents and in somelocations, a home can be a good investmentduring residency training; for otherresidents and in other locations, therental option is a more reasonablechoice. At the very least, care must betaken to ensure that all relevant financialconsiderations are taken into account inreaching this decision.F. Employment for spousesFor residents with spouses or domesticpartners, the transitional period betweenMatch Day and the beginning ofresidency training provides an opportunityfor the identification of suitableemployment for spouses or partners.Although some programs and theirsponsoring medical schools or hospitalsare able to provide formal or informalassistance in identifying such employmentopportunities, provision of thistype of assistance is often not available.In any event, it may be advisable tosubscribe to the local paper to read joblistings.25Association of American Medical Colleges, 2005