University of Seychelles American Institute of Medicine

Medical Residencies

In order to secure an American post-graduate medical residency, it is recommended that students take the following preliminary steps during their studies at USAIM. Medical students at American medical schools take the same steps.

1. Take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1

   The USMLE Step 1 is a one-day multiple-choice examination that evaluates a student's understanding of the preclinical sciences needed to practice medicine. Students studying at USAIM usually take the USMLE Step 1 after the preclinical years of medical school are completed. There are several testing centers around the world.

2. Take Electives at an American Medical School or Hospital

   During the final years of study at USAIM, it is recommended that the student choose to do a few elective rotations at an American medical school or hospital. This allows the student to evaluate the school itself and in turn, the residency to assess the student's clinical and interpersonal skills. Electives may also facilitate letters of reference from American preceptors who can help comment on the student's abilities.

3. Take the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (USMLE Step 2 CK)

   The USMLE Step 2 CK is a one-day, multiple-choice exam that evaluates the medical student's applied clinical knowledge in providing supervised patient care. Students at USAIM usually take this exam between the end of the second-to-last year. There are several testing centers around the world.

4. Take the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 Clinical Skills (USMLE Step 2 CS)

   The USMLE Step 2 CS is a one-day pass/fail assessment that uses simulated patients to measure the medical student's history taking, examination, and investigation skill with the patient. The test also evaluates the examinee’s communication and interpersonal skills, and their proficiency in spoken English. This examination replaces the Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA), which was administered for the last time in 2004. This assessment is taken at centers located in the USA.

5. Enter the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP)

   Also during the student's final year of Irish medical school, the student enters the NRMP, a matching system used to fit students to appropriate medical residency slots. The USA offers approximately 23,000 first-year residency posts each year and there are only approximately 16,000 graduates of US medical schools, so many positions are still available to graduates of medical schools from outside the USA. All American residencies are available for review in a large online database called the Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database (FRIEDA). After browsing FRIEDA for desirable residencies, medical students use a single online application called the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) to apply to multiple medical residencies.

6. Conduct Interviews at Residency Programs

   Around December, the student accepts invitations to be interviewed at American residencies. These interviews allow the student to visit the facilities first hand and meet with their future staff and colleagues.

7. Graduate Medical School and Begin Residency

   After the interviews, the student enters a ranked list of their desired residencies via the Internet. Residency directors also enter their ranked list of candidates via the Internet. Students are matched to residencies and the results are announced online.