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International Graduate – Readiness to Train

  • International Medical Graduate

    International Medical Graduates (IMGs) bring their own diversity from the cultures from which they come. Having diversity within the healthcare team allows for improved care delivery within a multicultural environment. It is important that the IMG who plans to train in the United States at the University of Florida recognize the diverse social, economic, religious, language and cultural needs of their American patients upon entry to Graduate Medical Education (GME).

    In addition to the pre-requisites to match to a US program (NRMP, USMLE, ECFMG, VISA, etc), as well as the university’s (UF) requirements, the IMG must be aware of required applications, education, cultural experiences, and his/her own personal requirements to travel to, live in and train in Gainesville, FL.  The following information is provided  to help guide you through this process.

    University of Florida College of Medicine Requirements:

    International Medical Graduates who intend to train at the University of Florida must contact: UF – Finance and Administration
    University of Florida College of Medicine (UF-COM) welcomes applications for residency and fellowship training from our international colleagues. The UF-COM will sponsor J-1 visas for residency training only through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). The UF-COM will only, in limited case-by-case circumstances, sponsor any new H-1 type visas for training in any medical specialty. Permanent resident aliens who already have permanent work authorization are welcome to apply. All applications must be filed through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS). It is important that J-1 visa’s entering the United States wait to apply for a Social Security (SS) number until after checking in with their departments and SEVIS validation. Applying for a SS number prior to this may cause significant delays. 
    Once selected or matched for a training program, it is important that International Medical Graduates (IMG) complete requested paperwork as soon as possible so that all deadlines can be met. Additional information regarding a J-1 visa application can be found at: ECFMG, U.S. Embassies, Consulates and Diplomatic Missions. For further information, contact Sally Harvin, Assistant Director, COM HR Graduate Programs, 352-265-7304.

    Additional Resources:

    UF – International Student Center

    UF Department of Student Activities

    Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)

    American College of Physicians

    Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)