Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) has released a detailed plan on the progress towards 2023. Starting 2023, applicants for ECFMG Certification, which is required for international medical graduates to train or practice in the United States, must be from a medical school that is appropriately accredited. More specifically, the school must be accredited by an accrediting agency that has earned the Recognition Status in the WFME Recognition Programme.
ECFMG has devised a 4-phase plan which is being implemented as 2023 approaches:
Phase 1 – 2018
ECFMG published the Guidance for students on selecting a medical school, which helps prospective medical students make better decisions on medical school selection.
Phase 2 – 2020
World Directory of Medical Schools will include the information whether a medical school is accredited by an organisation recognised by WFME.
Phase 3 – 2021
ECFMG physician reports to residency programs, employers, state boards, and medical regulatory authorities will include a statement on the accreditation status of the medical school.
Phase 4 – 2023
Individuals will be eligible to apply for ECFMG Certification if their medical school is accredited by an organisation recognised by WFME.
Find our more about the WFME Recognition Programme on the dedicated page, or contact WFME at accreditation@wfme.org.
Further information about the 2023 policy will be published on the ECFMG website in due course. For specific questions about the policy use the email address 2023@ecfmg.org.
