Postgraduate training and work experience of non-ECFMG certified physicians in the U.S

Data on postgraduate training and work experience of a sample of 850 Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) taking the January 1973 ECFMG examination in the U.S. are presented. It was found that 485 (57%) of the respondents had specialty training and, of these 485, 59 per cent were certified in a specialty. In addition, 81 per cent reported that they had worked as a physician prior to entering the U.S. The proportions with specialty training and work experience varied by country of medical education and year of graduation. The proportions with training or experience among those not currently employed in the health system are significantly lower than among those employed in the health field. Of the 186 respondents who reported passing the ECFMG examination, 92 per cent plan further training and 84 per cent of this group plan to specialize. More detailed information on the length and content of this training and work experience for different groups of FMGs is needed.