Due to the large volume of requests
about our residency program, we
are unable to respond personally
to each request regarding issues
unique to International Medical
Graduates. We have therefore
created a 'Frequently Asked
Questions' (FAQ) for International
Medical Graduates.

Q: Do you require the CSA examination?
A: Completion of the Clinical Skills exam

is necessary for the ECFMG certificate. You therefore
cannot participate in the Match without it.

Q: Do you sign candidates outside the Match?
A: No. We participate solely in the Match.

Q: Do you have a preliminary year?
A: No. We are a categorical program (three years).

Q: Do you accept international graduates?
A: We are committed to accepting the best candidates,
regardless of their medical school or national origin.

Q: Do you have a cut-off for the year of medical school graduation?
A: There is no definite cut-off, but we prefer applicants who have graduated within the last three years. Our concern is that earlier graduates may not have up-to-date clinical skills, but this will be assessed on an individual basis.

Q: What visas do you sponsor?
A: We cannot guarantee sponsorship of any type of visa. Availability of visas depends on many factors outside our control that cannot always be anticipated in advance. Visa sponsorship will be handled on an individual basis.

Q: How do I apply to your program?
A: We accept applications only through ERAS and only for the PGY-1 year. Please do not send, e-mail, or fax applications, CV's, letters of recommendations, etc. We cannot process applications this way and they will be discarded.

Q: Are all applicants interviewed?
A: We receive over a thousand applications per year for 6 positions; we therefore are able to personally interview only about 3-5% of applicants. We personally review all applications.

Q: What is the minimum USMLE score?
A: We typically require an average of 80 (two digit score).

Q: Where can I find more information about your program?
A: This can be found at our website at www.ballhospital.org.

Q: Is clinical experience in the US required?
A: This is desired but not required.

Q: Do you have externships/observation positions?
A: We are unable to sponsor such positions at this time.

Q: Do you take medical students from non-US schools?
A: We are not a medical school, and our student electives are sponsored through the Indiana University School of Medicine. You may contact John Keller at the IUSOM's Student Affairs office at jodkelle@iupui.edu if you have further interest.

Q: How many letters of recommendation do you require?
A: Three letters are desirable.

Q: Do you require Step 3 USMLE?
A: No. However Step 3 is required for an H-1B visa if you are interested in this.

Thank you for your interest in our residency program.

J. Matthew Neal, MD, MBA, CPE, FACP, FACE
Program Director—Internal Medicine
Ball Memorial Hospital
Muncie, IN