The Education Commission on Foreign Medical Education (ECFMG) is the primary body in the United States that oversees the policies and regulation around licensing International Medical Graduates (IMGs). In order to take the USMLEs, and to apply for residency all IMGs must be certified by ECFMG. This certification typically takes place after the completion of the 2nd year of a medical program, and before taking the USMLE Step 1 examination.
It’s a common misconception that ECFMG accredits schools. That is not true. ECFMG does not conduct visits and inspections to determine the quality of education. As long as a local government recognizes a business entity as a school, ECFMG has had no problems certifying them until now. With this new rule ECFMG will be leaning on recognized accrediting bodies to ensure that students get the quality of education they need and deserve.
In 2010, the ECFMG announced a new requirement that will become effective in the year 2024 (was set for 2023 but was moved to 2024 due to COVID). The new rule states that “starting in 2024, individuals applying for ECFMG Certification must be a student or graduate of a medical school that is appropriately accredited. More specifically, the school must be accredited by an accrediting agency that is officially recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).”