International Medical School Graduate Application Process

Graduates of international medical schools, located outside of the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada, are eligible to pursue accredited postgraduate training programs in this state when they have met the prerequisites established by the Medical Board of California (MBC).

The Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego does not offer observerships.

Preferred Experience

U.S. Clinical experience is preferred within the last 2 years. We look for applicants who have passed USMLE Steps 1 & 2 on first attempts and with exceptional scores.

International Medical School graduates are advised to contact the Medical Board of California to request licensure application material. Contact the Medical Board by mail at the following address or by phone as noted:

Medical Board of California
1426 Howe Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95825

800-633-2322
www.mbc.ca.gov

Applicant Criteria

The Department of Psychiatry will not review application files from international medical graduates until the file includes the Evaluation Status Letter from the Medical Board of California confirming the applicant's eligibility to commence postgraduate training in the state of California.

Visa Requirements

Applicants to the Psychiatry Residency Program who are not citizens of the United States may pursue postgraduate medical education while under the sponsorship of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) holding a J Exchange Visitor Visa. (This does not apply to individuals who hold Permanent Resident Alien status in this country). The University does not offer H1B visas to trainees.

Clinical Experience

Recent clinical experience (past year or two) is necessary. The year of medical school graduation and the type of clinical experience since will be assessed accordingly.

Thank you for your interest in our program and good luck with your recruitment.