New: Step 3 Must Be Cleared Before End of PGY1

Just heard this from my program director - Starting from 2009, most states will require that new PGY1 residents will need to pass USMLE Step 3 before the end of their first residency year. Currently, residency programs usually expect their residents to pass the Step 3 anytime before the end of PGY2 to be eligible for PGY 3, i.e. Third year.

Hmmm...anyhow I would strongly urge ya'll to tackle your USMLE step 3 business BEFORE your residency starts [like I did ;-)], it can prove to be a pain in the neck to study for, [like some of my peers are experiencing], while learning to survive and juggle multiple things during PGY1. Besides, the new rule will most likely make residency programs prefer candidates who have completed step 3 before the match. And, for candidates planning fellowships later, not having to study for Step 3 will help you pinch some extra time for some clinical research...

The only real advantage I see of taking the Step 3 after starting residency would be if your program covered your Step 3 application fee as part of resdency benefits ;-)... Some will argue that working as a PGY1 will make Step 3 easier to study for - well it sure will, but passing it before the start of residency is not particularly tough and the comfort of not having any additional stress over and above the work stress that PGY1 naturally brings.....might just be worth it :-)

Q. Is Step 3 required to participate in residency Match ?

A. No, it is not !

Q. Is Step 3 passing required before Match for H1b Seeking IMGs ?

A. Technically, it is not - but that is what most residency programs will prefer since they do not want to deal with the uncertainties and the H1b processing delays that may occur at times. Others that do allow you to take it after the Match and still rank you, will expect that you pass it before April end. If you don't pass it, you are generally asked to proceed with the J1 visa instead.