The ECFMG® recently published 2016 Match statistics for International Medical Graduates (IMGs). In the 2016 Match, only 53.9% of U.S. citizen IMG participants were matched to first-year positions, and of those IMG participants who were not U.S. citizens, only 50.5% obtained first-year positions. While the actual number of IMGs matching was slightly better than last year (with more residency positions on the whole available), IMGs still face large challenges in the residency application process.

Many of you already know that the ECFMG® (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) is a certifying, advocate organization for International Medical Graduates. Each year, the ECFMG publishes data on International Medical Graduate performance in the Match.

ECFMG posted their results recently: In 2014 53.0% of U.S. citizen IMGs obtained first year positions through the Match. Of those IMGs who were not U.S. citizens, 49.5 % matched (Source: ECFMG®).

Considering this reality, it’s important for current IMGs to approach the application process by ensuring they apply broadly to residency programs.