IMGs from Democratic People's Republic of Korea for USMLE and Residency



North Korean doctors study for the USMLE and get the ECFMG certificate to apply later on for residency in the US. They apply through ERAS every year to the same programs that interview and match their peers. These programs include the following: IMG Friendly.

Physicians from North Korea will come to the US ahead of time to do 2-3 months of clinical experience to make their profile more competitive. They will do these rotations in the following hospitals before applying to residency: Observerships.

North Korean medical graduates usually come from these medical schools:

Chongjin Medical University
Haeju Medical University
Hamhung Medical University
Hyesan Medical University
Kanggye Medical University
Pyongsong Medical University
Pyongyang Medical University
Sariwon Medical University
Sinuiju Medical University
Wonsan Medical University