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1. What is the Clinical Medicine Program?
The Clinical Medicine Program (CMP) is a standardized clinical rotation program designed solely for the International Medical Graduate (IMG). A carefully planned program, the CMP provides GMC IMG's with a comprehensive clinical experience in primary care and an introduction to various subspecialties. The CMP is primarily complemented with outpatient rotations amongst our network of teaching Attendings, which will allow you to receive clinical experience in your preferred specialty when applying for residency.
CMP offers several unique educational opportunities for the IMG. When available, there are 4-7 lectures given by faculty members every day, including weekly Grand Rounds where all students and graduates gather to listen to renowned speakers. CMP candidates meet with their Attending Physicians and peers regularly to discuss interesting cases. Candidates enjoy this activity as it allows them to interact with a respected and accomplished physician in a group of their peers. CMP candidates take on increasing responsibilities in patient care throughout their enrollment. Hands-on experience provides the opportunity to supplement theoretical knowledge with live patient presentations that are required by majority of residency programs across the U.S.
2. Why should I enroll in the CMP and How do I benefit by doing the clinical clerkship with GMC?
The statistical data clearly shows that the number of IMG applicants applying for residency match every year is gradually increasing as is the merit to attain these positions. Doctors coming from overseas to the U.S. are strongly advised to undertake at least 12 weeks of "hands-on" clinical experience. Such training will allow them to gain experience in the US system of health care to prepare for USMLE Step 2 CS, and is required by most U.S. post graduated medical training programs for residency positions. However, the numbers of IMG applicants are such that they often find rotations difficult to obtain, or are provided with a very superficial Observership and lack of meaningful "hands-on" training. CMP allows IMG's to obtain:
- An understanding of working in the US health care system
- Medical malpractice insurance for the IMG
- Training in the field of your choice: Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Surgery or electives
- Outpatient based attachment to a physician with hospital privileges
- Development of cultural & communication skills (written and verbal)
- Preparation for USMLE Step 2 CS (Clinical Skills, formerly known as the Clinical Skills Assessment - CSA) through regular patient interaction in the Attending's clinic setting
- US healthcare format physical examinations and patient note training
- Hands-on training, NOT an observership
- Exposure to basic medical procedures, techniques, instrumentation, and investigation forms
- Improved residency match potential via demonstration of enhanced experience, resulting in increased competitive positioning
- Vital contacts with physicians and residency program directors
- Improved interpersonal communication skills in a multi-professional team working environment
3. What is HIPAA?
("HIPAA" is an acronym for the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996 (AugUSt 21), Public Law 104-191, which amended the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986. Also known as the Kennedy-Kassebaum Act, the Act includes a section, Title II, entitled Administrative Simplification)
HIPPA improves efficiency in healthcare delivery by standardizing electronic data interchange, and Protection of confidentiality and security of health data through setting and enforcing standards. More specifically, HIPAA called upon the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to publish new rules that will ensure:
Standardization of electronic patient health, administrative and financial data, unique health identifiers for individuals, employers, health plans and health care providers, security standards protecting the confidentiality and integrity of "individually identifiable health information," past, present or future.
The bottom line: sweeping changes in most healthcare transaction and administrative information systems.
4. How do I become HIPAA compliant?
You're credentialing as a student, and your acceptance by an attending physician to rotate in their office for medical school clinical training makes you compliant with HIPAA.
5. Why do I need malpractice coverage?
Any health care provider, whether physician, nurse, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, medical assistant or medical student that touches a patient needs to be covered by malpractice insurance.
6. Why do I need "hands-on" clinical rotation experience?
Residency Directors require 12 to 24 weeks of "hands-on" US clinical experience. As with many residency programs (i.e. Morehouse School of Medicine), 24 weeks of "hands-on" clinical rotations is required for all IMG applicants. Observerships DO NOT count.
7. I am a Medical Doctor in the country from which I graduated from. Will I be treated as a Medical Doctor or a medical student while enrolled in CMP and GMC?
You will be expected to function as a medical student (under direct supervision of a licensed medical doctor in the United States, assigned by GMC), and not as a medical doctor. Performing any sort of medical practice, including giving medical advice to patients, treating patients with or without prescribing medicines or procedures, performing medical procedures on the human body, giving medical lectures and presentations, and performing medical interviews or physical examination without the direct supervision and presence of your attending physician, may be considered "Practicing Medicine Without a License" in the United States. This Felony offense may easily be avoided with your strict adherence to the Greater Medical Center's Medical Student Clinical Rotation Handbook guidelines (available in PDF on your ACE), and realizing that you will not be required to do anything more than to function as a student, and not a physician.
8.What will my typical day consist of at each of your sites?
Although the CMP candidate is expected to be available for clinical rotation duties 7 days a week, your typical work day starts at 8:00 AM and ends at approximately 5:00 PM. Please remember that you are expected to function as a student, and NOT a medical doctor (regardless of your degree).
Atlanta, Georgia Rotations: You are expected to attend every Core Teaching Round, located at GMC Grand Lecture Hall (Atlanta Medical Center), and should schedule your hospital patient rounds, if any, accordingly. Teaching Rounds occur for all core specialties. These didactic sessions allow the team to formally discUSs medical conditions, make medical lecture and patient presentations, and to conduct interesting case discUSsions as follows:
| Monday |
Pediatrics |
7 - 8 AM |
| Tuesday |
Internal Medicine |
8 - 9 AM |
| Wednesday |
Obstetrics and Gynecology |
7 - 8 AM |
| Thursday |
General Surgery |
3 - 4 PM |
| Fridays |
Psychiatry |
2 - 3 PM |
*Time and dates are subject to change
CMP candidates are also required to attend the weekly floating Grand Rounds. Times and locations will be posted online via ACE. The remainder of the day is devoted to patient care activities. Teaching and Grand Rounds are currently only available in Atlanta, Georgia.
In general, CMP candidates come with greater experience than typical medical students. Therefore, they may be expected to function similarly to a sub-intern under the supervision of their teaching Attending. CMP candidates are responsible for the initial history & physical assessment, plan and orders on their patients. CMP Candidates also have ongoing responsibility for the patients, including communication with the Attending Physician, progress notes, orders and follow-up of all lab studies, diagnostic tests and consults ordered. Candidates work as part of a team and are expected to participate fully in rounds, literature searches and educating their peers and medical students.
9. Is Malpractice Insurance required from an IMG to do "hands-on" clinical rotations in the United States and why?
Yes. It is illegal for anyone who comes in contact with patients, including medical students and ancillary care providers, to have "hands-on" rotations in any clinical setting without medical liability insurance (similar to medical malpractice insurance).This does not, however, apply to "Observerships". GMC sets up clinical rotations and clerkships, which entail "hands-on" clinical experience, therefore medical liability, or malpractice insurance, is a mUSt. To this end, the major difference between International Medical Students (IMS) and an International Medical Graduate (IMG) is that without a US institutional support, it is virtually impossible for an IMG to secure a $1/3 million professional medical liability insurance. Once enrolled GMC can facilitate this insurance for you.
10. I am an IMG who is currently rotating with a physician in South Carolina. He tells me that he feels comfortable with having me at his clinic, and that his own Malpractice Insurance will cover my "hands-on" experience. Is this true?
No. A practicing physician may not "endorse" a non-licensed practitioner. You will not be covered under his/her Malpractice Insurance. You need separate "Malpractice Insurance" as an IMG.
11. How many CMP's are there?
CMP-Select
CMP-Comprehensive
12. What is the CMP-Select?
CMP-Select
This program is ideal for the IMG who needs to fulfill US clinical rotation experience during a pre-set time frame. Whether wanting to complete 6 weeks of clinical rotations to mention in the ERAS application, or to complete 24 weeks in order to obtain those final four Letters of Recommendation needed for Residency Interviews, we will design the best program to fit a student’s needs and goals.
13. What is CMP-Comprehensive?
CMP - Comprehensive
A comprehensive program designed for the IMG wishing to obtain a complete training program in the United States in to prepare them for Residency. Within this program, the student will complete 24 weeks of clinical rotations (in the recommended specialty) in order to get the maximum number (4) of Letter’s of Recommendation needed from a U.S. Physician when applying for Residency. Following the 24 weeks of clinical rotations, the student will complete 6 weeks of Core Competency Assessments. After completion, the IMG will be sufficiently prepared and more attractive to the Residency Director when applying for Residency.
14. When will I receive my CMP-Comprehensive certificate?
The Greater Medical Center Group asks that you please allow 6 to 8 weeks of processing time after your CMP program is completed.
15. Will GMC help me with my GMC application?
Yes. GMC counselors will counsel and help you through every step of your application process.
16. Can you help me with studying for the USMLE?
Yes. GMCGroup and Exam Master® have collaborated to provide FREE Online access to thoUSands of up to date USMLE style questions and answers. You can design your own exam style, focUSing on a specific area of medicine, or create a random order of questions with detailed explanation and performance analysis.
17. Are Exam Master (r) online access to USMLE style questions available to all 3 CMP clients?
Yes.
18. How long is my online access to Exam Master(r) USMLE style questions?
Your Exam Master(r) online access will be good for the entire duration of your clinical rotations.
19. Will I be charged for my Exam Master (r) online access?
No. This is a FREE service provided to you by GMCGroup.
20. How many weeks does GMCGroup recommend that I complete to better my chances?
You must have no less experience than your competition. Residency directors look for, at a minimum, 24 weeks of "hands-on" clinical experience. Therefore, we recommend that you enroll in at least 24 weeks of clinical rotations with GMCGroup.
21. Where can I find more information on U.S. medical licensure requirements?
US License
License Requirements
22. Will my clerkship be inpatient (hospital setting) or outpatient?
Your rotations will take place primarily in outpatient settings such as community clinics and urgent cares. However, depending on the location of the clinical rotation (i.e. Atlanta, Georgia), your attending physician and the hospital policies with regards to IMG, you may find access to hospital wards and be able to follow your patient while admitted, under the direct supervision of your attending physician.
23. Will I be treated as an intern?
No. You are not a licensed physician. Only licensed physicians may practice medicine, therefore you will function as a medical student in a supervised learning environment.
24. Can graduates be guaranteed residency spots?
No. Acceptance into residency programs is dependent upon multiple factors of which historical hands-on clinical experience plays a significant role.
25. Do you sponsor graduates with visa and citizenship issues?
No.
26. What are tuition costs and refund policies?
Application and Administrative fees, seat deposits and miscellaneous fees are non-refundable. Tuition Costs are to be calculated by the Finance Office.
In order to be eligible for a tuition refund, students must obtain a financial clearance letter from the administrative office at GMC. The refund policy is stated by the Finance Office.
All students and clients are responsible for paying tuition and fees in U.S. currency, by personal check, bank check, credit card or money order, one month prior to matriculation into any Clinical Rotation program. If payment is made by check, the cancelled check will serve as the student's receipt. If a student remits a payment check that is returned because of insufficient funds, he or she must make any future payments to GMC in the form of a U.S. bank check or money order.
Payment of all tuition and fees are due in full by the due date specified on the client's bill. A returned check fee of $30.00 will be imposed for a personal check not honored. Clients will be billed approximately three to four weeks prior to the beginning of each new clinical rotation. Invoices may be faxed, e-mailed or mailed to the permanent address on record for the registered client. Payments should be made to the designated office stated in the "Tuition Breakdowns" table above. If a bill is not received, it is the client's responsibility to contact the GMC Accounting Office.
All fees for the Clinical Medicine Program mUSt be paid prior to completion. Clients whose accounts have not been paid in full, or otherwise cleared by the Accounting or Clinical Rotations Department, will be subject to cancellation of clinical rotation enrollment. GMC reserves the right to withhold all diplomas, certifications, and letters of recommendation, access to online accounts, and any other documentation from any client with outstanding financial obligations.
27. Dropped, Failed, or Repeated Rotations?
Rotations that are repeated because they were previously dropped or failed will be assessed a tuition fee as if it was a new rotation.
28. Official Withdrawal Date Amount to be refunded?
The official withdrawal date is determined to be the date in which a properly completed "Notice of Withdrawal" form has been filed with and signed by the Clinical Medicine Program department and the client.
29. Late Fees?
Clients will be assessed a late fee of $50.00 for tuition not paid on or before the due date listed on the invoice. Students currently enrolled with an outstanding balance prior to the first week of clinical rotations will not have their grades posted and will be withdrawn from the CMP until their balance is paid.
30. What is the Digital Document Repository Fee?
It establishes your document storage account for 24 months after your graduation via ACE: the Accelerated Clerkship Engine, after which access is available via online subscription.
31. Is there a minimum or maximum number of weeks for the CMP-Clerkships?
Yes.
CMP Select - minimum of 6 weeks, and maximum of 24 weeks, no Certification
CMP Comprehensive - minimum of 24 weeks, no maximum. Certification after successfully completing 24 weeks of clinical rotations. Certificate of completion for completing Core Competency Assessment.
32. What deposit is required to begin enrollment? What is a seat deposit?
Your paperwork will be processed upon receipt of $335 for the GMC Administrative Fee, and a $1000 seat deposit that will go toward your tuition. Your rotations will be scheduled upon the receipt of the total initial deposit of $1335.
33. What are all the steps involved with applying to the Clinical Medicine Program?
Our expert Clinical Supervisors will assist you through every step:
- Fill out the GMC online application. This will get your file forwarded to the CMP Department. You mUSt have graduated from an IMED recognized medical school
- Collect all the documents required. Fax all required documents to U.S. +770 692 4957 Attention: CMP Department. This will help expedite your intake processing.
- You can send your original documents (collected from STEP 2) PLUS payment of the $335 Administrative Fee AND the $1000 Seat Deposit (total $1335) to:
The Greater Medical Center
World Headquarters - Greater Medical Center
440 Prime Point
Peachtree City, GA 30269
Att: CMP Department
Clinical Medicine Program
- Please call 770.692.4919 and follow-up within 24 hours
- Be prepared to sign the letter of understanding in order to schedule your rotations
34. Will I have hands-on rotation experience?
Yes. However be mindful that this is heavily based on the level of comfort that the Attending Physician will have with your knowledge, personality and communication skills. Therefore, it may take a couple of weeks for some IMGs to develop this relationship and gain the trust of their Attending Physician and his/her patients. Some IMG, are quite competent, and are allowed to have hands-on experience as of day one. On the other hand, some IMG may need additional remediation, which may eliminate the possibility for hands-on rotation experience.
35. Is CMP the same as an observership?
No. The difference is that CMP will provide "hands-on" patient experience and observership does not.
36. Does GMC give me a letter of enrollment in clinical rotations so that I can provide to residency directors during interviews, even though I have yet to complete the program?
Yes. This will serve as a temporary letter of enrollment. For a better representation of your work, we recommend that you provide the residency directors with your CMP Assessment Report after your successful completion of clinical rotations.
37. Does completing my clerkship or being enrolled with GMC guarantee me a residency spot?
No. Acceptance into residency programs is dependent upon multiple factors, of which historical hands-on clinical experience plays a significant role.
38. Is there financial assistance or financial aid available?
Yes. You can apply for financial aid when enrolled either CMP Program. In some cases, extended payment plans may be available for qualified candidates.
39. What if I have been out of medical school for several years...can I still qualify?
Yes. The CMP is designed to bring you back on track with your medical education, so that you can apply to medical residencies with a greater competitive edge.
40. Will I be rotating with residents, other medical students and graduates?
It depends. Medical students and residents attend rotations based on pre-set rotation start and end dates. Therefore you may come in contact with many, or none at all. Historically, every GMC affiliate attending physician has at least one student rotating with them throughout the majority of the year.
41. Will I qualify?
As long as you meet all of our CMP requirements, and take all steps necessary to secure yourself a position with GMC, you have a very good chance of qualifying.
42. Do I need to find my own Malpractice Insurance?
Once you have been accepted into a clinical rotation program, malpractice coverage is a part of your clinical package.
43. Will I be able to apply the malpractice insurance for the IMG to previous rotations not conducted with GMC?
No.
44. What documents are required?
Please visit Document page.
45. Is transportation and hoUSing included?
No. We do not assist with transportation. We ask that you arrange this on your own. However, most students choose to stay at Extended Stay Hotels. You can visit their website at www.extendedstayhotels.com
46. Are meals included?
No.
47. Can you guarantee that I will receive letters of recommendation?
No. Although the greater majority of our graduates do receive a LOR, we can not guarantee your performance on a rotation, therefore we can't guarantee a LOR. Letters of recommendation are typically written for individuals who have successfully completed their rotations above expectations.
48. What is the minimum weeks required to receive a letter of recommendation?
There is no stated minimum number of weeks, but it typically takes 4 weeks for an Attending to get familiar with your medical competency, and to develop a sense of comfort before writing a letter of recommendation.
49. What forms of payment do you accept?
- Cash/Check/Cashiers Check
- Personal Financing
- Credit Card (American Express, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Eurocard, Visa, Visa Check Cards)
- Direct Wire Transfer
50. When can I start?
International Medical Graduate rotations start weekly on Mondays. Please note that payments and required documents are due 30 days in advance of your initial start date. Please visit graduate requirements for more detail.
51. Is payment of the Administrative Fee due prior to my documents being processed?
Yes. Your GMC Administrative fee of $335 is required in order for U.S. to begin processing your paperwork. Your rotations will be scheduled upon the receipt of your seat deposit ($1000).
52. Is the Administration Fee, application fee or seat deposit refundable?
No.
53. Will I save time by faxing in my documents before sending in the originals?
Yes. Please fax your documents to 770.692.4957. The originals will still need to be sent to:
The Greater Medical Center
World Headquarters - Greater Medical Center
440 Prime Point
Peachtree City, GA 30269
Att: CMP Department
Clinical Medicine Program
54. Do I have to be ECFMG Certified, or have passed any of the USMLE's in order to enroll in the CMP?
No. Although passing the USMLE's will help with your rotations and residency application, GMC doesn't require you to have passed any of USMLE steps for enrollment.
55. How much student financial aid can I get?
You may apply for up $20,000 in Financial Aid.
56. What is your legal disclaimer?
Graduating from an accredited U.S. medical residency program is a pre-requisite to practicing medicine in the U.S. The demand for such positions by International Medical Graduates has historically outweighed its supply, and as such, the quality of applicants varies a great deal. In response, several United States authoritative bodies have been created to regulate the entry and practice of International Medical Graduates in the United States, and as such, several high priority components will always remain at the top of the list for residency directors. They are: USMLE board scores and number of attempts; U.S. hands-on clinical experience (12 to 36 weeks); a recent graduation date (less than 5 years); visa status (and need for sponsorship); recent letters of recommendation from U.S. physicians (less than 12 months) and ECFMG Certification. Greater Medical Center and its companies provide the opportunity and services its qualified clients need to gain U.S. clinical experience for the purpose of bettering their chances at securing a U.S. medical residency position. Such opportunities and services may be limited by third parties, such as certain state policies and regulations that may even prohibit clinical rotations for International Medical Graduates and Students, over whom Greater Medical Center and its companies have no control. It is your responsibility to enroll in services that will best serve your particular needs. Moreover, it is your duty to comply and stay up to date with third party regulations and policies, such as specific state medical licensure boards, whose policies differ and continuously change across the United States. Although we have equipped ourselves with professional consultants who are continuously trained and kept up to date in the field of International Medical Graduates and U.S. residency entrance, Greater Medical Center and its companies are not liable for any client's difficulty or inability to be licensed to practice medicine or enter into a U.S. medical residency program. In addition, Greater Medical Center and its companies are not liable for any damages or loss caused by, allegedly caused by, or connected with any utilization or purchase or use of any goods, services, consultations and/or clinical rotations offered and/or sold through any of our companies.
57. I have more questions about financial aid. Who can I contact?
You may contact U.S. at 770.692.4919, or via email at cmp@GMC.org with further questions.
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