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California Letter (PTAL)

7K views 12 replies 6 participants last post by  Sabio 
G
#1 ·
I know that it sounds crazy for an old IMG to apply for California letter as it is extremely difficult to get a match for fresh IMGs let alone old IMGs. But I still want to do it as I have really good connections in California and they promised me an interview if I get the letter.

So I called the California Medical Board this morning and asked them what are the requirements and they told me that I have to have passed both Step 1 and CK and no need for CS.

The problem is that I passed Step 1 and CS only so far and am not gonna pass CK until August by then if I apply the California letter will not be available during the ciritical match period because as you know it takes at least 6 months for the PTAL to be ready from the time of application.

Do you have any suggestions for me, Did anyone of you experienced a similar situation? I'll highly appreciate your input.
 
#2 ·
You can apply before finishing all exams

Yes you can do something about.

Start the application now by going to this URL
http://www.medbd.ca.gov/applicant/application_international.pdf

Fill in the forms which have to be signed also by a notary public and by your medical school and also you have to do finger printing.

In the field that asks about exam results you just mention step 1 and CS.

Send the money and the whole package and wait until they tell you "we received your application" and they'll give you an ATS number.

Thereafter, they'll hold your PTAL until ECFMG provides them with your CK score.

This way you will buy the time until you finish your CK :)

Call them again and tell them that you will do as I said above and they'll tell you OK.
 
#5 ·
need help regarding PTAL application

Yes you can do something about.

Start the application now by going to this URL
http://www.medbd.ca.gov/applicant/application_international.pdf

Fill in the forms which have to be signed also by a notary public and by your medical school and also you have to do finger printing.

In the field that asks about exam results you just mention step 1 and CS.

Send the money and the whole package and wait until they tell you "we received your application" and they'll give you an ATS number.

Thereafter, they'll hold your PTAL until ECFMG provides them with your CK score.

This way you will buy the time until you finish your CK :)

Call them again and tell them that you will do as I said above and they'll tell you OK.
Hi Sabio,

I am applying to PTAL (California Letter). In the application instructions they are asking 'original official medical school transcript'. But, in India medical school's don't sent original transcripts, do any one know how to handle this?
Is it ok if we make a photo copy of transcript and get it stamped, signed, sealed and sent directly from medical school to California medical board?

Thanks for your help in advance.

Dr.Reddy
 
#3 ·
The problem is that I passed Step 1 and CS only so far and am not gonna pass CK until August by then if I apply the California letter will not be available during the ciritical match period because as you know it takes at least 6 months for the PTAL to be ready from the time of application.

Do you have any suggestions for me, Did anyone of you experienced a similar situation? I'll highly appreciate your input.
yes, you can !

apply the exam early (like Sabio said)

then wait for verification process (this is the main reason why it took so long)

some of my friend applied for PTAL in april 2009 with step 1 and CS, then took CK in september this year, got the PTAL after 3 wks. They applied to CA programs in october and then got interviews. Now they are waiting for the BIG match

wish you to get the golden state
 
#7 ·
Hi, I also have a question, My school will sign and endorse my L5, but refuses to issue a new transcript, my transcript shows different hours than the original hours taken and that will be stated by teh school in L5, my question will the board reject my application if the hours do not match, Thank you for your help
 
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