[Jon Nadir]

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.

 

[Sabio]

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.

 

[im2student]

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

 

[Jon Nadir]

Thank you guys
You are 100% right
I called them today and they said yes I can start the process before having the CK results.

 

[dr_reddy]

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

 

[im2student]

Certified true copy will work

At least it worked for me

regards,
im2student

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

 

[Hadeel]

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

 

[lee-usmle]

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

You need to fill another L5 with the hours matching your transcript, I think you'll run into troubles if you don't do that.

 

[lee-usmle]

Please visit the detailed thread

For detailed information about California letter please visit here http://www.usmle-forums.com/residen...ds/2114-california-letter-ptal-how-apply.html

 

[Hadeel]

You need to fill another L5 with the hours matching your transcript, I think you'll run into troubles if you don't do that.

thanks lee-usmle, is pathology considered a clerkship too,

 

[lee-usmle]

thanks lee-usmle, is pathology considered a clerkship too,

Yes, it is

 

[mike2010]

Help for PTAL

Hi,

Regarding form L5, does it have to be exactly as the clinical courses stated in the transcription of records ? or it could be more specified breakdown of the clinical courses(clerkships), Any help, please.

 

[Sabio]

Hi,

Regarding form L5, does it have to be exactly as the clinical courses stated in the transcription of records ? or it could be more specified breakdown of the clinical courses(clerkships), Any help, please.

It's more detailed.
You can download the L5 from here
http://www.medbd.ca.gov/applicant/application_international.pdf