California Letter (PTAL)

Jon Nadir said:

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.

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Sabio said:

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.

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dr_reddy said:

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

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Hadeel said:

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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lee-usmle said:

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.

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Hadeel said:

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

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mike2010 said:

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.

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