About CUCOM: 

CUOM is an approved and recognized International Medical University. It is listed with WDMS, and Graduates of the university are eligible for ECFMG certification as International Medical Graduates. CUCOM is at its first stage of CAAMHP Accreditation, reaching the second stage; Its Continuing Professional Development Programs (CPD) are organized per the World Federation of Medical Education Standards, covering International Academy for Continuing Professional Development Accreditation (IACPDA) guidelines; The Program is classified as Continuing Professional Development (CPD), aimed at providing excellent hands-on training for higher level professional competence which will enable them to offer superior specialty care for patients on the specific skill set they want to get training. The Program is also under Pre-Accreditation review with ACCME. The Program is offered at St Bernard and other affiliated Hospitals in Chicago. St. Bernard Hospital’s founding goes back to the turn of the 20th century. Today, the Hospital remains an iconic fixture integral to Chicago downtown’s vitality, health, and development. 

 

MISSION 

The mission of CUCOM is to prepare physicians to provide high-quality care to patients and society with compassion. Passion for knowledge, commitment, tolerance, and dedication to life-long learning. The overarching goal of the Medical Program is to provide a broad education in a culturally diverse environment. 

 

Programs:

International Fellowship Training for Advanced Medicine 

IFTAM Program is available for licensed International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in the following specialization. The Program’s objective is to provide higher level hands-on specialization training per the standards of Continuing Professional Development; the skills acquired can enrich and transform their clinical practice with advanced clinical skills that will be imported during the Program. The candidates will be exposed to advanced training during a year-long advanced clinical training. The following specializations are available for IMG / Licensed Physicians.

 

1. Cardiology 

2. Neonatology 

3. Emergency Medicine & ICU 

4. Gynecology and Cosmetic Gynecology 

5. Diabetology & Life Style Medicine 

6. Gynecology and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) 

7. Robotic Surgery 

8. Dermatology and Cosmetic Dermatology 

9. Orthopedics and Sports Medicine 

 

Post-MD Certification and Diploma;

Post-MD Programs for Medical students and International Medical Graduates are available; The Program’s main objective is to prepare IMGs for the American licensing process. This Program provides hands-on clinical exposure and other needed support resources for successful residency placement. The candidates have options for three types of programs, certification, Diploma, and an extended two years option for transfer students from WDMS-listed medical schools.

This two-semester ( six months ) Program will be available for all the core disciplines; The graduates can choose their specialization.

This three-semester academic year-long Program will be available for International Medical Graduates who want extensive hands-on clinical experience on core and electives; the students or graduates shall have the option for all the core clerkships and electives.

 

Twelve weeks of Internal Medicine

Ten weeks of General Surgery

Six weeks of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Six weeks of Pediatrics

Six weeks of Psychiatry

Six weeks of Family Practice.

This Program is offered to transfer students who want an entire track of clinical clerkship with the IFOM, which will prepare students for residency in the United States of America.

 

Twelve weeks of Internal Medicine

Ten weeks of General Surgery

eight weeks of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Six weeks of Pediatrics

Six weeks of Psychiatry

Six weeks of Family Practice

and electives of 24 weeks per the students’ interests.

Program Overview

U.S. Clinical Exposure.

CUCOM students complete the clinical portion of the curriculum—and the majority of their training—in the United States at leading teaching hospitals across the country. Because our students are given hands-on experience from semester one, they confidently transition into the clinical semesters and acquire the tools needed to succeed. Additionally, CUCOM students have the option to complete all of their clinical rotations in one single geographic location. This is important because it not only helps to ensure a consistent clinical experience as they rotate through different disciplines, but it also helps to lower related expenses.

 

Clinical Science Exam 

  • The CSE is a 4-hour computer-based exam with 160 MCQ questions. 
  • It tests clinical knowledge that international students should have at a time just before receiving their graduate degree. It covers family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, and psychiatry. 
  • The passing score is 573. 
  • CSE can be taken up to 3 times a year during three testing periods at any Prometric location. 

 

VISA and HOUSING 

International Medical Graduates who seek entry into U.S. programs of Graduate Medical Education (GME) must obtain a visa that permits clinical training to provide medical services. Nearly one-fourth of the active U.S. physician workforce are international medical graduates (IMG). Nonimmigrant or immigrant visas are needed for IMG physicians to legally get training or practice in the U.S. when they are not U.S. citizens. 

 

For more info, please visit; 

https://www.ama-assn.org/education/international-medical-education/international-medical-graduates-img-toolkit-types-visas 

https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-visitors-for-business/b-1-temporary-business-visitor.

 

Housing 

Short-term housing is available within a short distance by car, bus, or train to the training site. The student center, restaurants, and grocery store are located near the housing. Each student will have a single bedroom with a full-sized bed and a private bathroom. The suites have a fully equipped kitchen with cookware, cups, dishes, and eating utensils, complimentary high-speed Internet, a washer/dryer, and central air conditioning. The shared units are available from USD 400/ upwards. 

 

Fellowship training and Post-MD Application Process

We are currently accepting applications for candidates interested in applying for a start date after Jan 02, 2023. 

Please email us to request information on the specific fees for each duration. 

 

Interested applicants should submit the following required documents to the Office of International Medical Graduate Programs (IMGP) via email at img@cucom.org. 

 

  1.  U.S. passport Size photo 
  2. Curriculum vitae (CV) 
  3. One-page personal statement detailing your motivations for applying to the Program 
  4. Medical school degree 
  5. Medical school transcripts 
  6. Letters of recommendations
  7. USMLE score reports (if available) 
  8. Malpractice Insurance (if available)
  9. Police Clearance 
  10. Immunization records 
  11. Copy of Visa (if available).

Don’t hesitate to contact the IMG office at img@cucom.org with questions or to request additional information. 

IFTAM and Post MD Program in charge.

Dr.Alex Ephrem​

President

Dr. Avinash Ashok Sherkane

Senior Vice President and Program in charge

Jack Tisdall

Clinical Director

Ms. Angela Bennett.

Program Registrar and Accreditation in charge