12-17-2009, 09:15 AM
Alot of people have been asking about how to obtain an extension of the eligibility period because of swineflu.....so here is the information, as copied from the ECFMG website:
Information about USMLE and Influenza
(posted April 29, 2009; updated May 7, 2009, June 16, 2009)
The World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic influenza alert is at phase 6. The Composite Committee and USMLE parent organizations continue to monitor the situation closely and are prepared to take appropriate measures as warranted to protect the health and safety of examinees and the public. As noted previously, USMLE examinees planning to test in the near future, who have concerns about their ability to test safely, may reschedule USMLE computer-based testing appointments or Clinical Skills appointments. In most instances, examinees should be able to use the standard procedures to make changes, without additional fees, by following procedures described in the USMLE Bulletin of Information.
While the pandemic influenza alert is at WHO phase 6, concerned examinees who would like to receive an eligibility period extension for an upcoming Step examination can do so, without additional fees, by contacting ECFMG by phone at (215) 386-5900 or by e-mail at info@ecfmg.org to explain the circumstances. This waiver of the eligibility period extension fee will be in effect while the WHO influenza alert remains at phase 6. Examinees should monitor the USMLE and ECFMG websites for any change to this fee waiver.
The USMLE program continues to monitor this situation closely for any significant changes that might result in a need to suspend the USMLE program until testing can be safely resumed. Please be sure to monitor the USMLE and ECFMG websites for updates to this announcement. Of course, if you personally are experiencing flu-like symptoms, or believe that you may have been recently exposed to an influenza patient, you should reschedule your examination.
Information about USMLE and Influenza
(posted April 29, 2009; updated May 7, 2009, June 16, 2009)
The World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic influenza alert is at phase 6. The Composite Committee and USMLE parent organizations continue to monitor the situation closely and are prepared to take appropriate measures as warranted to protect the health and safety of examinees and the public. As noted previously, USMLE examinees planning to test in the near future, who have concerns about their ability to test safely, may reschedule USMLE computer-based testing appointments or Clinical Skills appointments. In most instances, examinees should be able to use the standard procedures to make changes, without additional fees, by following procedures described in the USMLE Bulletin of Information.
While the pandemic influenza alert is at WHO phase 6, concerned examinees who would like to receive an eligibility period extension for an upcoming Step examination can do so, without additional fees, by contacting ECFMG by phone at (215) 386-5900 or by e-mail at info@ecfmg.org to explain the circumstances. This waiver of the eligibility period extension fee will be in effect while the WHO influenza alert remains at phase 6. Examinees should monitor the USMLE and ECFMG websites for any change to this fee waiver.
The USMLE program continues to monitor this situation closely for any significant changes that might result in a need to suspend the USMLE program until testing can be safely resumed. Please be sure to monitor the USMLE and ECFMG websites for updates to this announcement. Of course, if you personally are experiencing flu-like symptoms, or believe that you may have been recently exposed to an influenza patient, you should reschedule your examination.