ECFMG Irregular Behavior Lawyer – Board Representation
Posted July 25th, 2023 by Dennis Abramson.
Categories: ECFMG, Healthcare Litigation, Medical Licensing, NBME, NRMP, USMLE.
With few exceptions, each state and territory medical board across the United States of America requires IMGs to possess an ECFMG Certificate before it will consider any application for medical licensure. The ECFMG Certification process – which includes submitting an initial application and, after completing the required USMLE and OET examinations, applying through the appropriate ECFMG Pathway – is both tedious and complicated. When errors or inconsistencies are indicated on an application, ECFMG’s staff of case managers vigorously investigate. Where the error or inconsistency cannot be reconciled, the case managers may, by way of letter, inform the applicant that they may have engaged in irregular behavior and that the matter is being referred to ECFMG’s Medical Education Credentials Committee for review.
In addition to credentialing IMGs seeking to train and practice in the United States, ECFMG also serves as the global leader in primary source verification of medical education credentials. When an individual seeking licensure or credentialing in a country other than the U.S. uploads documents as part of that physician’s application (whether by way of a document repository or otherwise), the international credentialing body frequently forwards those documents to ECFMG for primary source verification. If ECFMG receives information that the document or certificate submitted is not authentic, it will issue a letter accusing that individual of irregular behavior.
If, after having the opportunity to respond to the allegations, an individual is found to have engaged in irregular behavior, that individual will face severe consequences. In appropriate circumstances, ECFMG will revoke that individual’s ECFMG certificate, declare the individual ineligible for ECFMG certification, and/or bar that individual from ever again receiving the benefit of ECFMG services (including future primary source verification services).
Since 2007, we have assisted International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in their dealings and disputes with the ECFMG, and, over the past five (5) years, have appeared before the MECC defending allegations of irregular behavior more than any other attorneys or law firms. In so doing, we help ensure that any investigations or disputes are handled fairly and that our clients’ rights are upheld. When representing our clients, we advocate that no finding of irregular behavior be made, or, where appropriate, that the punishment accompanying such a finding be proportionate and fair. We are always mindful to preserve the record for potential subsequent judicial review.
If you receive a letter from ECFMG informing you that you may have engaged in irregular behavior, or if you seek legal counsel to prepare you, accompany you, and represent you at your personal appearance before the MECC, our experienced attorneys stand ready to assist. Contact us today.
