HAMAD MEDICAL CORPORATION

Department of Medical Education

Graduate Medical Education Office (GMEO)

HMC Internship & Residency Entrance Examination Selection

Criteria & Matching Process 2010 – 2011

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Updated
June 2010

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 HMC Residency Training Programs
Entrance Examinations, Selection,
Matching Process and Admissions 2010 - 2011

1. Who can apply for HMC Residency Training Programs?

1. All Qatari interns
2. HMC interns.
3. Graduates of medical schools registered in the international medical education
directory (IMED) http://www.Faimer.org, who completed their Rotating or
Straight internship less than 3 years back
4. They should show evidence of passing, minimum USMLE step2 ck.
5. Candidates should show evidence of professional English language
competency TOEFL or IELTS .

2. Can I apply and forward my Exam Results Later on?

YES, you can forward your exam results until September 30, 2010
Yet you have to include a copy of your registration for both the USMLE step 2 CK
and TOEFL or IELTS before August 30, 2010.

3. What is straight Internship?

Some countries don’t request traditional rotating internship so we consider first
year of any post graduate training as the internship year
No body is exempted from doing one year post graduation as rotating
(traditional) or straight internship (PGY1). Last year in Medical School is not
considered internship year.

4. What if I graduated more than 3 years back could my application be

considered?
You may apply and we will review your application and we could consider it if
your CV shows that you have special skills and excellent performance or relevant
experience in the specialty you are applying for .

5. What if I was out of active clinical practice for 1 year or more for
family reasons for example?
You should redo/repeat your internship in your country.

6. About the registration for the USMLE Exams? (Find Details on USMLE
web page)

* USMLE Exam Step 1 assesses whether medical school students or graduates

understand and can apply important concepts of the basic sciences to the
practice of medicine.

* USMLE Exam Step 2 assesses whether medical school students or graduates

can apply medical knowledge, skills and understanding of clinical science essential
for provision of patient care under supervision.

 Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge).

 Step 2 CS (Clinical Skills) (OSCE stations) done in USA only.

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7. How to Register?
Registration process for the first time usually takes 2- 3 months so start
the registration early

ECFMG
3624 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104-
2685
Students and graduates of medical Application materials:
Step 1 or Step
schools outside the United States and Website:
2(CK or CS)
Canada http://www.ecfmg.org
Telephone: (215) 386-
5900
Fax: (215) 386-9196
Email: info@ecfmg.org
For application Details check the web page of ECFMG
http://www.ecfmg.org/creds/index.html
Step 1, Step 2 CK, are offered regularly throughout the year in many centers all
over the world.

CURRENTLY THE MIDDLE EAST USMLE Exam Centers

Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, and United Arab Emirates, Qatar
centre is next .

8. What is the time limit and number of attempts allowed to complete

USMLE steps?
According to USMLE:-
Although there is no limit on the total number of times you can retake a Step or
Step Component you have not passed, the USMLE program recommends to
medical licensing authorities that they require the dates of passing Step 1, Step
2, and Step 3 examinations to occur within a seven-year period, and no more
than six attempts allowed to pass each Step or Step Component except upon
demonstration of additional educational experience acceptable to the medical
licensing authority.

9. What about the TOEFL or IELTS Scores?

TOEFL Paper based scores (200-660), minimum score required 550 or above.

TOEFL IBT (0-120) minimum score required is 80 or above

IELTS minimum score required is 6.5 or above.

10. How to get the Residency application forms?

 You can get it from Medical Education office or download it from HMC
website. www.hmc.org.qa/cme/ Interns & Resident Forms
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  Please complete the application form in BLACK INK, CAPITAL LETTERS
(PRINT) OR TYPE. Otherwise your application will not be considered.
 Completed application forms should be submitted to Medical Education in
person or by mail. Emails or Faxes are not accepted.
 3 sets of documents (Copies) should be accompany the completed
Application Form.
 NO ORGINALS ARE NEEDED

11. What if I am an HMC intern and did not attend the USMLE Exam?
Once you complete your twelve months rotating internship … you will receive
your internship certificate and will be asked to leave HMC.

 No one will be admitted to any residency program without sitting and

passing minimum USMLE step 2 CK and TOEFL or IELTS (apply to all).

12. What if I attended the exam but I was not matched this year?
If you are a legal resident in Qatar and waiting for next year match, you may
apply for a clinical attachment position at HMC for a maximum of 3 months at
any specialty (refer to clinical attachment policy), good luck next year.

13. What if I am a Qatari Intern and didn’t sit for the Exam?
 Attending the USMLE Exam is a Must requirement for all NO
EXEMPTIONS

14. What about matching HMC interns?

Those who pass the USMLE and TOEFL/IELTS will be matched pending
their performance and evaluations during the internship rotations.

15. What about any other Exams (Canadian, Australian USMLE

equivalent exams) would exempt me from sitting USMLE?
You may be considered based on approval of Medical Education
committee, preferably USMLE Step 2 CK at least .

16. What about the non-residents visa and residency permit process?

 HMC is not responsible about visit visa, travelling or living expenses for
the interviews, the matching or the time spent waiting for employment
until you sign the contract.
 Once you get selected through the match, and is approved for
employment HMC will issue you a working visa and residency permit .

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17. How long does the recruitment process take after the match?
 Few weeks to few months

18. How can I check on the status of my application or recruitment

process?
Send E mail and be patient
Once we complete short listing the candidates, we will contact you by email.
HR will contact you once your recruitment process is complete.

If you need to discuss any other issues privately, please read the
FAQ first then you may forward your question to the Ms. Aisha (GME
coordinator by E mail ahussain5@hmc.org.qa or take an
appointment with
Asst. Director of Medical Education for GME
to clarify the subject
meltawil1@hmc,org.qa
GOOD LUCK

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 B H Residency Training Programs
Matching Process

1. What are the Residency Training programs sponsored by HMC &

their duration?
Programs : Posts
1. Medicine (4 years) (20-30)
2. General surgery (5 years) (5-10)
3. Pediatrics (4 years) (10-15)
4. Ob/Gyn (5 years) (10-15)
5. Emergency medicine (4 years) (10-15)
6. Family medicine (4 year) (10-15)
7. Community medicine (4 year) (2-4)
8. Dermatology (4 years) (1-2)
9. Diagnostic radiology (4 years) (6-10)
10. Anesthesia (4 years) (5-10)
11. Ophthalmology (4 years) (1-3)
12. ENT (4 years) (2-4)
13. Urology (5 years) (2-3)
14. Orthopedics (5 years) (5-8)
15. Pediatric surgery (6 years) (1-2)
16. Neurosurgery (6 years) (1-2)
17. Cardiology 3 years Post G. medicine (4 years) total 7 years
18. Maxillofacial Surgery (5 years) (3-5)
19. Plastic surgery 6 years ( not yet accredited by ABMS) (3-5)
20. Cardiothoracic surgery ( 7 Years ) ( not yet accredited by ABMS)- (2)
21. Geriatrics 2 years post G medicine for (2+4 years) (2-3)
22. Rehabilitation medicine 3 years post G. medicine (3+4 years)- (2-3)

2. Are there any fellowship programs at HMC?

Yes in pediatrics subspecialty, medicine subspecialty, Ob/Gyn, urology
subspecialty, and Trauma (ICU) and Neuroanesthesia,
Fellowships are currently open only for local HMC graduates after completing the
residency program.

3. How many Posts are available at HMC Residency Training Programs

for 2010/2011?
 The available posts for each program for 2010/2011 will be announced
before October 1st, 2010.
 The next intake will be in January 2011& July 2011
 Number of posts in each program varies every year according to
budget and pending approval of protected posts by the HMC Managing
Director.
 Average 100-150 new posts total

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4. Please notice:
 Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation medicine program & Geriatrics program
are not accredited by the Arab Board yet and the residents who get
selected for Rehabilitation medicine or Geriatrics have to complete 4 years
residency in medicine before they join those programs as clinical fellows.
 Cardiology program is 7 years, the residents applying for cardiology have
to do 4 years of medicine before they apply to join cardiology for another
3 years.
 Plastic Surgery program and Cardiothoracic surgery programs are not yet
accredited by ABMS residents applying for plastic surgery or cardiothoracic
surgery will be considered as vocational training residents until further
notice (pending approval of the ABMS).

5. What is the Matching Process?

First match for all programs.
(Best choice)
1. CVs and initial applications will be reviewed after September 15,and
eligible candidates will be short listed .
2. All shortlisted (complete) applications will be reviewed and eligible
candidates will be notified on the date of matching by Email.
3. Candidates (First Match) will be ranked according to their USMLE
step 2 scores and other credentials like experience and evaluations.
4. Medical Education will provide residency program directors with
ranked candidates’ names and applications.
5. The matching application form, the CV and personal statement,
Internship assessment records and any other documents provided
by the candidate will be forwarded to the program directors.
6. Dates and time of the interviews will be coordinated with the
residency training programs and will be posted daily on Medical
Education Bulletin Board and internet/website.
7. Some programs may short list the applicants to be interviewed
again .
8. The interviews will be conducted by a committee including the
program director, Chairs/Heads, Chief resident and another 3-4
consultants
9. We will use the MMI (Multiple Mini Interviews) system (7-9)
stations focusing on ethics, professionalism, and communication
skills, and reasoning. Some shortlisted candidates who cannot
come to Qatar may get interviewed by the same panel over the
phone or Skype preferably in person interviews. .
10. Scores of the interviews will be averaged and all interviewed
candidates will be ranked again.
11. Each program will provide medical education with the final list of
ranked matched candidates & a waiting list.
12. After approved by the Director of Medical Education, the results of
the first match will be announced.

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 13. After the entire first match is over the unfilled posts will be
announced and the unmatched candidates may rank any number of
programs in the second (Residual) match applications.
14. Candidates cannot apply for the first chosen program
again. Yet, each candidate can rank any number of programs
of his/her choice for the second match (Residual Match).
15. After all the posts are filled, some candidates might be placed
on the waiting list. In case someone drops out or a post
becomes vacant later on, then those on the waiting list and
were unmatched may be called to fill in that post.

6. What is the letter of intention (personal statement?)

 You should write a letter for each specialty you apply for describing your
achievements and why did you choose that specialty and why you believe
you are a good candidate to be selected for that program (no more than
one page) and attach that letter with your updated CV.

7. What does a standard CV contain? Should include the

following but not limited to:
 Name, address, Email, contact phone, mobile, fax
 Education “From to (dates, university, country), degrees – Eg.
MBBCh (Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery)
 Training, like internship or postgraduate training “from to (dates)
 Social Biodata – Personal History of applicant .
 Date of Birth
 Marital status
 Nationality
 Health Conditions & disabilities
 Exams
 License, date issued, country and number
 References
 Special courses (if any)
ATLS
ITLS
ACLS, etc
 Skills
Computer
Psychomotor skills (procedures)
Research
 Hobbies
 Clinical rotations:
Dates: from To
Address, Email, Reference, Supervisor
 References: (3) Names, their titles, address, and email.
Please use HMC, CV template (find on our web page)

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 PLEASE NOTICE
Passing the USMLE is not in any way a guarantee or a
guaranteed right to get matched, selected or admitted into a
residency training program.
It is a competition process and the matching depends on a lot
of factors other than the Exam results like
Your internship evaluations
Your previous experience
Your English competencies
Your Arabic competency in some programs
THE STRUCTURED MMI INTERVIEW RESULTS

8. What do interviewers look for in a candidate?

 Interviewers look mainly for your communication skills, reasoning,
professional English language competency, and understanding of the
responsibilities and scope of your specialty of choice, ethics &
professionalion .
 You should have a strong reason for selecting that program as your
first choice. And state that clearly in your letter of intention for each
program you choose and be ready to answer why? “I like that
specialty” is not good enough.”?!

 Matching results will be announced immediately after the interview day

so those candidates who were not matched in the first interview may
apply and wait for the second (residual match).

Medical Education is very concerned about reliability validity

fairness and transparency of the selection process & will
observe all interviews.

 The selection decision is entirely a committee decision and is not

subject for appeal or explanation to the candidate.
 We currently apply the MMI stations (Multiple Mini interviews) MC
Master model in the major programs (search MMI).
 (7-9) interviewers including the program director & the
chairperson/head of section will score individualy and average
their scores and re-rank the candidates.
 You credentials, previous evaluations, presentation, reasoning,
communication skills, and English language competency play a big
role.
 Some programs demand competence in spoken Arabic language
 The internship evaluation results done at HMC and other centers,
workshops courses, conferences, skills or good recommendations
letter from your previous professors or supervisors are looked at in
the short-listing process.
 Include a well written standard CV with a scanned photo along
with your application.
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  Include with your application copies of all courses, workshops ,
awards , recommendations ,conferences etc
 Bring copy of your portfolio (all original documents) to the
interviews.
9. What if I was not matched to the program of my choice (First
Match)?

 You have to wait until all programs (first match) process is

completed.
 The residual posts will be announced (if any).
 Second match application should be completed by the unmatched
candidates and they could be interviewed again (you may rank any
number of available unmatched programs).
 Carefully choose your first choice and be prepared to justify your
choices for the interviews.
 First choice & first interview is your best chance .

10. What if I was not matched after the second (residual) match?
 Usually the number of interviewed candidates exceeds the number
of available posts, it is a competition process.
 So some may not match to any program.
 We may place you on the waiting list and will be contacted if any
post of your choice becomes available later on.
 You could apply again the year after.
11. What if I like to transfer to another program after I was matched?
 Based on our GME policies it is not possible.
 No Guarantees.
 Unless there is a vacant post, pending the approvals of both
program directors and the Department of Medical Education.
12. What if I cannot get a visa to attend the matching interviews in
person?
* Some shortlisted candidates may get interviewed by phone conference or on
Skype .
* We will try to help in providing visit visa.

13. What about The professional English Language competency TOFEL

or IELTS?
 You are supposed to provide evidence of passing one of those
tests before the matching process and a copy of your scores
should be included in your matching application.
 Competency in English language is one important factor that will
improve your chances to be selected.
 Try it, TOFEL or IELTS now to define your level and if you need
enhancement courses.
 USMLE, CS component of spoken English doesn’t replace TOEFL or
IELTS.

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14. What about the process of employment if I got matched to a
program?
1. The process may take few weeks to few months (all depends)
Process includes:
 Ministry of interior CID approval
 Labor department
 Immigration
 Medical Checkup
 Then you sign a contact with HMC
 If all the above is ok, you will receive a working visa from HMC
Human Resources.
You will get paid a full salary starting the day you sign your contract with
HMC , with full annual increments based on your performance evaluation .
The upcoming intake for all residency programs will start July, 2011. You
should be available 2 weeks before the start of the program to complete
your formalities orientation and medicals.

If you need to discuss any other issues, please read first the FAQ then you may
forward your question to the Ms. Aisha (GME coordinator)
by E mail ahussain5@hmc.org.qa or take an appointment with
Asst. Director of Medical Education for GME
to clarify the subject or Email
meltawil1@hmc.org.qa
GOOD LUCK

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 C HMC Internship Program
2010 – 2011
1. Who could apply for HMC internship program?

 Medical students who are in the final year regardless of the date of
graduation.
 All New Medical Graduates.
 Expatriate medical graduates with valid residency permits in
Qatar that did not complete their rotating Internship somewhere
else; meet all criteria and willing to complete internship in HMC
hospital
 Non Resident New Graduates with excellent academic records
and available sponsor in Qatar (first degree relative) & Family
Visit visa for 6 months.

2. What about medical students who are expected to graduate at

different dates in 2010/2011?
 They have to provide evidence that; they are in the final clinical year and
will graduate by the end of this year.
 They should sit the USMLE step 2 CK Exam before September 15, 2010.
 There will be two (2) Admission Dates for Internship Program
July 1st and January 1st of each year.
 To give chance to students who graduate on different dates of
the year to join internship in time.
 They may also join as clinical attachment until next admission date. If
they are residents in Qatar.
 Each case will then be considered on its merits.

Families of the eligible medical students may apply on their behalf on

their children if they provide all necessary documents.

3. What about eligible candidate who has no residency permit and has
family in Qatar?
Excellent candidates will be considered but they have to provide evidence of
full sponsorship and a first degree relative sponsor in Qatar. They should
guarantee at least 6 months family visit visa which is renewable

HMC DOES’NT PAY SALARIES TO INTERNS

4. What about the internship Entrance Exam?

Sitting USMLE Step 2 CK & TOEFL or IELTS is the only and the minimum
requirement for joining our internship program .
Regardless of the results.
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5. Do Qatari Graduates have to sit this Exam?

 Yes all Qatari new graduates including interns who joined

the internship program any time during 2011.

6. What about TOEFL/IELTS requirements? Evidence of competence in

professional English

Competence in professional English language is a mandatory requirement to join

all programs at HMC.
It is essential for proper communication, verbal and written, and is an important
factor in passing the residency exam & the selection during the matching
process.
By August 30, 2010 you should provide evidence of registration for the
USMLE Step 2 Ck and TOEFL or IELTS

Then you will be asked to provide the results on the day of the
interview dates.
First attempt we will consider average acceptable score and registration for
enhancement course for both USMLE & TOEFL or IELTS

8. When?
 You should attempt the exams once before applying for the
internship & provide the results before joining the internship
 No one will be admitted to internship training program
unless they provide the USMLE and TEFL /IELTS .
 Results regardless of the pass mark near pass scores
may be considered conditioned to resit the exams
during their internships. .

9. Orientation Program will include:

The following:
 HMC Corporate and departmental orientation
 HMC Mission, Vision, and Values
 HMC Code of Conduct
 Patient and family rights policies
 Resident’s rights and responsibilities.
 Infection Control workshop
 Pharmacy issues
 Quality Control
 Log book
 The orientation program dates and venue will be
conducted before joining the Internship program.

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10. Mandatory Courses during the internship year :
 Patient – Physician communication skills including breaking
news
 ILS (Immediate Life Support Course)
 ITLS ( International Trauma life support )
 ADAM course
 EBM ( search for the evidence )
 Communications Skills course – professional ethics

The dates, venues and content of the orientation program and courses will be
announced later on in another communication letter to selected candidates.

11. What is the structure of the rotating internship program at HMC?

Rotating internship at HMC is 12 months rotation.
3 months medicine including CCU, MICU
3 months Surgery including Anesthesia
2 months Ob-Gyn
2 months Pediatrics
2 months electives
We recommend Emergency Medicine and Psychiatry as electives. Yet, you
may do electives in any specialty of your choice.

12. Which of HMC hospitals accept rotating interns?

Hamad General Hospital
Rumailah Hospital
Women Hospital
Al Khor Hospital
Al Amal Hospital

13. Can I choose my rotations?

The Internship coordinator (Miss. Amal) will distribute the interns

randomly to all departments and to all hospitals
You should know your rotations for the whole year ahead of time and plan
your holidays

14. Is there assessment and evaluation for interns?

All programs use the structural evaluation forms based on the ACGME 6
core competencies after each rotation.
It is the responsibility of the intern to make sure he/she completes the
Assessment & feedback after each rotation.

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 Please Notice

Parents, friends, and Family could apply for the internship on behalf of
the students who are still in their final year of medical school
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The closing date for receiving the completed application forms with
evidence of registration for USMLE Step 2 CK and TOEFL or IELTS for
the internship is August 30, 2010.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

HMC Internship Programs will start

First week July or first week of January each year
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Completing the Rotating Internship program at HMC is not in any way
a commitment or guarantee that the expatriate doctors are guaranteed
appointment at HMC or admission to HMC residency Training

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

All Interns (Qatari / Non-Qatari) who intends to join HMC residency

training programs should register and sit and pass the USMLE step 2
CK Exam so they may go through the matching process as described
before.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

GOOD LUCK
Mailing Address
PO BOX 3050
The Department of Medical Education
Hamad Medical Corporation
Doha – Qatar
Phones: +974-439-1756 /1757
FAX: +974-435-4418
E mail meltawil1@hmc.org.qa
aelthlatheny@hmc.org.qa
Webpage: ًwww.hmc.org.qa/cme/

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