We typically have over 60 programs ready to meet with interested students, so make sure you are prepared by doing your homework! Visit the website for all programs before you attend to learn about each one and plan for your live discussions. Explore their websites, watch their engaging videos, and gather information to ask effective questions during the fair. 

WATCH: Review these videos to learn what to expect during the Match process for applicants and international medical graduates. 

Some dos and don’ts for a fantastic experience:
Do: Dress for success—comfortable yet polished. Bring specific questions about aspects of each program that match your interests or curiosity. Give complete and honest information on your conference registration form, as it will be used to generate a list of participating students for the participating residency programs. Be efficient in summarizing who you are and what you’re looking for (the elevator speech).
Don’t: Avoid asking generic questions that can be easily answered on the program’s website. Don’t bring copies of your resume or CV.
You may bring business cards with a professional photo, but they are not necessary.

Things to Ask: Pay attention to who is at the booth, what their role is, and ask appropriate questions if they are a resident, faculty member, or coordinator. 

Things to Ask the Resident:
What was the main reason you chose this program?
What community service options are available?
What types of wellness programs are available in the residency program?
What do you and other residents do for fun?
Which areas or processes are helping you learn the most?

General Questions to Ask:
What types of practices do graduates go into after residency?
What makes your program unique?
What other residency programs are on site?
How would you describe the patient demographics?
What changes do you anticipate in the program during the next three years?
Can you describe the community?
What do you enjoy the most/least about living here?
How and how often is feedback provided to residents?
What kind of feedback have graduates given you about your program?
What training and experiences are required and/or offered for residents to understand and address their implicit biases?
How does your program ensure diversity in its recruitment?
How does your program support residents and faculty who are underrepresented in medicine?

What should you say to program representatives?
Essentially, who you are! Where are you from? School and hometown. What is your passion within medicine? Why do you want family medicine? What are you looking for in a program? Why would they want you?

Considerations for International Medical Students and Graduates: All residency programs at FMM participate in the NRMP Match. The Match offers a standardized process, as all steps are carried out in the same way and at the same time by all applicants and participating institutions. For International Medical Graduates (IMGs), an IMG is a physician who received a medical degree from a school outside the United States and Canada that is not accredited by a U.S. accrediting organization, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, or the American Osteopathic Association. The location and accreditation of the medical school, not the physician's citizenship, determine whether the graduate is considered an IMG.

Use the State Medical Boards to access state-specific information for any state where you're applying for residency. You may want to know if you can obtain a license in a particular state while in residency. Some states maintain a list of recognized international medical schools eligible for licensure within that state. Additionally, certain states impose restrictions on the number of USMLE attempts allowed or the timeframe within which USMLE tests must be taken.

Check the World Directory of Medical Schools to confirm that students and graduates from your medical school are eligible. If your school is not eligible, the programs at Family Medicine Midwest cannot accept you. If you are less than two years post-graduation, apply for AAFP Transitional Membership.