The first place to start is reviewing ther information on the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (http://ecfmg.org/) Any foreign trained physician needs to successfully pass the US Medical Licensing Exam.

The Step 1 exam of the USMLE is very difficult. It tests one’s knowledge of the Basic Sciences, so if your friend has been out of the basic training for any length of time it would be highly advisable to engage in a protracted review before taking the exam. Kaplan offers a good review, either through written literature and CDs or regularly scheduled lecture series throughout the US.

Of course, the ‘Bible” for Step 1 is called First Aid for Step 1 of the USMLE.

It’s also advisable to take about 3,500 sample questions with a passing rate before taking the USMLE. QBank offers questions in the same format as the USMLE.

Forget the stethoscope–odds are he’s already bought the one he wants and he’ll need a good one (usually referred to as a cardiac stethoscope and they’re around $300). He’s going to be on his feet virtually all day–a gift certificate for a comfortable pair of shoes would be nice. Not a sexy gift, I know, but it is practical. An analog watch that can be hung from his belt or pinned to his pocket would be useful. Just make sure it has a second hand. His book bag has probably taken a beating. He’ll be doing night shifts and, from personal experience, a good pair of sunglasses sure helps when walking out into that morning sun.