Helpful Hints for Countries Applying for Comparability

The following tips are based on the most frequently cited issues by Department staff when conducting comparability determination reviews in preparing their submissions for the NCFMEA. They relate to both the policy and procedures contained within the NCFMEA’s Guidelines for Requesting a Comparability Determination and to the review process itself.

1. Be proactive in communicating with Department staff. Provide them with the requested information in a timely manner. Without it, the review may be postponed until the following meeting or it may otherwise affect the NCFMEA’s decision. Remember that countries are responsible for ensuring that all portions of their submissions are in English. Countries should plan on sufficient time to translate their narrative and any documentation associated with their response from their native language into English.
2. To better demonstrate how your standards are applied effectively, summarize your evaluation procedures, describe your standards, and provide the reports that your site evaluators create to convey the findings of school evaluations. (NCFMEA Guidelines, Part 2, Section 4. Educational Programs, Subsection 4.7 Design, Implementation and Evaluation).
3. As early as possible in the comparability determination process, clarify the authorized governmental entity to approve medical school operations and designated accrediting body. Promptly communicate any changes in their contact information to the Department staff. (NCFMEA Guidelines, Part I, Entity Responsible for the Accreditation/Approval of Medical Schools)
4. Document the visitation of all clinical sites, both in the host country and abroad. Ensure there are sufficient resources available for residents at the clinical sites. (NCFMEA Guidelines, Part 2, Section 3. Administration, Subsection 3.4 Remote Sites)