Internal Medicine Residency Applying and Frequently Asked Questions

Applying and Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in our program. We hope that you find our website informative. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have about the program, interview day information, or for any other reason. Please note all correspondence is via email, and we will answer your questions promptly.

How do I apply?
The St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine Residency Training Program (categorical and preliminary tracks) participates in the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS), developed by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

What is the deadline for application?
All applications are due by December 1 through ERAS.

What documents are required?
For a ‘complete’ application to be reviewed, we require the following documents:

  • Common application form
  • Curriculum vitae
  • ECFMG status report
  • Medical school transcript
  • Dean’s letter/Medical School Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
  • USMLE or COMLEX transcripts
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation

What are the requirements for applicants to the program?
U.S. Graduates: Candidates for admission to the residency program must have received the degree of Doctor of Medicine or its equivalent from an accredited U.S. medical school. Graduates who have already completed some training at other institutions also are considered for appointments.

International Medical Graduates (IMGs): To be considered for an interview for these training tracks, an applicant must have passed both parts I and II of the USMLE, passed USMLE Step II CS (pursue one of the eligibility pathways explained below), and preferably have clinical experience (at least one month) at an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, or Europe. An ECFMG status report will be required.

To apply to the internal medicine training program, IMGs must hold a current ECFMG certificate (issued by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates).

IMG applicants without an ECFMG certificate should review the eligibility pathways on the ECFMG website (ecfmg.org) and make sure they meet all the criteria prior to application.

For more information, please contact:

Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates
3624 Market Str., 4th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2685, USA
215-386-5900

Does your program participate in the match?
Yes, we do participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Please note: The NRMP has adopted a new policy requiring programs participating in the Main Residency Match to place all of their positions in the Match.

How many PGY1 positions are available?
There are 24 positions (16 categorical and 8 preliminary)

How are applicants selected for an interview?
The Internship Selection Committee carefully reviews each application. Interview decisions are only made after all materials have been submitted. We are unable to give informational assessments of documents submitted for review. We interview approximately 200 candidates for the internal medicine training program each year. Although we receive applications from many well-qualified candidates, it is not possible to interview all who apply. Every effort is made to notify applicants of their interview status in a timely manner.

How are applicants notified about an interview?
Applicants will receive an email through ERAS regarding application status. We do not schedule any individual interviews outside of the scheduled interviewed dates.

When are interviews held?
Interviews are held on Fridays between November and January. Specific dates are sent to applicants who are offered an interview.

Do you accept IMGs?
Yes, we have a tradition of accepting the most outstanding graduates.

Do you accept DOs?
Yes, we have a tradition of accepting the most outstanding graduates.

Do you have a cut off limit for USMLE scores?
All applicants must have passed both parts I and II (CS and CK) of USMLE on the first attempt.  COMLEX scores are accepted.

Is there a limit to years since graduation?
The majority of applicants interviewed have graduated within the past three years.

Do you require U.S. clinical experience?
Yes, clinical experience, of at least one month, at an accredited institution in the United States is strongly preferred.

Do you sponsor visas?
Yes, however, we only sponsor J-1 visa residents.