Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
The St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Residency Training Program (categorical) 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:
- Curriculum vitae
- ECFMG status report
- Medical school transcript
- Dean’s letter
- USMLE or COMLEX transcripts
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
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 5 positions
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 75-100 candidates for the psychiatry 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 regarding application status. We do not schedule any individual interviews outside of the scheduled interviewed dates.
When are interviews held?
Interviews are held between November and January. Specific dates are sent to applicants who are offered an interview.
Do you accept IMGs?
Yes, however, the program receives over 1,000 applications from IMGs and cannot offer interviews to all of the highly qualified candidates who apply.
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. COMLEX scores are accepted.
Is there a cut-off date for graduation from medical school?
No. We consider each application on an individual basis. However, length of time away from clinical practice is considered important.
Do you sponsor visas?
Yes, we sponsor J-1 visas. Although we sponsor visas, we do not pay for processing.
What is the minimum score requirement for USMLE Step I and II?
There is no minimum score requirement. We do consider applicants who pass the USMLE exams on the first attempt with scores above 210 most competitive.
Do you require a letter from a psychiatrist?
Letters should be from people who know you well and can provide an unbiased assessment of your clinical or research abilities. Therefore, we would rather have letters from other physicians who know you well than a psychiatrist who has only met you briefly. Likewise, a letter from a junior faculty member is often more effective than a letter from a well-known faculty member who does not know you personally. On the other hand, letters should demonstrate a commitment to psychiatry.
Do you require applicants to have passed Step 3?
Applicants do not need to pass Step 3 before applying. All residents must pass Step 3 by the end of the PGY2 year to remain in the program.
Do you require clinical experience in the United States?
Applicants should have at least one month of clinical or research experience in the United States or Canada in the form of an observership, externship, or research training program.
Do you accept COMLEX scores instead of USMLE scores from osteopathic medical students?
COMLEX scores are accepted from DO students as a substitute for USMLE scores.
Do you offer externships, observerships, or research opportunities?
The program does not offer clinical or research training experiences at the present time.