Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions for PGY I applicants

How many openings to you have for PGY-1 each year?: We anticipate accepting sixteen PGY1 residents into our program.
How do I go about applying?: All applications for PGY1 positions must be submitted through ERAS/Thalamus or, if you are a graduate of a non-U.S. medical college, through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates “ECFMG” office (www.ecfmg.org).
Do I need to submit my application electronically?: Yes, we only accept applications that are submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service “ERAS” (www.aamc.org/eras).
How many letters of recommendation are required?: At least three.
Do you accept applications outside the Match system?: No, all of our PGY1 positions will be filled through the National Residency Matching Program “NRMP”.
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.
The ERAS application asks me to include a personal statement. What type of information should I include and how long should it be?: The personal statement should be about 500 words in length. Tell us a little bit about yourself – your interests, experiences and aspirations. It would also be helpful to describe your reasons, both professional and personal, for choosing the field of psychiatry.
Is there additional information that I should include in my application beyond what is required by ERAS?: If you are part of a couples match, please let us know the name and specialty of the other person. Also, let us know if you are interested in being considered for the Neuroscience Research Training Program. See our website for more details (https://medicine.yale.edu/psychiatry/education/residency/research/nrtp/). This information can be included in your personal statement.
Is there a deadline for submitting applications?: We begin reviewing applications as soon as they are opened to programs in ERAS and begin conducting interviews in mid-November. We have no formal deadline for the submission of applications, but interview slots fill quickly. We do maintain a waitlist. All interview offers are typically made by mid-to-late December.

Frequently asked questions from graduates of non-U.S. medical colleges

Do I need an ECFMG certificate in order to apply?: Yes, unless you have not yet graduated from medical school. If you have graduated, you must be ECFMG certified at the time you submit your application in order for us to read your application and decide whether to grant you an interview. We request that you submit a copy of your ECFMG certificate with your application.
Is there a cut-off score for the USMLE exams?: We have no minimum score requirement, but we typically require that you pass without any failures all the steps of the USMLE that you have taken so far.
Do you require clinical experience in the US?: Yes, we require supervised clinical experience of at least one month in the United States along with reference letters from the site supervisors. Although it is preferable, we do not require that the experience be in psychiatry.
Do you sponsor visas?: We sponsor H-1B visas and accept applicants on J-1 visas granted through the ECFMG office. Please make note that to be sponsored for an H-1B visa, all steps of the USMLE must be passed prior to Match Day.
Do you have international medical graduates in your program?: Yes, we do.
Do you offer externships or observerships?: No, we do not.

Frequently asked questions regarding applications for advanced positions

Do you have openings for PGY2 residents?: Yes, we typically accept one or two residents for the PGY2 year.
How do I apply for a PGY2 position?: Applications can be submitted to us directly, or through the ERAS system
The application form asks me to attach a personal statement. What type of information should I include and how long should it be?: The personal statement should be typewritten and be about 500 words in length. Tell us a little bit about yourself – your interests, experiences and aspirations. It would also be helpful to describe your reasons, both professional and personal, for choosing the field of psychiatry.
Do you have openings for residents beyond the second year?: Occasionally, we have openings for more advanced positions. Please contact us for more information.