Career Advising

Deciding on a career path in medicine is a process that can span the entire time you are in medical school and is all about self-discovery, connecting with good mentors, exploring your options, and making a decision. The Office of Student Affairs is strongly committed to assisting you find the right career. We are here to help every step of the way, from finding mentors, choosing electives, deciding on a specialty, to applying for residencies, and more.

The associate dean for student affairs and your head of advisory house are knowledgeable about all aspects of the residency application process (including MSPE, personal statements, applications, interviews, rank order lists, Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program, and couples match). They will also connect students to a vast network of affiliates for additional mentorship and support, including faculty, house staff, alumni from every specialty, librarians, and community members.

During the summer of their final year, students should get information about hospitals and residency programs in which they are interested. A good way to start is by consulting FREIDA (Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database Access System).

When you find a residency program that looks promising, go to the program website. It will have information on application deadlines, required number of letters of recommendation and other important application information.

The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) transmits applications, letters of recommendation, MSPEs, medical school transcripts, USMLE transcripts and other documents from the student and the medical school to the residency programs chosen by the student.

Access to ERAS usually starts in May. Before that, the associate dean will meet with students to review the application process.

Practice interviews are offered to students applying for residency. These interviews provide students with opportunities to practice and enhance their performance skills.
Practice Interviews are scheduled in September, October, and November. Contact the Office of Student Affairs for more information.

Residency Information Dinners are scheduled for the spring before the fourth year of medical school. The dinners bring together students, department chairs, residency program directors, and chief residents to answer all questions about the residency application process and life in that specialty.