Planning and Applying for Residency

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.