How to Apply

Thank you for considering Yale Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery! We are looking forward to welcoming 3 new interns to join the Yale PRS family for the next year.

For the 2020-2021 academic year, we are using the AAMC Electronic Residency Application Service® (ERAS®), in addition to the Plastic Surgery Common Application (PSCA) . You may submit just the PSCA or ERAS® or both applications. The type of application you submit will not affect your application in anyway.

All applicants must be registered to participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). All must have received a MD or DO degree from an institution accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Graduates of schools of medicine from countries other than the United States or Canada must present final certification by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).

For more information, please contact Program Director Dr. Henry Hsia or Program Coordinator Monika Chmielewska.

ERAS®

Application Requirements:

Common Application Form
Personal Statement
Medical School Transcript
Dean’s Letter
Letters of Recommendation (minimum of 3)
USMLE scores

PSCA

The PSCA is a free, plastic surgery-specific application form that was developed to decrease costs for applicants and streamline the application process. It is a pilot program that may replace ERAS® in future application cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the important dates for the PSCA?: The PSCA will open on September 14. All applications submitted prior to October 21 will be transmitted to programs at 9:00 AM EST on October 21. Any application submitted afterwards will be transmitted to programs within 1 week of submission. The PSCA will close at 11:59 PM EST on December 1.
Can I save the PSCA and return later?: Yes, there is a function to save using a return code. If you are unable to access your application for any reason, please reach out to brian.c.drolet@vumc.org and kianna.jackson@vumc.org for assistance.
Will programs still review my application if I only apply using ERAS?: With the exception of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, all participating programs will also accept ERAS this cycle. We ask, however, that you also fill out the PSCA to accurately pilot this reform.
How will this affect ranking programs for the match? Can we still rank programs if they accept only PSCA?: Yes. The NRMP is separate from ERAS entirely. You can rank any plastic surgery program regardless of what application system they use.
How do I submit Letters of Recommendation using the PSCA?: You will be asked to provide email addresses for up to 3 letter writers (Note: These should be the same as for the ERAS application). Upon submission, they will automatically receive a link to upload your letter, as well as fill out the ACAPS Standardized Recommendation Form electronically. They will receive weekly reminders to upload your letter, and you will receive a confirmation email once it has been uploaded. If you’d like to have your letters uploaded prior to application submission, please use the separate LOR form at https://redcap.vanderbilt.edu/surveys/?s=L3XM7RCMRH.
How do I upload my Dean’s Letter using the PSCA?: Similar to letters of recommendation, you will be asked to provide an email for your Medical Student Affairs office, and they will automatically receive an email with a link to upload. You will receive a confirmation email once it has been uploaded.
If my school has changed the grading process due to COVID, how can I indicate that on the PSCA?: You are not alone in this! Many students have asked this question, and there is now a comment box where you can explain any course grades.
Do all medical schools know about the PSCA?: There has not been an official announcement to medical schools notifying them about the PSCA. Whenever they receive a request to submit a Dean’s Letter or transcript, they will receive some information as well as contact information for us (PSCA Administration) should they have any questions. This is also true for requests going to letter writers.
Should I include virtual away rotations on my application?: The primary goal of virtual away rotations is for you to learn about programs. For this cycle, only include away rotations done in-person (i.e. if you don’t have a home program and did your plastics rotation elsewhere).
How are my scores and grades verified?: You will be asked to upload PDF copies of your score reports and transcripts in addition to entering them manually. As with many systems in medicine, this process relies on trust. If you are found to have falsified your credentials in any way, we reserve the right to disclose the violation to all program directors.