Applying to Our Program

We accept applicants through the ERAS website from LCME- & COCA-accredited medical schools as well as US citizens training at international medical schools.

Our program utilizes a holistic review process to review each applicant’s file. Each application is reviewed in its entirety by one or more of our faculty members. Faculty that review applicants undergo extensive preparation including implicit bias training to help diversify our program and EM as a field. Further, we blind reviewers to ERAS photos during the review process to further reduce the impact of implicit biases. We value all forms of diversity and aspire to build the most inclusive experience so that we may grow from each other’s differences. Holistic review can be time-intensive and faculty continuously review applications on a rolling basis. To maximize a successful review, we highly encourage you to have all your materials submitted on the date that ERAS opens for program review.

Our program participates in the ERAS preference signaling program during the ‘24-25 application cycle. While we do not automatically interview all applicants who preference signal our program, we do re-review those applications more frequently during the season. During the pilot program, we offered an interview to those that signaled our program at a higher rate than those that did not. If you have no geographic connection to the area but are very interested in our program, assigning us a token could be helpful in obtaining an interview as we are eager to continue to grow our geographic diversity. We anticipate the same will be true with the new geographic preference program that EM will be participating in during the ‘24-25 year. All those who complete an Acting Internship or subspecialty EM rotation with our program will be granted an interview and thus do not need to signal our program.

Our process emphasizes the EM Standard Letter of Evaluation (SLOE) as a key metric for your success in clinical practice. Only 1 SLOE is required for application review, however, we find that 2 SLOE’s can often help demonstrate your growth as a clinician. Faculty review applications by region so that they can become familiar with the nuances of SLOE writers at programs in that region. Our process is organized around finding applicants who will contribute to our program, EM, and our local community. Thus, mentions of work ethic and openness to teaching/feedback in the SLOE are of particular value to our team. 

When reviewing applications, we do NOT use Step 1 scores in any form of screening (though we do require passage). Due to concern over equity in the selection processes, we eliminated consideration of Alpha Omega Alpha & Sigma Sigma Phi Honor Societies from our review. We highly encourage submission of Step 2 or COMLEX 2 with your initial application. Our process does not emphasize standardized test scores, as we believe test-taking skills are not a particularly important aspect of successful emergency physicians.

Our program believes growth orientation is key to lifelong success in EM. We value applicants who have built experiences that contribute to their own growth as well as the growth of those around them. Creating new opportunities through service or academic offerings is one way to highlight this. Leadership experiences that go beyond a local level show that you aspire to make a broader impact in your career. Exploring an idea through scholarship and seeing it through to presentation or publication at a meeting highlights curiosity.

We truly enjoy getting to hear your story through your personal statement. We believe narrative is a powerful tool, so be sure to tell a story (or two) as you introduce yourself to us. The personal statement is a great opportunity to highlight the unique perspective you will bring to our team. Remember that the Match is a two-way street and highlighting how you will contribute to our program goes a long way in describing how you will integrate with our team and community.