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Frequently Asked Program Questions

 

Q: How many residents are in each class?
A: We offer 3 categorical positions each year in a five-year categorical program.

Q:  What qualifications that the program looks for in residency applicants?
A:  Invitation to an interview will be offered for applicants who have strong academic   performance and demonstrate leadership skills and professionalism.

Q:  Do I need to take USMLE step 2?
A:  A USMLE Step 2 score is not required prior to applying to SJMC residency program.  However, having Step 2 score will strengthen your application.  Completion of USMLE step 3 is required before beginning the PGY-1 year.

Q:  What is the minimum USMLE Step 1 score that I needed to be considered?
A:  There I no minimum score because we look at each application as a whole.  We consider medical school performance, board exam scores, and extracurricular activities.  All of the applications are reviewed personally by the Program Director.

Q:  What are the requirements for D.O. applicants?
A:  Doctors of osteopathic medicine candidates are encouraged to take the USLME.  However. Individuals that provide only COMLEX scores are considered.

Q:  Is there medical school graduation cut off year?
A:  No

Q:  Do you require any research experience?
A:  Not formally. But prospective medical students who have never been involved in any kind of independent research will be at a disadvantage compared to other applicants.

Q:  Are foreign medical graduates accepted in your residency?  
A:  We consider all applicants to our program.  We sponsor J-1 visas.

Q:  Are positions available outside the match?
A:  Yes, for the qualified candidates.

Q:  Do you offer high-fidelity patient simulation (HPS) during training?
A:  We have a dedicated simulation center, which is used throughout the residency for initial orientation, boot camp training, practice crisis management scenarios, and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) preparation.

Q:  Is free parking provided?
A:  Yes.  Parking is included at all clinical sites free of charge.

Q:  How much time do residents get for vacation?
A:  Residents receive 21 calendar days annually.  A maximum of 14 consecutive days may be taken as a continuous block, subject to approval of the program director.  Vacation time must be used within the academic year.

Q:  Do you provide an educational fund?
A:  Yes

Q:  What does the resident educational fund cover?
A:  Funds can be used towards books, question banks, USMLE Step 3, basic and advanced exams, and other educational materials.

Q:  Do residents have protected time for education?
A:  Residents are given protected time to attend weekly lectures, pursue independent research projects, PBLDs, Journal Clubs, and academic conferences.