Policies and Procedures

Trident GMEC Handbook

Curriculum

RESIDENT APPLICATION AND SELECTION

We are seeking residents who will exemplify the discipline of family medicine. These individuals must be sensitive to patient's needs and equally willing to spend the time to learn the science of medicine and computerized health care. Our program has a tremendous investment in monitoring education. Self-directed and motivated residents will benefit most from these available resources. Dedication to patient care and its improvement is a constant stimulus to our program for critical analysis and innovation. A resident's devotion to medicine makes them responsive teachers to medical students and active investigators into present and future health care needs of our state and nation.

Application Process

We use the ERAS System to receive applications. (We will not accept paper applications) Please contact your medical school for information.

For your application to be complete it must contain the following:

• Dean's Letter
• Transcript
• USMLE/COMLEX Scores
• 3 Letters of recommendation

The Resident Selection Committee screens the completed applications and invites applicants for an interview. Prompt invitations to interview will be offered.

Interview and Selection Process

Interviews will be scheduled from early November 2008 through January 31, 2009. We interview on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only. The interviews will be as close to the applicants preferred dates as possible. Partners and spouses are welcome to participate in all interviews. Interviews are scheduled with faculty members and residents. Lunch with a resident will be arranged. The applicant will also have the opportunity to tour the University Family Medicine Center, as well as the Trident Medical Center.

Our interviewing process is designed to make the selection process a fair and enriching experience. Interviewers are provided the information stated in the application and impressions are recorded by each interviewer. In February, these reports and the required information are studied carefully by the Resident Selection Committee and used to rank applicants for the National Resident Matching Program.

The following is from:
ERAS® 2008 Applicant Information Sheet
ERAS®-the Electronic Residency Application Service from the Association of American Medical Colleges

What is ERAS®?
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) developed ERAS®-the Electronic Residency Application Service, to transmit residency applications, letters of recommendation, Dean's Letters, transcripts, and other supporting credentials from applicants and medical schools to residency program directors using the Internet.

How does ERAS work?
The ERAS service is made up of four components: MyERAS—the applicant Web site, the Dean’s Office Workstation (DWS), the Program Director’s Workstation (PDWS), and the ERAS PostOffice (ERASPO). Using a secure Web browser, applicants complete an application form, select programs, and create and assign supporting documents. They then submit these files to the ERASPO for delivery to programs. School staff use the DWS to scan and store the applicant’s transcripts, MSPEs and letters of recommendation and transmit them to the ERASPO. Residency programs use the PDWS to connect to the ERASPO to download applications, and to review them using criteria they establish.

Which programs will use ERAS this year?
Most PGY1 specialties, including the Army and Navy, will use ERAS 2008 to receive their applications. A list of participating programs will be available on MyERAS and on the ERAS Web site in late-June at www.aamc.org/eras in the Participating Specialties area of the Residency Applicants section. Applicants should contact programs directly to confirm their participation.

How much does ERAS cost?
ERAS processing fees are based on the number of programs to which you apply. ERAS fees are: $60 initial application fee (includes up to 10 programs); $8 each for 11-20 programs; $15 each for 21-30 programs; and $25 each for program(s) over 30. Applicants who request USMLE and/or COMLEX transcripts via ERAS pay a $50 fee each to the NBME and/or NBOME for an unlimited number of electronic transcripts.

How do I gain access to the ERAS system?
Contact your designated dean's office. They will provide you with instructions for processing applications via ERAS.

* E-mail carmsmail@carms.ca
+ Click on www.ecfmg.org/eras
# Military applicants should also consult with their military counselor for special instructions.

When can I get started?
ERAS instructions and your electronic token to access MyERAS will be distributed from your designated dean’s office in late June. MyERAS will be available for you to begin working on your application on July 1, 2008. You may begin applying to residency programs September 1, 2008. Give yourself enough time to complete your application to ensure program deadlines are met. Contact programs to ensure you meet all program requirements.

What will my school do?
Your school (or designated dean’s office) will establish processing procedures for ERAS and the schedule for distributing MyERAS information. They will also process supporting application documents which include scanning transcripts, attaching documents, processing letters of recommendation, and sending files to selected programs via the ERASPO. Student affairs staff can also help you with career planning and targeting appropriate programs to apply to via ERAS.

When is the deadline?
Individual programs set deadlines. Contact the programs directly for more information about their requirements, facilities, and deadlines.

I don't have a computer at home. How can I apply?
You can use ANY computer with an Internet connection. The computer must have Internet Explorer Version 6.0 or higher. A valid e-mail address is also required so programs can contact you.

How do I apply to programs not participating in ERAS?
Contact the program directly for application requirements. You cannot use ERAS to apply to a program that is not available on the MyERAS web site.