How to Apply

Is Dartmouth the right program for me?

  • Our program mostly matches US MD students with a smaller number of DO students and international medical graduates.
  • We value all 3 types of medical training and match applicants from across the US and the world to join a diverse group of empathetic, team oriented, kind, smart residents.
  • In the 2023/2024 recruiting cycle the mean USMLE step 2 score of our matched applicants was 248.
  • Our residents have a broad range of academic and clinical interests including: primary care, hospital medicine, all the medicine subspecialties, medical education, research, and advocacy.
  • Many of our residents enjoy living in a rural area and the outdoor opportunities that affords across all four seasons.

Selection policy

  • National Matching Programs (NRMP): The Internal Medicine Training Program participates in the national matching program.
  • Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS): Applicants must submit their complete application using ERAS. Applications by e-mail, mail, fax, or other delivery will not be accepted. Applications must include:
    • The common application form
    • USMLE / COMLEX scores
    • ECFMG report and certificate for international medical graduates (this includes U.S. applicants attending medical schools outside of the U.S.)
    • An official transcript from the applicant's medical school
    • Medical Student Performance Evaluation
    • 3 to 4 Letters of Recommendation, including
      • The Department of Medicine letter (when available)
      • 2 or 3 additional letters of recommendation
    • The personal statement
    • NOTE: A photograph is not required for application
  • Signals: Applicants are encouraged to utilize ERAS signaling to demonstrate a specific interest in our program. This includes, in line with AAMC recommendations, both students at the Geisel school of medicine and any applicant who may have rotated at Dartmouth Health as a visiting student. Signal preference will be incorporated as an important part of our holistic review. Although sending a signal will not guarantee an interview, we are unlikely to interview many applicants who do not assign our program a “gold” or “silver” signal.

Eligibility requirements

  • Medical school: Eligible applicants must be graduates of a medical school accredited by either the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) or of an international medical school listed by the World Health Organization published World Directory of Medical Schools. International Medical Graduates must expect to have a current, valid certificate from the Educational Commission on Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) by the beginning of training.
  • USMLE/COMLEX examinations: Applicants must have passed Steps 1 and 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (“USMLE”) or COMLEX equivalent.
  • Medical licensure: Applicants must be eligible to obtain a New Hampshire training license. All appointments are contingent upon the resident obtaining and maintaining a New Hampshire training or full license.
  • Prerequisite training: Eligible applicants who are not graduates of US allopathic medical schools must demonstrate US clinical experience in an academic medical center equivalent to that of a 3rd or 4th year US allopathic medical student, as evidenced by supportive letters of recommendation.
  • Visa status: Foreign citizens who have attended a US medical school will be considered for an H-type visa. Other foreign citizens requiring work authorization will be offered a J-type visa.
  • Additional appointment requirements: Successful applicants must satisfactorily complete a reference check, background check, employee physical, alcohol and drug testing, and any other pre-employment criteria as may be required by Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
  • Non-discrimination: The Internal Medicine Training Program will not discriminate with regard to gender, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy, or sexual orientation.
  • Meet essential standards: Applicants must meet the essential standards of an internal medicine resident, as listed at the end of this document.

Appointment requirements

After successfully matching into the Internal Medicine Residency Program, applicants must:

  • Consent to a criminal background check.
  • Submit to a pre‐employment drug and alcohol screening.
  • Meet eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain a training license in the State of New Hampshire.
  • Supply proof of ECFMG certification (Foreign Medical Graduates only).
  • Non‐citizens must have Permanent Resident Status, current Employment Authorization Card or be eligible to obtain an appropriate visa no later than the date of hire.
  • Submit proof of successful graduation from medical school.
  • Updated USMLE/COMLEX results, if applicable
  • Sign a GME at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Agreement of Appointment / Employment Contract
  • Submit to a health examination and supplementary test(s), which includes tests for drug and/or alcohol abuse, and receive the required immunizations in compliance with the sponsored program hospital’s policy and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. It must be determined the applicant is in sufficient physical and mental condition to perform the essential functions of appointment. The results of all examinations shall be provided to the Hospital’s Employee Occupational Health Services.
  • Successful passage of Institutional Net Learning Modules required for employment.
  • Attend required GME orientation

Essential functions for Internal Medicine residents

Residents must, without an intermediary, be able to:

  • Take a history and perform a physical examination of patients.
  • Communicate with patients and staff, verbally and otherwise in a manner that exhibits good professional judgment and is appropriate for the professional setting.
  • Read charts, monitors, and other sources of clinical information.
  • Complete appropriate medical records and documents and plans according to protocol and in a complete and timely manner.
  • Possess sufficient sensory and motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion and other diagnostic maneuvers.
  • Be able to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients.
  • Perform all job functions while dressed in protective clothing required for clinical duties, including tolerating a mask, gown, and gloves.
  • Move throughout the Medical Center to address routine and emergent patient care issues and to attend required educational programs.
  • Work shifts of varying lengths and intensity including day, evening, and overnight assignments.
  • Provide care at all clinical sites, including Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, the White River Junction VA, and all affiliated community sites.
  • Utilize a computer for medical record review, documentation, decision support, research, and education in an efficient and timely fashion.
  • Possess the emotional health required for full use of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment and the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients.
  • Have the emotional maturity to self-assess, know own limitations and seek advice or counseling in situations that might impair own learning or performance in the care of patients, and to proactively seek appropriate treatment including leaves of absence.