Frequently Asked Questions

What visas do you sponsor?

Foreign national physicians must possess a work visa at the start of the training year, typically June 15, and except as noted below must seek Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) sponsorship as a J-1 exchange visitor. Medical students currently enrolled in a U.S. medical school on an F visa may be considered for training under an H1-b visa status. Further details regarding this issue can be found on the Visa Policy page. Foreign national physicians enrolled in MPH, PhD, or other training programs on an F visa must seek ECFMG sponsorship as a J-1 exchange visitor.

Does your program accept applications from medical students trained outside the U.S. and Canada?

We are happy to review applications from highly qualified international applicants. Applicants MUST have graduated from medical school within the last 3 years, have passed USMLE Steps 1 and 2 on their first attempt, be fluent in written and spoken English, be ECFMG certified, and have a minimum of 2-3 months of clinical training in the U.S., Canada, or at a major European medical center at the level of sub-intern. Observerships without direct patient responsibility are not acceptable. Applicants without a Green Card or U.S. citizenship will also need to be eligible for a J visa. We do not sponsor H1-b visas for applicants from medical schools outside the U.S.

Can I do an observership at your program?

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center does not sponsor observerships. If you are currently enrolled in medical school, you can visit the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth website to inquire about away rotations.

How do candidates apply?

We only accept applications through Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

Do you accept COMLEX scores?

Yes, we accept COMLEX scores and also require USMLE score from doctor of osteopathic medicine applicants.

Do you require USMLE Step 2 prior to interviewing and ranking?

If you have already passed your Step 2 CK, please submit results prior to ranking. If you have not yet passed, please alert the program coordinator prior to the time of interview.

Do candidates need to be ECFMG certified to apply to the program?

ECFMG certification must be obtained before a candidate will be considered for interviewing.

What are the earliest and latest dates for submission of application?

See APGO CREOG Standards to the Obgyn Application and Interview Process.

What are other websites that will give me needed information?

Candidates should review our GME website for detailed information regarding benefits, eligibility, visa policy, employment criteria and requirements, and other pertinent data.

Do you offer prematch positions?

No.

Once I get an invitation to interview, what information will you send me?

Once a candidate has been notified that they are invited for an interview and a date has been agreed upon, the candidate will receive a link to our website for more information about the area and our institution and the interview schedule for that date.

Does your program have a policy on family planning?

Yes. As the major provider of reproductive health care for women, obstetrician gynecologists play a key role in the provision of contraception services. During training at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, it is our expectation that residents will provide the full range of family planning services to our patients, including:

  1. Full explanation of advantages, disadvantages, failure rates, and complications associated with all method of contraception to patients.
  2. Performance of a pertinent history and physical exam, and interpretation of laboratory data to help patients make informed contraceptive choices.
  3. Provision of nondirective counseling with consideration of a patient's religious, ethical, and cultural differences and consideration of the factors that influence patient choices.
  4. Provision of prescriptions to patients for hormonal methods and barrier methods, placement of IUDs and implants, and performance of sterilization procedures under direct supervision of an attending physician.

For reasons of moral or ethical objection, residents may opt out of abortion training. Residents who do not provide abortions themselves are still expected to counsel patients, make appropriate referrals, and manage post-abortal complications.