What visas do you sponsor?
Foreign national physicians must possess a work visa at the start of the training year and, except as noted below, must seek Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) sponsorship as a J-1 exchange visitor. The objectives of the Exchange Visitor Program are to enhance international exchange and to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other nations through the interchange of persons, knowledge, and skills.
Medical students currently enrolled in a U.S. medical school on an F visa may be considered for training under an H1b visa status. Further details regarding this issue can be obtained during your interview.
Do you have a minimum USMLE score?
We have no minimum United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) score for application. However, most candidates selected to interview have a 3-digit score of 200 or better, and have passed on their first attempt.
Do you accept COMLEX scores and if so, what is the minimal acceptable score?
Yes, we consider Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) and USMLE interchangeable. As with USMLE scores, there is no minimum required for application, however the majority of candidates invited to interview have a 3-digit score of 550 or greater on COMLEX.
Should I apply to your program if I failed the USMLE on a prior attempt?
In most situations, we require passage of the USMLE on the first try. All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and the number of attempts at passing the USMLE is strongly considered.
Do you require USMLE Step 2 prior to interviewing and ranking?
Step 2 is not required prior to interviewing. Passing USMLE Step 2 is required in order to obtain a NH training license. Candidates should be scheduled to take Step 2 prior to ranking in February.
Does your program accept applications from medical students trained outside the US and Canada?
In order to be considered for a position in our program, applicants from medical schools located outside the U.S. and Canada must meet the following requirements:
- Passed USMLE Steps 1 & 2
- Be fluent in spoken and written English
- Is eligible for ECFMG certification
Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or green card holders must be eligible for a J visa; our program does not sponsor applicants from medical schools outside the U.S. for H1b visas.
International graduates must have completed USMLE Steps 1 and 2 CK to be considered for an interview. USMLE 2 CS must be completed prior to the rank order deadline or you will be automatically withdrawn from the match.
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 inquire at The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth about a visiting 4th-year elective rotation in our department.
How do candidates apply?
We only accept applications through Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applications sent by mail, email, fax, or another delivery are not accepted.
What letters of reference are required for application?
In addition to the Dean's Letter / Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), we require 3 current letters of recommendation from individuals who have worked closely with you.
Do candidates need to be ECFMG-certified to apply to the program?
International graduates must have completed USMLE Step 1 and 2 CK to be considered for an interview. USMLE 2 CS must be completed prior to the rank order deadline or you will be automatically withdrawn from the match.
What is the latest date for submission of application?
Applications can be submitted until November 1 of the recruitment year.
What are my chances of getting an interview?
Each application is reviewed and evaluated on its individual merits and accomplishments. Invitations are emailed to selected applicants in early October on a continual basis until all interview slots are full.
When do new residents start?
Incoming residents are required to be here for GME Orientation in mid-June. Pathology Orientation immediately follows and is also mandatory.
Do you offer pre-match positions?
We only accept applications through ERAS and rank our candidates through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). We do not offer pre-match positions.
When do our interviews begin and end?
Interviews are typically conducted in November and December. Interviews are held on select Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. The interview day typically begins 8:00 am and usually ends by 1:00 pm.
Once I get an invitation to interview, what information will be sent to 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 confirmation email. The interview schedule, information about the institution and area, and directions to the hotel and medical center will be emailed to the candidate.