Selection Process

The Pathology Residency Training Program participates in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). Generally all training positions are offered by participating through the matching system.

Applicants submit applications and supporting documents through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Any document not printed in English must be accompanied by an acceptable English translation performed by a qualified translator. Each translation must be accompanied by an affidavit of accuracy acceptable to the hospital.

The program requires receipt of the following documents for completion of the application process: 

• An ERAS application form
• A medical school performance evaluation (Dean's letter)
• An official medical school transcript
• A personal statement addressing the applicant’s goals and interest in a career in pathology 
• Graduates of medical schools outside of the U.S. and Canada must have a valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate.
• In order to participate in an accredited Graduate Medical Education clinical training program at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, foreign national physicians must seek 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.
• United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) (Steps 1, 2CK, 2CS) or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) (Levels 1, 2CE, 2PE) transcripts
• 3 letters of recommendation from faculty references

The Director of the Residency Program, or designee, is empowered by the Residency Committee to review all documentation and determine if the applicant should be invited for an interview. Criteria used for this determination include:

• Any awards or honors
• Caliber and reputation of the applicant's collegiate and medical school education
• Enthusiasm of recommendation of the Dean's letter
• Evidence of scientific inquiry or research activities, including publications and presentations
• Grades or grade point average, or other evidence of academic achievement or excellence
• Letters of recommendation
• Other curricular or extra-curricular activities
• Relative scholastic or class rank, if available
• Sincerity and depth in the personal statement
• Strong references to character

Prior to the interview date, the coordinator provides access to the applicant's documents to all interviewers, together with a standard evaluation form.

Interviewers complete a standard evaluation form for each applicant. At the end of the interview season, the Program Coordinator computes a numerical ranking of the applicants based on each Residency Committee member's ranking. The Committee meets before Match submission deadline to review the individual applicants and the rank order. A final rank list is compiled and reviewed one last time by the entire Committee prior to submission to NRMP.