Road Map to Residency

How to start and go about the process of securing a residency position?

1. Pick your desired residency (internal medicine, surgery, radiology etc.)
2. Send away for an ERAS (Electronic Residency Application System) application
3. Research your destination hospitals (see AMA's FREIDA online)
4. Complete and dispatch the ERAS application to ECFMG
5. Register as an independent applicant with the National Residency Matching Program.
6. Watch the Automated Document Tracking System (ADTS) for the progress of your ERAS submission
7. Call/e-mail the hospitals that have received your ERAS application, and ask about interview schedules. Request early decisions based on your need to complete international travel
8. Attend for your interviews
9. Rank your favorite programs in NRMP's ROL (rank order list)
10. Submit your rank order list by internet to the National Residency Matching Program
11. While awaiting the match results, research your visa options and send for the licensing application packs for the states that you feel most likely to match with.
12. Obtain your match results (or enter the scramble if unmatched)
13. Sign and return your contract
14. If immigrating on a J1 visa, get the DS2019 form from ECFMG and apply through your local consulate. If immigrating on a H-visa, you'll need to get your state license completed first (requires your ECFMG certificate and a copy of the signed contract with the hospital)
15. Organize accommodation, flights, cargo etc.