Frequently Asked Program Questions
Q: How many residents are in each class?
A: We offer 3 categorical positions each year in a five-year categorical program.
Q: What qualifications that the program looks for in residency applicants?
A: Invitation to an interview will be offered for applicants who have strong academic performance and demonstrate leadership skills and professionalism.
Q: Do I need to take USMLE step 2?
A: A USMLE Step 2 score is not required prior to applying to SJMC residency program. However, having Step 2 score will strengthen your application. Completion of USMLE step 3 is required before beginning the PGY-1 year.
Q: What is the minimum USMLE Step 1 score that I needed to be considered?
A: There I no minimum score because we look at each application as a whole. We consider medical school performance, board exam scores, and extracurricular activities. All of the applications are reviewed personally by the Program Director.
Q: What are the requirements for D.O. applicants?
A: Doctors of osteopathic medicine candidates are encouraged to take the USLME. However. Individuals that provide only COMLEX scores are considered.
Q: Is there medical school graduation cut off year?
A: No
Q: Do you require any research experience?
A: Not formally. But prospective medical students who have never been involved in any kind of independent research will be at a disadvantage compared to other applicants.
Q: Are foreign medical graduates accepted in your residency?
A: We consider all applicants to our program. We sponsor J-1 visas.
Q: Are positions available outside the match?
A: Yes, for the qualified candidates.
Q: Do you offer high-fidelity patient simulation (HPS) during training?
A: We have a dedicated simulation center, which is used throughout the residency for initial orientation, boot camp training, practice crisis management scenarios, and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) preparation.
Q: Is free parking provided?
A: Yes. Parking is included at all clinical sites free of charge.
Q: How much time do residents get for vacation?
A: Residents receive 21 calendar days annually. A maximum of 14 consecutive days may be taken as a continuous block, subject to approval of the program director. Vacation time must be used within the academic year.
Q: Do you provide an educational fund?
A: Yes
Q: What does the resident educational fund cover?
A: Funds can be used towards books, question banks, USMLE Step 3, basic and advanced exams, and other educational materials.
Q: Do residents have protected time for education?
A: Residents are given protected time to attend weekly lectures, pursue independent research projects, PBLDs, Journal Clubs, and academic conferences.