How to Apply

When is the deadline to apply to your program?

December 15 is our deadline to apply

How should one apply to your program?

Only electronic applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) are accepted by the Department of Pediatrics for residency and fellowship positions. U.S. medical students should contact their dean's office for access to the ERAS system. Foreign medical graduates must apply for residency positions through ERAS by contacting the ECFMG.

What are the minimum requirements for admission into your program?

• Medical school transcript
• Dean's letter
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• USMLE Step I score report
• USMLE Step II score report
• USMLE Step II CS
• Current photo
• ECFMG certificate (Certificate is not required to interview; certificate must be obtained to be ranked.)

Does your program accept the COMLEX in lieu of USMLE for graduates of osteopathic medical schools?

Yes.

Does your program consider a minimum cutoff score for USMLE exams?

Passing scores for USMLE are required. There are no minimal passing score requirements; however, USMLE scores are considered an important part of the complete application.

How many spots does your program offer?

We have 16 categorical pediatric positions.

Does your program impose a limit on the graduate year of applicants?

Yes. We ask that applicants have graduated no more than 5 years from time of application.

What type(s) of Visas does your program sponsor?

We only sponsor the J-1 Visa. Unfortunately, we do not substitute or accept any others at this time.

Do you accept International Medical Graduates (IMGs)? If so, what percentage of your program is comprised of IMGs?

The UMMC program is proud to accept graduates of any program if they meet the minimum requirements set forth by our program. The percentage varies from year to year, usually between 3-5%.

Is U.S. clinical experience required for IMGs?

No, U.S. clinical experience is not required for admission into our program, but may be taken into consideration when your application is reviewed.

What is your selection criteria?

Selection of residents and fellows in the Department of Pediatrics at UMMC is based on academic records, recommendation letters, and interviews. Selection is made without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, marital or veteran status, age, or disability.

Residents at UMMC must obtain a Mississippi medical license. The Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure requires that all applicants pass United States Medical Licensure Examination Steps 1 and 2 (Clinical Knowledge and Clinical Skills) before a restricted temporary (training) license will be issued. Graduates of non-US medical schools must pass USMLE Steps 1, 2CK, and 2CS to be eligible for a Limited Institutional License. All physicians must pass USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3 to be eligible for permanent Mississippi medical license.

Applicants who are not United States citizens must have a J-1 Visa or Permanent Resident Card to be employed as a resident or fellow at UMMC. International medical graduates must have a current, valid ECFMG certificate to begin residency or fellowship training.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center requires all new employees to submit to a drug screen. Incoming residents and fellows will undergo a drug screen upon arrival to campus or during orientation. Trainees will be fingerprinted and background investigation will be conducted, including previous employment, licensing, certification, criminal background, credit, and personal references.

The Department of Pediatrics training programs include Categorical, Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency, and eight fellowship training programs: Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Pediatric Critical Care, Child Neurology, Neonatology, Allery/Immunology and Palliative. Interested applicants should contact the director of the individual program for specific application information.