North Division Internal Medicine Residency: Frequently Asked Questions
ARE IMGs ELIGIBLE FOR YOUR PROGRAM?
We will consider all qualified candidates, including U.S. graduates, IMGs and Fifth Pathways.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM USMLE SCORE YOU ACCEPT?
Generally, we seek candidates who have scores of 85 or above on both parts passing on the first attempt. Although occasional exceptions can be made, it is unusual for us to interview any candidate who does not have USMLE scores in the mid 80's or above. USMLE Steps 1, 2CK, CS and 3 must be taken and passed in order to be considered for an H1 visa.
DOES THE YEAR OF MEDICAL SCHOOL GRADUATION MATTER?
Yes. We prefer candidates who have graduated from medical school within the past eight years. However, we do consider many candidates who have had continuous clinical experience or contact since graduation. Those who have not had recent clinical contact should ideally undergo a period of observership in a U.S. hospital prior to beginning a residency.
DO YOU REQUIRE CLINICAL EXPERIENCE IN THE UNITED STATES?
Familiarity with the U.S. healthcare system is an obvious asset. Candidates who have completed an observership are viewed more favorably.
DO YOU ACCEPT APPLICATIONS BY MAIL?
No. All applications must be processed through ERAS. We receive a large number of applications, and it is not possible for us to respond to individual requests about the status of a specific application. We also do not send any rejection notices to candidates who are not called for an interview (see below).
WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS?
Interviews are normally held between October and January. Applicants should submit all their information via ERAS as soon as the system opens, which is usually August 1. We begin the review process in September, and generally continue to download applications from the ERAS Post Office until November 1 or until all the available appointments for interviews have been taken. Please remember that we receive a very large number of applications, and it is not possible to interview more than approximately 15% of the candidates who apply.
HOW MANY LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION ARE NEEDED?
We require three (3) letters of recommendation. For our purposes, these should be from U.S. based clinicians who can comment on the candidate's overall skills and potential for success in a residency. The letters must be submitted through ERAS. Letters submitted through the mail or in any other format will not be accepted.
IS ECFMG CERTIFICATION NECESSARY?
For all IMG's, ECFMG certification is necessary prior to the beginning of the residency. This includes Steps 1 and 2 (Clinical Knowledge) of the USMLE exam, and the CSA (Clinical Skills Assessment).
WHAT ABOUT FELLOWSHIPS?
There are three fully accredited fellowships based at the North Division of Montefiore Medical Center, including Gastroenterology, Geriatric Medicine and Hematology/Oncology. In addition, fellows in Nephrology from Metropolitan Hospital (NYC) rotate through Montefiore Medical Center North Division.
WHAT IS YOUR ACADEMIC AFFILIATION?
We are a university hospital affiliated with New York Medical College.
DO RESIDENTS HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH?
All residents are strongly encouraged to submit a research project as a means of complying with the ACGME requirement for scholarly activity. Appropriate guidance and faculty supervision are readily available to facilitate the process. Many of our previous and current residents have participated in presentations at national and regional meetings, and a considerable number have contributed to publications in peer-reviewed journals.
ARE THERE MEDICAL STUDENTS AT MONTEFIORE MEDICAL CENTER NORTH DIVISION?
Third-year students from New York Medical College may have their Medicine clerkship at the North Division of Montefiore Medical Center. Second-year New York Medical College students may come to the North Division for their physical diagnosis course.
WHERE DO YOUR RESIDENTS GO AFTER THEIR RESIDENCY IS COMPLETED?
Approximately 50-55% of our residents ultimately enter primary care practices, with the remainder taking positions as hospitalists or subspecialty fellows.
DO THE RESIDENTS TAKE ANY EXAMINATIONS?
The incoming PGY-1 residents take a series of exams in August, based on introductory lecture material. The PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents take monthly exams in various subspecialties and special topics. All residents are required to take the annual ACP in-training exam held in October.
HOW ARE RESIDENTS EVALUATED?
This is a continuous process. Residents are evaluated by their peers as well as by their superiors and teachers. Monthly evaluation forms are submitted to the Department of Medicine corresponding to performance on each rotation, as well as in the clinic (OPD).
WHEN DO I FIND OUT ABOUT PROMOTIONS?
In order to qualify for promotion, residents must demonstrate an overall satisfactory performance in all the competencies, as defined by ACGME. Promotions are announced no later than December 15; however, in the majority of cases, residents are told several weeks prior to that date.
DOES THE PROGRAM SPONSOR ANY SOCIAL EVENTS?
There is an annual holiday party held in December and an annual graduation party held in June.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL AWARDS OR RECOGNITION?
"Praise Letters" may be given at any time in order to document any exceptional or noteworthy performance. At graduation, awards are given in a variety of categories, including a "Best Resident" award for each year, "Best Teacher" awards, and an "Humanitarian Award".
DO YOU OFFER ANY SPECIAL COURSES OR REVIEW SESSIONS TO PREPARE FOR THE BOARD EXAMS?
Yes, we hold a Board Review course annually in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics towards the end of the training year. The project is a useful adjunct to help trainees prepare for certification exams.