Question 1

Where can I locate the NRMP compliant policies such as contracts and institutional/program policies?

Accepted Answer

You can view them here at this link all throughout the year.

Question 2

When do you begin reviewing applications?

Accepted Answer

We begin reviewing applications as soon as ERAS allows.

Question 3

How does the residency use signal preferences in ERAS?

Accepted Answer

While we preferentially review applications from those who signal our program, we also consider applicants who do not signal us, particularly those who have indicated a geographic preference for the Bay Area.

For further information and formal guidance from the AAMC on program signaling, please see this section of the AAMC website:

https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-residencies-eras/publication-chapters/program-signals-overview-residency-applicants

Question 4

What are the key items your program looks for in an application?

Accepted Answer

We look at board scores, clinical experience, Dean’s letter and other letters of reference, medical school transcript, and commitment to working with underserved populations.

Question 5

What is the difference between the categorical, primary and preliminary care residency tracks?

Accepted Answer

The preliminary track is one year of training for applicants matching in a specialty that requires a year long internship, such as anesthesiology, dermatology, neurology, ophthalmology, PM&R, radiation oncology, etc. 
The categorical track is a 3-year residency in Internal Medicine that provides general internal medicine training with a curriculum tailored to residents considering hospitalist or fellowship positions.
The primary care track is a 3-year residency in Internal Medicine that provides general internal medicine training with a curriculum tailored to residents considering a career in primary care.

Question 6

Can I apply for both categorical and primary care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you want to be considered for both programs you need to select both on ERAS. If you wish to rank both programs you will need to list each on your rank list.

Question 7

What are your program’s requirements regarding letters of recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Applicants must provide a Dean’s letter (MSPE), plus 3 letters of recommendation. We prefer at least 2 letters from an internal medicine rotation.

Question 8

May I send a thank-you note after my interview?

Accepted Answer

Please refrain from sending thank you notes following your interview. You are welcome to contact us with any clarifying questions or requests to imresidency@alamedahealthsystem.org.

Question 9

For D.O. applicants, do you require both USMLE and COMLEX scores?

Accepted Answer

Both are not required. We accept USMLE and/or COMLEX score transcripts.

Question 10

Do you accept International Medical Graduates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do accept IMGs and US-IMGs.

Question 11

As an IMG, do I need to have US clinical experience to be considered for a position in your program?

Accepted Answer

US experience is not required, although it is desirable.

Question 12

Do you require a candidate to be ECFMG certified at the time of application?

Accepted Answer

We do not require an applicant to be ECFMG certified at the time of the application or interview but applicants will need ECFMG certification in order to start their intern year.

Question 13

Do you sponsor visas?

Accepted Answer

While we do not offer direct visa sponsorship, we work with ECFMG to sponsor J-1 visas.

Question 14

Do you accept applicants with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Question 15

Does the graduation date from medical school affect consideration for your program?

Accepted Answer

While we welcome all applicants, those who graduated more recently are more competitive given the rapid changes in medicine.

Question 16

Will you be opting into the NRMP lock Pilot?

Accepted Answer

In partnership with several of our peer programs, our program has decided not to participate in the NRMP list lock pilot and will not be offering in-person second looks for this application season. We hope this decision helps to ease financial and logistical burdens for applicants during the recruitment process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions