Frequently Asked Questions

Does your program accept international applications?
Our program reviews the applications of anyone who applies to the program. International students are considered if their training has included all of the typical elements of a United States medical school education as well as all requirements for a visa can be obtained. It is helpful to the review committee if an international student has done a clinical rotation with us so that we have had a first-hand observation of his or her clinical skills. We do require that international students have some clinical experience in the United States with a letter of recommendation from that experience. Our hospital does sponsor both H1 and J1 visas.

What is your cut-off for USMLE or COMLEX examinations?
We do not have specific criteria for board scores as cut off values. Each application is reviewed in its entirety. We also do not provide information regarding the average scores of applicants and/or current residents.

Does your application consider DO applications?
Yes, we consider DO applicants and have had DO residents in our program in the past.

Is a rotation at your institution required in order to be considered for an interview or match?
No. We interview many more applicants than have rotated with us. Although a percentage of residents from each class come from students that have rotated here, this is not unique to our program and likely has to do with students prioritizing places where they have had clinical experience when making their rank list.

Do you require SLOEs (Standard Letter of Evaluation) for your applicants?
It is helpful for us to have SLOEs in an applicant’s file as this a standard evaluation used by clerkships and EM residency programs throughout the country. However, not all schools or rotation sites use these when evaluating their students so they are not mandatory. We do require at least one emergency medicine faculty letter. We would consider an exception to this for a resident who is transferring from another specialty. In total we require three letters of recommendation. It is preferable if at least two of these are from EM faculty members.

When will I hear about an interview offer?
We are continuously reviewing applications. If you have not heard from us that we are declining an interview offer it means that your application is still under consideration.

What about a non-traditional applicant?
We consider all applicants as stated above. This includes transfers from other specialties. However, if you have been outside clinical practice for an extended period of time, we will likely not consider your application. There is no set period of time as a cut off.

What is your program application deadline?
We do not have a specific application deadline. However, given the number of applications we receive, the earlier you apply the better, as we offer interviews on a rolling process.

USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK minimum scores? Is there an attempt limit?
We do not have a minimum score, although emergency medicine has become much more competitive. We will consider an applicant who has had to take the examination more than one time, but in our application pool, failure of the boards will make your application less competitive.

Is U.S. Clinical experience required? If yes, how long?
We require some clinical experience in the U.S. so that a U.S. faculty member has evaluated you and provided you with a recommendation.

By time of application, do I need to have Step 2 CS in hand?
Step 2 is not required. However, if your step 1 score was lower, an improvement on Step 2 will work in your favor.

Do you offer interviews to applicants enrolled in couples match?
We interview applicants routinely who are participating in the couples match.

How many total International Medical Graduates in your program?
Currently there is one.

Any other questions we didn't answer?
Please direct any questions to our program director at chen.he@mountsinai.org and she will attempt to answer them as quickly as possible.