How to Apply

The Combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Residency Program accepts applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) offered by the American Association of Medical Colleges.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical school curricula, recruitment efforts have been modified to promote greater flexibility, equity, and safety throughout the application and interview process. Due to a holistic review process, interviews commence in early October.

Holistic Review Process:
In an effort to interview a richly diverse pool of candidates who will thrive and continue to enhance the quality of the program experience, reliance on assessment tools that perpetuate structural racism, unearned privilege, and implicit bias is minimized. Candidates are closely considered who have a range of diverse experiences in addition to clinical and academic performance. Consideration is given to how individuals might contribute to the overall educational environment and the larger community. Faculty reviewers have completed implicit bias reduction training workshops and follow established guidelines to promote a holistic and inclusive interview process.

Letters of Recommendation:
Candidates must submit at least three letters, one or more of which must be from a department chair. If only one chair's letter is submitted, it is strongly recommend that it be from a chair of Internal Medicine. If two chair letters are included, it is recommended that a total of four total letters are submitted, so that two letters are from individuals who personally know the candidate. It is strongly recommended that letters be submitted from people who have had the opportunity to observe the candidate closely in a clinical setting. Med-Peds experience is not required, but letters should collectively speak to the candidate's clinical experience in both Medicine and Pediatrics.

Approach to Step 1 & 2:
Reviewers typically consider both Step 1 and 2 scores (if available) during the application review process. They holistically review applications to identify experience and attributes beyond metrics such as standardized test scores, as they seek applicants who are well-rounded and bring diversity of background and perspective to medicine. Such scores are considered only one element of the application and, as such, there is no score cutoff for interview consideration.

Post-Interview Communication Policy:
Because integrity and transparency are highly valued, National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) guidelines regarding post-interview communication are strictly followed. While post-interview communications are not sent routinely, we will follow up on issues discussed during the interview, answer questions, or provide additional information if it would prove helpful to the candidate. An in-person, second-look experience is optional, and is held only after program leadership finalizes its rank list to ensure attendance has no bearing on any applicants' rank.

International Applicants

Because UT Southwestern and its affiliated hospitals participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), all requirements specified by the organization must be met before an application is accepted. International applicants should contact the NRMP office, if they have not already done so:

National Resident Matching Program
2450 N. Street, NW, Suite 201
Washington, DC 20037-1141

UT Southwestern is also a participant in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), so applications outside the ERAS will not be accepted.

It is important to note that UT Southwestern's Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics only accept permanent residents or J-1 ECFMG certified visas. We do not offer H1-B visas.

In order for us to consider your application, you must meet the following requirements:

  • While we do not require a minimum USMLE score, it is unusual for us to accept a candidate who has failed the USMLE.
  • Candidates must hold the standard Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) by January 31 of the year they will enter residency.
  • U.S. clinical experience is not required but is preferred.
  • Medical school graduation date of 2013 or later. Exceptions to this requirement will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
  • Candidates must submit four letters of recommendation. Two of those letters should be from the candidate's medical school. However, if a candidate has U.S. clinical experience, those recommendations are also encouraged..

Visiting Rotations/Observerships

We do not currently offer formal combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics rotations for visiting students or observers; however, experiences may be available through either the Internal Medicine or Pediatrics department. For further information on how to apply, please contact the departments directly.