Application & Selection
How to Apply
We are happy you are interested in our program. All applications to our residency must be made through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)
All applicants for our General Surgery Residency Program must participate in the National Residency Matching Program. Our program only accepts applications from ERAS sponsored by the AAMC. Your dean’s office will assist you in submitting your application and all appropriate supporting documents.
Requirements
Applicants are screened by looking at the quality of their entire application and select applicants will be invited for an interview. Required items are as follows:
- Personal statement, which must include career goals
- 3 letters of recommendation, one which must be from the applicant’s current surgery program director or chair
- Official medical school transcript
- Official dean’s Letter
- USMLE Step 1 score, Step 2 score, if available
- ECFMG certificate for international graduates
- J-1 visa preferred for international applicants
Deadline
The application deadline is November 30th. Interviews will be conducted on selected dates between November and February. Invitations to interview are extended by email. Selection for the program depends on a review of the applicant’s file and interview.
Resident Selection
It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and its affiliated hospitals to sustain resident selection processes that are free from impermissible discrimination. In compliance with all federal and state laws and regulations, the University of Texas System policy, and institutional policy, no person shall be subject to discrimination in the process of resident selection on the basis of gender, race, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Resident applicants must clear a screening process to ensure they are not listed by a federal agency as ineligible for participation in federal programs. This screening is performed at no charge to the applicant.
Interview Day*
The interview starts with a reception with the program director and faculty on Sunday evening, followed by dinner with the current residents from our program. Applicants will have the opportunity to get to know the faculty and leadership in an informal setting. On Monday, the day of the formal interview, applicants will attend our Grand Rounds presentation and are introduced to hospital leadership, additional faculty and given a tour of our hospital campus and clinics. Formal interviews will be held with the program director, associate program director, and general surgery faculty to evaluate personal, academic and patient care qualities of each applicant. We encourage each applicant to come prepared with their own questions about our program.
*Virtual Interviews will be held this year due to COVID 19.