Application & Selection

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Internal Medicine Residency Program at Valley Baptist Medical Center (VBMC). We are committed to recruiting talented, compassionate, and academically motivated physicians who are dedicated to excellence in patient care, lifelong learning, and professional growth.

Our program participates in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). All application materials must be submitted through ERAS. Applications submitted outside of ERAS cannot be accepted.

• Our 2027 Interviews will be conducted 100% virtually
• Interviews will be conducted on selected Monday's, Tuesdays' and Thursday's.
• Estimated Interview timeline will be from 7:45 am – 11:30 a.m.

Application Requirements

All applicants for the program must participate in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). We only accept applications from ERAS; sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). More information about NRMP and ERAS can be found at https://www.aamc.org. Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements established by UTRGV Graduate Medical Education and submit a complete ERAS application, including:

• ERAS Common Application
• Medical School Transcript
• USMLE or COMLEX Scores
• Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE/Dean's Letter)
• Four letters of recommendation
• Documentation of scholarly activity, research, quality improvement, leadership, and/or community service experience, if applicable

Applicants must also:

• Hold an appropriate degree from an LCME-accredited or AOA-accredited medical school in the United States or Canada, or possess a valid ECFMG certificate if graduated from an international medical school.
• Be eligible for licensure through the Texas Medical Board.
• Successfully complete required security and background screening processes prior to beginning residency training.
• Comply with all UTRGV Graduate Medical Education policies and procedures.

Available Positions

The UTRGV Internal Medicine Residency Program at Valley Baptist Medical Center offers ten (10) PGY-1 positions annually through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

Residents who join our program become part of a collaborative academic community committed to clinical excellence, innovation, scholarship, leadership development, and service to the diverse populations of South Texas.

Interview Process

Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual interview experience designed to showcase our residents, faculty, curriculum, facilities, and culture.

Interviews are conducted virtually during the residency recruitment season. Interview invitations and scheduling information are communicated directly through ERAS.

Our interview process provides applicants the opportunity to:

• Meet program leadership and faculty
• Interact with current residents
• Learn about our curriculum and training environment
• Explore scholarly and leadership opportunities
• Gain insight into life in the Rio Grande Valley

Holistic Review Process

The UTRGV Internal Medicine Residency Program at Valley Baptist Medical Center utilizes a holistic review process when evaluating applicants.

In addition to academic performance and examination scores, we consider:

• Leadership experiences
• Scholarly activity and research
• Quality improvement initiatives
• Community service and advocacy
• Professionalism and ethical conduct
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Resilience and adaptability
• Commitment to Internal Medicine and patient-centered care

Our goal is to recruit residents who will thrive in a collaborative learning environment and contribute positively to our program and community.

What We Look For

Successful applicants often demonstrate:

• Strong academic preparation
• Professionalism and integrity
• Commitment to lifelong learning
• Intellectual curiosity
• Leadership potential
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Interest in scholarly activity
• Dedication to serving diverse patient populations
• Excellent communication skills
• A passion for improving healthcare outcomes

Why Choose UTRGV Internal Medicine at VBMC?

Applicants choose our program for its unique combination of university-based academics, individualized mentorship, and diverse clinical experiences.

Program strengths include:

• Close faculty mentorship and individualized career advising
• Direct access to attending physicians and educational opportunities
• No competition with Internal Medicine Subspecialty fellows for resident learning experiences
• Robust inpatient and ambulatory training experiences
• Continuity clinic experiences that include the Harlingen VA Clinic–Treasure Hills
• Opportunities for clinical research, quality improvement, and medical education scholarship
• Exposure to innovative topics including artificial intelligence in medicine, Point of Care Ultrasonography (POCUS), healthcare technology, patient safety, and quality improvement
• Strong preparation for careers in primary care, hospital medicine, academic medicine, and subspecialty fellowship training
• A supportive culture that prioritizes resident wellness, professional development, and success

International Medical Graduates

International Medical Graduates are an important part of our residency community and contribute significantly to the educational, clinical, and cultural diversity of our program.

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must:

• Hold a valid ECFMG Certificate prior to rank list submission.
• Be eligible for appointment under all UTRGV Graduate Medical Education policies.
• Be eligible for licensure through the Texas Medical Board.
• Successfully complete all required background and security screening processes. 

Qualified non-U.S. citizen international medical graduates must obtain a J-1 Visa sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).

Our program participates exclusively in the NRMP Match and does not offer positions outside of the Match process.

Our Ideal Applicant

We seek residents who are intellectually curious, compassionate, resilient, and committed to serving diverse communities. Successful residents in our program embrace teamwork, value lifelong learning, contribute to scholarly activity, and demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of patient care.

Whether your goal is primary care, hospital medicine, academic medicine, healthcare leadership, or subspecialty fellowship training, we are committed to helping you achieve your professional aspirations.

Contact Information

For questions regarding the application process, interview season, or residency program, please contact:

Veronica Villarreal
Program Coordinator
UTRGV Internal Medicine Residency Program at Valley Baptist Medical Center
Email: veronica.villarreal@utrgv.edu
Phone: 956-296-1590

Carlos T. Ramos, MD
Associate Program Director
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine
Email: Carlos.Ramos@utrgv.edu

We appreciate your interest in the UTRGV Internal Medicine Residency Program at Valley Baptist Medical Center and look forward to learning more about you during the application process.