Evaluation of Candidates for Fellowship and Appointment

i. All appointments to the fellow staff of the University of Rochester Medical Center must hold a M.D. or D.O. degree and must be graduates of schools approved by the LCME or the AOA or, in the case of international schools, approved for listing by the World Health Organization or equivalent accrediting bodies. A letter of recommendation from the Dean of the medical school is required, and copies of medical school transcripts.

ii. All candidates must have satisfactory completion of three years in (and be graduated from) an ACGME accredited internal medicine training program, prior to starting the fellowship program. It is anticipated that most applicants will be PGY-2 or PGY-3. It is necessary for the medical residency program director to indicate in their letter of recommendation that the candidate is in good standing and is anticipated to meet all requirements for graduation. A copy of the certificate of graduation from the medical residency program must be presented prior to starting the fellowship program.

iii. Each applicant must complete the program application and submit it with: a) a curriculum vitae listing educational background and experiences, scholarly and other accomplishments; b) a personal statement; c) a copy of their medical school diploma; d) at least three letters of recommendation, including one from the residency program director; (if training was completed at more than one residency, one letter is required from each former program director) e) USMLE scores; f) Internal Medical Graduates (IMG) must meet the requirements of and possess a valid certificate from the ECFMG in order to be considered as an applicant.

iv. Completed packets will be reviewed by the program director, and the strength of the application is subjectively assessed. Invitations to interview with faculty at the program will be extended to favorable applicants.

v. Interviewees will meet with at least three faculty members, and a rating score based on subjective impression will be assigned.

vi. Candidates cannot be offered a position without an interview.

vii. IMG candidates must either be a permanent resident, a U.S. citizen, possess a J-2 visa with work authorization or be eligible for a J-1 visa. H-1 visas are not permitted by the University of Rochester

viii. The Selection Committee or responsible designees will review the entire application, and assess the strength of the applicant based upon letters of recommendation, scores, personal statement, and interviewers rating scores.

ix. Following selection and acceptance of the candidate, the recommendation of appointment is made by the Program Director to the Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME) of the University. A copy of the request is sent to the Internal Medicine Administrator for Medical Education. Request for appointment to the office of GME (by the Program) must be accompanied by copies of:

• Program’s offer letter and signed acceptance.
• Application, C.V., personal statement.
• Dean’s letter and medical school transcript
• Three letters of recommendation (including one from each former residency director)
• Medical school diploma and USMLE scores
• ECFMG certificate if applicable

The GME Office will send the official contract letter after the appointment has been approved. A copy of this letter is sent to the program for filing.