Thank you for your interest in the University of Michigan Medical School Neurosurgery residency program. Jump to the sections below to learn more about the application and interview process:
The neurosurgery residency commences in the PGY-1 year. Either two or three positions are available each year and are filled through the National Resident Matching Program. Applications for residency positions are processed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). To assure a complete and timely review of your application, we strongly recommend that all materials are posted on the ERAS system prior to the opening date of ERAS, or as close to this date as possible.
ERAS applications are due by October 1 each year. Our interview slots fill up quickly, so any applications completed after this date will be placed in a queue and considered only in the case of an unexpected cancellation.
- Medical School: An applicant for postgraduate medical training must be a graduate of an acceptable medical school. A listing of colleges and universities from which degrees will be accepted by the UMHS is regularly updated by the State of California. Candidates must have graduated from a medical school found on the California approved list - affiliation with a school on the approved list is not sufficient.
- Background Check: Successful completion of a background check is required for employment.
- Pre-Employment Drug Screen: Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening is required for employment.
- Employment Eligibility: Non-US citizens are required to have a Permanent Resident status or a J-1 visa sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). J-1 visa holders must be eligible to renew their visa for the length of the Neurosurgery training program (i.e. seven years).
- Foreign Medical Graduates: Graduates of foreign medical schools are required to hold a current, valid certificate from the ECFMG.
- National Examinations: Completion of the applicable examinations is required:
- MD: USMLE Step 1 and 2 CK & CS
- DO: COMLEX Step 1 and 2
- Licensure: A State of Michigan Medical License and Controlled Substance License (Educational Limited or Permanent) is required. Any House Officer with a Permanent Medical License must also obtain a personal Federal DEA license.
- Life Support Training: Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support are required as part of clinical credentialing.
Interview Day:
We run a full interview day via Zoom. There is a one-hour introduction/presentation followed by interviews from 8am until 4:30pm, with a break for lunch.
Before the Interview:
Applicants who have been invited for an interview will meet informally with our current residents and have a “virtual” dinner with them the evening prior to their interview date. We hope that this will provide an opportunity for applicants to get the “inside scoop” about our program.
On February 1, 2024, our program’s Rank Order List was finalized and certified. We recognize in-person visits can be beneficial to an applicant as they consider the institutions and cities in which these choose to continue their education and live. To preserve the program-applicant relationship, we pledge to not alter our Rank Order List for the duration of this recruitment cycle, in every circumstance, without exception. The UM GME office has been notified and confirmation can be found on the Date Rank Order Lists Certified posted on the GME Office website under Prospective Residents/Fellows.
Any in-person visits will NOT affect candidate ranking. We recognize in-person visits can be beneficial to an applicant as they consider the institutions and cities in which they choose to continue their education and live. To preserve the program-applicant relationship, we pledge to not alter our Rank Order List for the duration of this recruitment cycle, in every circumstance, without exception.
Michigan Neurosurgery was #1 on my rank list because of the combination of excellence in all aspects of neurosurgery, along with a collegial work environment where patients received the same care you would want for your family. Now, more than a decade after residency ended, I am so happy to have trained at Michigan.
Our application deadline is the day ERAS opens to programs (October 1 each year).
We review applications as soon as they are complete in the ERAS system; invitations to interview are sent out thereafter.
Yes, you are welcome to submit any letters or materials you wish but no additional letters or materials are required.
We match 2-3 new candidates each year to maintain a complement of eighteen residents.
Yes, we require Step 1 and Step 2 CK. We do not have a minimum score requirement. Every application is considered on an individual basis.
No, we sponsor J-1 visas only.
For more information, please see: https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness/benefits-enrollment/benefits-enrollment-eligibility/benefits-eligibility.
Please contact our Residency and Fellowship Program Administrator, Susie Hines, at [email protected].
We continually work to ensure that our program offers the best possible environment for developing the careers of future leaders of neurosurgical practice and science.
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