Frequently Asked Questions About
Residency Training in Neurology

1. Are there any positions available in the program for the coming academic year?
   We offer and fill all of our residency training positions through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
   
   
2. How can I apply to your program?
   Simply complete an application form (ERAS) and submit the documents requested in the application information.
   
   
3. I have been offered an interview. Should I come such a long way without knowing if I will be offered a position?
   Interviews are required. We are sensitive to considerations of convenience and cost and only offer interviews to those candidates who are seriously being considered for a position. Our experience has been that individuals who visit our program for interviews rank us highly in the matching. If you interview with us you have a high chance of matching with us.
   
   
4. Do you help matched candidates secure a PGY1 program?
   The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology requires that you complete at least one year of internal medicine training approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in order to begin the PGY2 in neurology residency. The Neurology Residency Program is now a combined PGY-1 through PGY-4 (4-year) program, and we offer eight positions for both the PGY-1 and PGY2-4 positions. The PGY-1 year at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital is comprised of ten months of rotations in the Clinical Service of Medicine and two months in the Clinical Service of Neurology. If you match with our integrated four year program, you will not need to do a preliminary medicine year elsewhere. You do not have to schedule a separate interview with the Department of Medicine for this PGY-1 spot.
   
   
5. What are your deadlines?
   Deadline for completed applications is the 15th of November, although earlier applications are given first priority. Interview deadline is the last day of the week before the match.
   
   
6. Do you consider foreign medical graduates or non-US residents for your residency program?
   Yes. While most of our interviews and matched positions are filled with American medical school graduates, the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital program attracts individuals from all over the world because of its outstanding reputation and attractive location. Applications from all accredited and ECFMG approved schools will be considered. We match the best individuals each year from a large applicant pool. Some international graduates have been outstanding residents in our program and have subsequently joined our faculty.
   
   
7. Do you have test score requirements in your program?
   There is no test score requirement or cut off. All aspects of each application are considered. Recommendations, prior education, curriculum vitae, publications, and personal statements are all taken into consideration.
   
   
8. Do you sponsor J1 or H1 visas?
   Resident Alien (green card) or J1 is preferred. The H1 visa is not readily available for international graduates and is much more difficult to obtain.
   
   
9. Do you have any cut-off on year of graduation?
   There is no cut-off date on year of graduation.
   
   
10. I would like to be able to do some research. What opportunities are there for research during residency training?
    The Chief of Service, Ralph Sacco, M.D., MS, FAHA, FAAN, and Program Director Richard Isaacson, M.D. are strongly supportive of resident physician participation in research. Many of our residents have accomplished significant research and publications during their training. Residency training is regulated by several national organizations that require substantial blocks of time devoted to training in clinical neurology. Therefore, when an individual trainee wishes to devote more time to research, we make every effort to modify the scheduled rotations to accommodate these interests. With advance notice, it is usually possible for the Clinical Service to make these adjustments. If you have interest in our research and training programs, it is strongly suggested that you visit our campus if you have the opportunity.
    
    
11. Do you require the Clinical Skills Assessment exam?
    For international graduates, all requirements of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) apply. Please refer to information provided by ECFMG for details. These are also available on-line at www.ecfmg.org
    
    
12. Does your program participate in CAS or ERAS?
    Our program participates in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).  For questions about the program, please contact our Program Coordinator, Violeta Maldonado, or our Program Director, Richard Isaacson, M.D.
    
    
13. Is clinical experience in the US necessary to be eligible for applying to your program?
    An approved PGY1 in the USA is ordinarily required to continue in the PGY2 in Neurology. Please see the additional information provided above on the PGY1 programs here.
    
    
14. When will you start accepting applications for the Neurology Match?
    We accept applications at any time of the year. There is some advantage to applying early since the number of interviews is limited each year. Your chance for being selected for interviews closer to the time of the matching may be diminished because of the large number of individuals typically wanting interviews in October through January.
    
    
15. Do you offer externships or observerships?
    At the present time, we offer externships in neurology to medical students at the University of Miami as well as other LCME schools. Due to institutional constraints, we offer externships to students only from the USA and Canada.
    
    
16. Does your state have any other requirements?
    The State of Florida requires registration of all trainees in our hospital. The application and processing is assisted for physicians who match in our program.