Frequently Asked Questions About
Residency Training in Neurology
- How competitive is your program?
Very competitive. Each year we receive almost 600 applications, and from these we select 64 (~10%) for interviews.
- 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).
- How can I apply to your program?
Simply complete an application form (ERAS) and submit the documents requested in the application information. Our program number is 1104180C0 and this is a 4-year, categorical program named Jackson Memorial Hosp-FL.
- 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.
- Do you help matched candidates secure a PGY1 year?
The Neurology Residency Program is now a Categorical (combined) PGY-1 through PGY-4 (4-year) program, and we offer TEN positions each year. The PGY-1 year at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital is comprised of ten months of rotations on the Internal Medicine service and two months in the Clinical Service of Neurology (1 month General Neurology Wards, 1 month Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit). PGY-1 residents do not take overnight call when rotating on their Neurology rotations. 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.
- What are your deadlines?
We suggest that all of your application materials are submitted through ERAS by September 15th. The absolute deadline for completed applications is the 15th of November, although earlier applications are given first priority.
- 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 United States 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 (ECFMG certificate is required). 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.
- 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.
- Do you sponsor J1 or H1 visas?
No, JMH is only able to spinsor J1 visas, and not H1.
- Do you have any cut-off on year of graduation?
There is no cut-off date on year of graduation, however most of our matched candidates are in their fourth-year of medical school when applying.
- 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.
- Does your program participate in 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.
- Is clinical experience in the US necessary to be eligible for applying to your program?
Most of our matched residents have graduated from United States medical schools. If you are a foreign medical graduate, you must have clinical experience in the US, or have completed prior residency training outside of the US.
- Do you offer externships for medical students?
At the present time, we offer externships in Neurology to medical students at the University of Miami as well as other United States and Canadian (must be LCME-accredited) schools . Due to institutional constraints, we can offer externships to students only from the USA and Canada.
- Do you offer observerships in the Department?
Due to institutional constraints, we can no longer offer observerships.
- 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.
- Does your program offer an educational allowance or any other stipends?
Yes. Each resident receives $1250 per year as an educational allowance, and $1375 per year for meals. Residents will also get reimbursed for the purchase of an iPhone (up to $150) or other PDA device. The Department strives to support all research pursuits of residents in the Clinician Researcher Program, and additional funds are made available to residents who are currently enrolled. For residents who get an abstract accepted at a regional or national conference, additional funds are made available for attendance. In addition, three new lab coats are also provided each year.
