Application, Interview and Appointment

The application deadline for 2009 positions is January 9, 2009. To apply, please submit a completed application form through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS at www.aamc.org/eras) including:
  • Medical school transcript;
  • Official records of board scores (USMLE, COMLEX, NBME, FLEX, LMCC, VQE or FMGEMS);
  • A dean’s letter and two other letters of recommendation;
  • A personal statement.

Contact your medical school dean’s office or the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG at www.ecfmg.org) for information regarding ERAS. PAPER APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

U.S. Citizens and permanent immigrants who graduated from medical schools outside the U.S. or Canada must be certified by the ECFMG. International medical graduates must pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination in the Medical Sciences or the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). International medical graduates must meet the following application requirements:

  • ECFMG Certification, including completion of and passing the Clinical Skill Assessment Exam

  • Green card preferred; outstanding candidates with visa eligibility will be considered for H1B visa, J1 in rare exceptions.

  • No more than one fail on USMLE exam steps combined; no minimum score requirement.

  • And:

If you graduated... And were... Then...
Within the past three years   Three months of U.S. observership/externship within the past calendar year with a letter of recommendation from that preceptor is required.
More than three years ago In practice up to that time Three months of U.S. observership/externship within the last year with a letter of recommendation from that preceptor is required.
Not in practice up to that time Three months of U.S. clinical, hands-on experience within the last year with a letter of recommendation from that preceptor is required.

When these criteria are met, the application will be accepted for consideration for an interview.

You will be notified by e-mail when your application review is completed. Please call if you are unsure about the status of your application.

Selected candidates will be invited for personal interviews, with lodging and food expenses provided by the residency program. During the interview you will meet with the program director, residents and selected faculty. Your spouse or significant other is encouraged to accompany you.

Appointments are made in cooperation with the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP).

Please direct inquiries to:
Mercy Family Medicine Residency Program
250 Laurel Street, Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 643-4624 or email lallen@mercydesmoines.org

Affirmative action and equal opportunity educator and employer.