How to Fill Your ERAS Application as an IMG
Though this year’s ERAS season may be over, it is never too early to start preparing for next year. This episode features a live session which was geared at helping IMGs to fill out their ERAS application in a way that ensures success. Keep listening to find out more!
Here are some invaluable tips and tricks to make your application count:
AMC account information:
State your basic information including your address regardless of whether it is within or outside of the US. Do not be fraudulent!
Are you allowed to work in the US?
Pick the most applicable category which corresponds to your specific situation, otherwise, you can choose “other” which is fine!
NRMP match information:
Fill in as applicable with NRMP ID. It’s fine if you don’t yet have that information. You can add it later on.
American Urological Association (AUA) number, if applicable, should also be included here.
If you are a couple’s match, this is the place to include this.
Additional information :
ECFMG certification should be added here.
Other certifications such as Basic Life Support (BLS), while good to have on the application, come second place to your USMLE step scores.
Military information:
Describe your military obligations if applicable. In the US, military service is regarded highly and honorably!
Hobbies/Interests:
Contrary to popular belief, hobbies are valuable and can serve as icebreakers. Find something unique and special to mention as your hobby.
Higher education:
Include programs which resulted in you obtaining a degree. This is not the place for other types of certification.
Put expiration dates for certifications where applicable.
Research opportunities and any other certifications/ training that do not fall under any other categories can come under work experience.
Was your medical training extended or interrupted?
Be precise, honest, express reasons concisely.
Membership, professional societies, medical school awards, other awards and accomplishments:
List all relevant awards and achievements. Write as succinctly as possible.
Training experience:
List any prior American Osteopathic Association (AOA), Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and other residencies and fellowships.
You can list these certifications regardless of if you finished the program or not.
Clinical and Teaching experience should be treated as work experience:
In the description do the following:
- Use action words and descriptive terms.
- In a single sentence, state: time spent, role, actions taken and lessons learnt.
- Include reasons for leaving.
- Add Numbers -- it’s quantifiable and adds credibility.
Are you board certified in another state or country?
Include organization’s name, address and relevant details. Board certification in any country matters!
Publications: For any type of publication, be sure to include the following:
- Title
- Author
- Publication name
- Publication date
For a more in depth guide on how to fill your ERAS form successfully, sign up for the IMGRoadmap Course where in Modules 6 & 7 this topic is examined in detail!
Listen to this full episode on Apple, Spotify & Google Podcasts.