How to apply to our program

​​ Pen to paper application

Residency applicants must either be:

  • Graduate of an allopathic of osteopathic US Medical School or an International Medical School approved by the California Medical Board 

  • Meet licensure requirements in the State of California for initial Postgraduate Training License (PTL) and eventual Physician and Surgeon’s license (PSL)
  • More information about the requirements of California licensure can be found at the Medical Board’s website here: https://www.mbc.ca.gov/

How to Apply​

All applications to the UCSD Pathology Residency program are accepted through the Association of American Medical Colleges’ (AAMC) Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). To begin the application process, applicants should review the ERAS web site at www.aamc.org/eras. Go to “Resources & Services” on the ERAS home page and select “Applicant resources”. 

Please note that the department requires three letters of recommendation, a Dean’s letter and copies of all USMLE exam results. These should be handled using the ERAS application system. The deadline for receipt of applications from ERAS is November 1st for appointments beginning the following July.

This should be uploaded to ERAS as one of your letters of recommendation. We do not have specific requirements for IMGs, but the following guidelines help to make an applicant competitive:

Preferred Eligibility Criteria

  • USMLE Step 1: Pass on first attempt
  • USMLE Step 2: 225 or above on first attempt
  • COMLEX Level 1: Pass on first attempt
  • COMLEX Level 2: 500 or above on first attempt

  • Medical School graduation no more than 6 years prior to start of training
  • For International graduates and/or non-US citizens: J-1 visa sponsorship, EAD or US Naturalization

UC San Diego participates in the National Resident Matching System (NRMP) www.nrmp.org

See these web sites for more information.

  • ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) allows applicants to enter their information and transcripts, then electronically submit these packets to selected colleges.
  • Medical Board of California
  • ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates)
  • USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination)

Note: Residency Interviews are hosted virtually, typically on Mondays and Friday in November, December and early January

Fellowship applicants should view the Fellowship section of this site.