How to Apply: ERAS and NRMP

Thank you for your interest in the child neurology residency training program at Boston Medical Center. In considering candidates for residency, we do review every application that we receive. Our application deadline is November 30. However, we recommend that all applicants follow the timeline outlined by the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP).

All application materials should be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS®) system. We will not review materials sent by email. Whenever possible, communication regarding interview selection, application review, and follow-up will be conducted through ERAS. 

Application Requirements

  • Complete application through ERAS including:
    • Personal statement
    • Three letters of recommendations: We do not have specific requirements for types of letters of recommendation, but we advise you to choose at least some letter writers who can comment on your suitability for clinical training in child neurology, your clinical and interpersonal skills, scholarly potential, and other characteristics that would be helpful for us to know you better. 
    • USMLE Step 1 is required in order to be considered for an interview. While USMLE Step 2CK scores are not required for application, they can be helpful. There is no specific "cut-off" score for USMLE exams.
  • Successful completion of at least two years of an ACGME-approved pediatric residency training program before beginning training in child neurology is strongly recommended. See the different tracks to enter our program below.
  • Graduation from medical school or pediatrics residency within the past ten years.
  • If in the United States on a visa, you must be eligible to remain for an additional three years in order to complete our training program.

Positions for 2024

We are currently accepting applications for our categorical program and reserved position. For the application year 2023/2024, we will be accepting two candidates, one into our categorical program ( BCRP-LEAD), one into our reserved program (1257185R0).

  • The categorical program in child neurology at Boston Medical Center is a five-year program that allows the trainee to do two years of pediatrics (June 2024 - June 2026) and three years of child neurology (July 2026 - June 2029). At the end of the program the trainee is board-eligible for board certification in both child neurology with special qualification in pediatric neurology and pediatrics. The first two years of training are in the Boston Combined Residency Program Leadership in Equity and Advocacy Track (BCRP-LEAD) and the final three years in pediatric neurology (the first year of these three years is in adult neurology).
  • Anyone interested in the categorical track has to apply separately to the BCRP-LEAD track (1259320C1) and the categorical pediatric neurology track (1257185C0). Candidates for this position need to be approved by both the pediatrics and pediatric neurology programs.
  • One reserved position (1257185R0) is available for candidates who will have completed two or more years of pediatric training in an ACGME-accredited program and will enter the pediatric neurology residency in 2024.

Invitations for interviews

Once we have reviewed the application materials, we will extend invitations to some applicants for interviews. All official communication regarding interviews and follow-up will be carried out through the ERAS system. If you are invited for an interview, see the information here.

Applicants to the categorical track will receive a separate interview invitation from the BCRP-LEAD track.  

We do not use one single parameter or factor to decide who will be invited for interviews. Rather we are using a holistic approach and looking for candidates who have the ability and motivation to become skilled, humanistic, and competent clinical child neurologists.

Application Timeline

  • June 8, 2023: Applicants can register on MyERAS and begin working on their application
  • September 7, 2023: Applicants can apply to ACGME accredited residency programs through ERAS
  • September 15, 2023: NRMP registration begins
  • September 28, 2023: Residency Program may begin reviewing applications
  • November 2023- January 2023: Interviews are conducted
  • March 1, 2024: NRMP Rank Order List Deadline and last day to register for NRMP
  • March 13, 2024: Match results released

If you have an interest in our program and would like to plan a visit, or have further questions please contact our program coordinator Ms. Lan Ruan at 617.414.4536 or lan.ruan@bmc.org or Dr. Rinat Jonas, our residency program director, at rinat.jonas@bmc.org.

Thank you for your interest in our program and we look forward to reviewing your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What openings do you have for 2024?

We have one categorical position (will start as PGY-1 in June 2024 in pediatrics and as PGY-3 in July 2026 in pediatric neurology), one reserved position (will start as PGY-3 in pediatric neurology in July 2024).

Should I apply for the Pediatrics program and Pediatric Neurology separately?

Yes, if you are applying to the categorical track, you should apply to the Boston Combined Residency Program, Leadership in Equity and Advocacy Track (BCRP-LEAD).

Do you accept International Medical Graduates?

Yes. However, you also must have:

  1. An ECFMG certificate
  2. Have passed the USMLE 1 and 2
  3. Have completed 2 years in an ACGME accredited Pediatrics training program before entering our program.

What visas do you accept for International Medical Graduates?

J-1.

Q: What are the median USMLE scores accepted by your program?

USMLE Step 1 is required in order to be considered for an interview. While USMLE Step 2CK scores are not required for application, they can be helpful. There is no specific "cut-off" score for USMLE exams.

Should we supply any additional information along with the ERAS application?

You should provide three letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

What are the dates/times of the interviews?

The interviews are scheduled for Fridays in the fall and early winter. They are full day virtual interviews beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 4:30 p.m. 

If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact Lan Ruan at 617.414.4536 or e-mail  lan.ruan@bmc.org.