Frequently Asked Questions

Can you please send me information about your Surgery Residency Program and an application?
Several years ago we had over 800 requests for application and information packets from students all over the world. When ERAS began that number drastically decreased and students were looking for program information on-line. We no longer print brochures and information to send out, we ask that applicants review the information on the Web Page at www.swedish.medical.org and then direct specific questions to our office.

To apply to the program applications are accepted via the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS), only. As an added note, we now spend the extra money saved from printing brochures on our residents, textbooks, PDAs, and social events.

Do you accept applications from Foreign Medical Graduates?
Yes.

What is the criteria for a Foreign Medical Graduate to apply? Do they need US Medical Experience, particular USMLE scores, etc.?

• We accept all applications via the ERAS program.
• Foreign Medical Graduates must apply through ERAS just the same as anyone else.
• They must have ECFMG Certification in order to apply for training.
• FMGs must have appropriate visa status to complete their training in the USA, as an institution we cannot "Sponsor" any individual for a visa.
• All applications are reviewed using exactly the same criteria, US Graduates and Foreign Medical Graduates. There are no special requirements for FMGs. Our program is very competitive and all components of the application are reviewed carefully. Applicants should write a truthful and informative Personal Statement telling us who they are and how they got to the decision to become a general surgeon, and where they plan to go with the training in their future. Letters of recommendation are best from surgeons. An informative Dean's Letter which gives an overview of the applicant's medical school training in very important. USMLE scores should be at least at the 50th percentile level on the three digit score which is at about 212.

Should I bother to apply if my USMLE score is below 200?
Absolutely! Test taking can be a learned skill and we just use the USMLE as an indicator of how well you will perform on standardized tests and ultimately Board Certification. If you are a great medical student and get great letters of recommendation from the surgeons who worked with you, and have done well on your transcripts. We would very much consider you as an excellent candidate to our program.

Do you accept applications from physicians retraining to a new specialty e.g. I am currently a Family Practice physician and want to become a General Surgeon?
Of course we would review your application and consider it. Certainly we would look for the reasoning behind your decision making and need to get information from your previous training program/s.

I graduated from medical school a number of years ago, do you have a restriction regarding how long ago an applicant might have completed medical school?
If you graduated from medical school more than 5 years ago we would not offer you an interview.

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