Collected here are some of the common questions we encounter. Of course, you are unable to find what you are looking for here, do not hesitate in reaching out to us.
Q: Is the Washington University Neurology program an integrated four-year program?
Yes. If you match with our institution for neurology, you will complete your PGY-1 year as a resident within the Washington University Internal Medicine program.
Q: Are there further opportunities for fellowship and research at this institution?
Yes! In fact, six out of nine graduates from our 2018 class and five out of the eight graduates from our 2017 class accepted fellowships within the university.
Q: Is there a formal mentorship program?
Yes! Each entering resident is assigned at least one mentor based on their area of interest. Residents in the first year meet with their assigned mentor and meet other potential mentors at the quarterly “Mentor Blitz” and also through interactions during rotations, on neurology family outings and at lectures. At the beginning of each academic year, residents are asked to select a primary mentor for that year. In the PGY2 and PGY3 years, residents and mentors use a Career Development Action Plan template to foster discussions. Most residents end up with several mentors with whom they work closely in the PGY3-4 years.
Q: Are there specific “tracks” like a physician-scientist training program, or programs in global health or neurology education?
We offer 11 months of elective time that residents use to customize their residency to match their interests. This enables residents to “focus” their residency time on areas of interest. For example, although we do not have a formal “PSTP” program, our residents have ample supported time for research if they wish to pursue a physician-scientist career. We have sets of recommended electives, activities, resources and mentors for interested residents, including those focused on education, clinical practice neurology, global neurology, physician-scientist and clinical research. We collaborate with the Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences so some residents have started or completed programs including Master of Public Health or Master of Science in Clinical Investigation during residency.
Q: Is Washington University a good place for residents interested in careers in academic medicine and research?
Yes! Washington University is a leader in neuroscience research, and many of our trainees do choose careers in academic medicine, in basic science, translational research or in education. Many of our faculty are physician-scientists, and we have an excellent track record in starting the careers of physician-scientists.
Q: Since WashU is so strong in research, what about people interested in clinical neurology and clinical-practice careers? Are they valued as applicants and as residents? How good is the clinical training at WashU?
Yes again! The first priority of residency is to learn clinical neurology, and we are very proud of the excellence of our graduates as clinicians. We are looking for a broad range of residents and welcome those who are interested in clinical practice, either in general neurology or in one of the clinical subspecialties. We have a dedicated General Neurology Section, so you will learn about general neurology from experienced neurologists, many of whom have had successful clinical practices in the community. We have very strong clinicians in all subspecialties. For example, the Neuromuscular Disease Center is the go-to online resource for clinicians dealing with neuromuscular disorders. Many of our graduates are in clinical practice in the community around the U.S., and many others are leading clinicians at academic institutions.
Q: How do I apply for residency, and what is the application deadline?
We only accept applications through ERAS. Please review their website for further application information. ERAS’ website is: www.aamc.org. We will not accept any application information directly. You must apply through ERAS. We will begin accepting applications Sept. 15, 2021. The deadline for applications is Nov. 30, 2021.
Q: When do interviews generally take place?
Interviews begin in November and go through mid-January. You will meet with the Department of Internal Medicine on a Monday to learn about their program and then interview with the Department of Neurology on the Tuesday of that same week.
Q: What are the USMLE score requirements?
We look at the ENTIRE application — not just the USMLE scores. However, we prefer to see the scores in the 200s on the first attempt. This is not to imply that if your scores are lower that you will not be considered. Once again, we review the entire application.
Q: How many letters of recommendations to you require?
We require three letters of recommendation.
Q: How many positions are available each year?
There are 11 positions in each year.
Q: Is St. Louis a safe place to live for me and my family?
Yes! St. Louis gets a bad rap in some crime statistics and, like any urban area, there are some parts of the city where the crime rate is higher than others. The area around the medical school campus is a safe, vibrant community where many residents live. Many of them walk or cycle to work.
Many of our residents and most of the faculty have family that loves living in the St. Louis area. The cost of living is low (some residents own their own homes), there are excellent schools, and there are many free attractions for everyone. See the Resident Life and Living in St. Louis pages for more details. St. Louis is a great place for families!
Q: Does your program accept international medical graduates?
Yes!
Q: When does an IMG need to have their ECFMG certificate?
At the time you begin residency. You will need it in order to obtain a Missouri medical license. On rare occasions, we have extended interview invitations to applicants who have not yet obtained their ECFMG certificate but would not rank anyone who was not yet ECFMG certified.
Q: What are the minimum requirements for IMGs applying to the program?
We require that you have graduated from medical school within the last 10 years, passed the USMLE Step 1 and 2 on the first attempt and be ECFMG certified. We require the results of your CSA and three supporting letters of recommendations as well as all items requested in the application from ERAS. If you have graduated within the last one to four years, observership is acceptable. However, if you’ve graduated within the last five to 10 years, U.S. clinical experience is required. Please refer to the ERAS website for more information.
Q: What visa does your hospital sponsor?
We sponsor the J-1 visa for international graduates in almost all circumstances.
Q: What is the cut-off year for graduation?
Ten years.
Contact us
Lorraine Edrington
Sr. Neurology Residency Program Coordinator
- Phone: 314-362-3296
- Email: laedring@wustl.edu