Family Medicine

Residency

How to Apply

Application

Applications are accepted only through the (Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The Department begins accepting applications for the class entering July 2013 when the ERAS post office opens in September 2012. The residency program participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Only J1 visas are sponsored.

Requirements

  • ERAS Common Application Form
  • Dean's letter issued and dated within the past three years
  • Medical School Transcript
  • USMLE Transcript
  • Valid ECFMG certificate if graduate of non-LCME school
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement explaining your interest in our program and in Family Medicine

Residency Address

Darcy McDonald, Residency Coordinator
Department of Family Medicine and Community Health
Mutch Building
51 N. 39th St., 6th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215–662–8949
E-mail: fampract@mail.med.upenn.edu

Selection Criteria

The applicant pool in Family Medicine has grown in the past few years and we are using more rigorous criteria in selecting applicants for interview.  We have no absolute requirements, but well qualified applicants generally have several of these features:

  • Good medical school performance, as reflected in their Medical School Performance Evaluation (MSPE).
  • Excellence in work on the wards as a clinical clerk or resident (not an observership) in settings clinically and academically similar to ours.
  • Good command of medical information, in the form of strong performance on USMLE I and II.
  • Recent medical school graduation – generally graduating this year, or last year.
  • Emotional intelligence with strong interpersonal communicating skills demonstrated in MSPE comments and letters of recommendation.

We are committed to recruiting a diverse group of residents.  Consistent with that goal, we do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex or age, including age over 40. We also do not discriminate against applicants based on disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth.

Visiting Penn for an Interview

Invitations to interview are extended by electronic mail after review of application materials. Interview dates for 2012-13 are scheduled on Mondays, as well as select Wednesday and Friday mornings from November 2012 through January 2013.

The interview day runs from approximately 8:30am until 1:30pm and includes interviews with the program director, faculty, and residents, as well as a tour of Penn Family Care and the PPMC campus. A continental breakfast and lunch are provided. Candidates wishing to explore other aspects of our program can arrange to do so on their interview day or through a “second look” visit by prior arrangement with our residency coordinator. Our residents have opened their homes to provide housing for out–of–town candidates on an as–needed basis.