General Policies & Procedures: Eligibility and Selection of Residents/Fellows

University of Minnesota Medical School (UMMS)
Graduate Medical Education Administration

Purpose
To outline specific qualifications required for eligibility and selection of residents/fellows (trainees) entering a University of Minnesota Medical School Graduate Medical Education training program.

Policy

Eligibility

Residents:
Prior to their program start date residency program applicants must submit proof of the following qualifications to be eligible for appointment:

1. Graduation from a medical school in the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), OR
2. Graduation from a college of osteopathic medicine in the United States accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), OR
3. Graduation from a medical school outside the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico with one of the following:
1. A current valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), OR
2. An unrestricted license or residency permit to practice medicine in Minnesota, OR
3. Successful completion of a Fifth Pathway Program in an LCME accredited medical school in the United States; and
4. Passing scores on Steps 1 and 2 (Clinical Knowledge and Clinical Skills) of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or equivalent licensing examinations (i.e. COMLEX).

Fellows:
In addition to the previous 4 requirements, fellowship program applicants must also submit proof of the following qualifications to be eligible for appointment:

5.  Graduation from an appropriate ACGME residency program; and

6.  A passing score on USMLE Step 3 or equivalent licensing examination.

Fellowship program applicants that have not completed an ACGME residency program are not eligible to take USMLE Step 3; therefore USMLE Step 3 is not a requirement for them.  Appointments of non-ACGME residency program graduates are allowed under special circumstances and require the written permission of the Designated Institution Official (DIO).

Selection

1. Programs select from among eligible applicants based on their educational preparedness, ability, aptitude, academic credentials, communication skills and personal qualities such as motivation and integrity. 
2. The Medical School does not discriminate with regard to sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran’s status or sexual orientation
3. The Medical School participates in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP).  Each accredited residency/fellowship program that participates in the NRMP Match will abide by the rules and regulations of the NRMP.  Those programs using other Match programs will abide by their rules and regulations.

Trainee Transfers

Prior to accepting a trainee from another residency or fellowship program the program director must obtain the following:

1. Written verification from the program director of the trainee’s educational experiences and assessment of performance and competence as well as a statement releasing the trainee from their current program.

2. Proof that they have passed the USMLE Step 3 or equivalent licensing examination (i.e. COMLEX) for PG3 residents or higher.

Program Responsibility
Monitoring and compliance of the eligibility requirements is expected at the Department/Program Level.

Reference
Institution Policy on Completion of Step 3 of the Appropriate Licensing Exam; Minnesota Board of Medical Practice USMLE licensing requirements: http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/home.do?agency=BMP