The Department of Psychiatry uses the AAMC's Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) exclusively to process and review applications. If you are a U.S. medical student, contact your Dean’s office for processing instructions and to receive your ERAS token to access MyERAS. If you are an International Medical Graduate (IMG), ECFMG serves as your primary resource with regard to ERAS application process. To begin your ERAS application process, contact ECFMG and request an ERAS token. Applicants must be ECFMG certified at the time of application.
Six interns are selected each year through the annual Match process. The PGY-II class is then expanded to seven residents each year through additional recruitment at the PGY-II level. Based upon initial application materials, applicants are selected for personal interviews and final considerations for a position.
All Applicants: A Completed Application Consists of the Following:
- ERAS Application or General Application
- USMLE Step 1 (and/or equivalent COMLEX Level 1)
- USMLE Step 2 (and/or equivalent COMLEX Level 2) - note that this requirement will be waived if you have not yet been able to take Step 2 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- At least two (and no more than three) recommendation letters from a clinician with whom you have worked. One of these may be from a departmental chair if you so choose. A letter from a psychiatrist is recommended but not required.
- MSPE (also called a Dean's Letter)
- Medical school transcript
- Curriculum Vitae
- Personal Statement
- ECFMG Certificate, if applicable
PGY-I Applicants:
The Department of Psychiatry accepts six (6) PGY-1s each year. While we don't have an official application deadline, we have scheduled the majority of our interviews by mid-November. So, we encourage those truly interested in our program to apply as soon as ERAS allows.
Please be aware that in addition to providing Step 1 scores, per our GME policy, applicants must also have both Step 2CK and Step 2CS scores in order to be placed on our rank list. Note that this requirement will be waived if you have not yet been able to take Step 2 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
PGY-II Applicants:
Applicants, for PGY-II and above residency training, should submit a completed application to the GWU Psychiatry Residency Coordinator.
Please fill out a general application and submit with the following required documents:
- A letter from the training program you are transferring from itemizing your completed rotations, as well as a letter of good standing
- Three letters of recommendation
- An addendum to your personal statement discussing specifics of the GW Psychiatry Residency Training Program, and what makes it a "good fit" for you and your interests
- A copy of your *USMLE score reports, your CV, MSPE, medical school transcripts, and, if applicable, a copy of your ECFMG certificate
- Please label all document files with your first initial, last name and document type, eg; JSmithPersonalStatement
Applicants should be able to demonstrate a sustained interest in and commitment to the study of psychiatry and the behavioral sciences.
International Applicants:
The Psychiatry Residency Program of the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences solicits applications from international medical graduates, as well as graduates of United States medical schools.
In selecting IMG applicants, we prefer a USMLE Step 1 score above 200, although other personal and professional experiences and competencies are weighed when examination scores are lower. Competency in the English language and American culture is an important consideration. US clinical experience is preferred.
Visas Accepted for Graduate Medical Education at GW:
- J-1 (Exchange Visitor Visa) sponsored through ECFMG. Application is processed by the GME Office.
- The J-1 must be a clinical J-1 and not a research J-1.
- J-1 visas require the resident, upon completion of training, to return to his/her home country for two years before applying for permanent residency or return to the U.S. for other purpose
- Permanent Resident
- Green Card Visas
GW does NOT accept/sponsor: H-1B, O, or F-1 visas