Frequently Asked Questions

What is your board pass rate?

Our rolling 3 year board pass rate is 95%.
What visas do you sponsor?

Foreign national physicians must possess a work visa at the start of the training year, typically June 22nd, and except as noted below must seek ECFMG sponsorship as a J-1 exchange visitor. The objectives of the Exchange Visitor Program are to enhance international exchange and to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other nations through the
interchange of persons, knowledge, and skills.

Medical students currently enrolled in a U.S. medical school on an F visa in good standing, may be considered for training under an F-1OPT status for their intern year, during which time they may apply for H1-B sponsorship . Further details regarding this issue can be obtained during your interview or by calling the Office of Graduate Medical Education.

Foreign national physicians enrolled in MPH, PhD, or other training programs on an F visa must seek ECFMG sponsorship as a J-1 exchange visitor.
Do you have a minimum USMLE score?

We have no minimum score for application. However, most candidates selected to interview have a 3-digit score of 200 or better, and have passed on their first attempt.
Does your program accept applications from medical students trained outside the US and Canada?

We are happy to review applications from highly qualified international applicants. Applicants MUST have graduated from medical school within the last three years, have passed USMLE Step 1 & 2 on their first attempt, be fluent in written and spoken english, be ECFMG certified, and have a minimum of 2-3 months of clinical training in the US, Canada, or major European medical center at the level of a sub-intern. Observerships without direct patient responsibility are not acceptable. Applicants without a Green Card or US Citizenship will also need to be eligible for a J visa. We do not sponsor H1b visas for applicants from medical schools outside the US.
Can I do an Observership at your program?

DHMC does not sponsor observerships. If you are currently enrolled in medical school, you can visit the Dartmouth Medical School website to inquire about away rotations.
How do candidates apply?

We only accept applications through ERAS.

Do you accept COMLEX scores and if so, what is the minimal acceptable score?

Yes, we consider COMLEX and USMLE interchangeable. As with USMLE scores, there is no minimum required for application, however the majority of candidates invited to interview have a 3-digit score of 550 or greater on COMLEX.

Should I apply to your program if I failed the USMLE on a prior attempt?

In most situations, we require passage of the USMLE on the first try. All applications are reviewed, however,the number of attempts at passing the USMLE is stongly considered. Only 10-15% of candidates applying for residency are offered an interview.

Do you require USMLE Step 2 prior to interviewing and/or ranking?

Step 2 is not required prior to interviewing. Passing USMLE Step 2 is required in order to obtain a NH training license. Therefore, we encourage all candidates to be scheduled to take Step 2 prior to ranking in February.

Do you have a Preliminary Program?

We have a Preliminary program that is open to candidates who match in to our Dermatology, Radiology, or Neurology residency programs. If you are interested in a Preliminary year in Internal Medicine at DHMC, contact the primary program to which you are applying. They will forward your application to us (you do not apply via ERAS). We do not accept direct applications for our preliminary year positions.

What Letters of Reference are required for application?

In addition to the Dean's Letter / Medical Student Performance Evaluation, we require at least 3 letters of reference. One of these letters should be from the Chair of Medicine. The other two should be from clinicians who have worked closely with you during your training, such as the attending during your Medicine Subinternship and Clerkship. Clinical letters should be written within the past 2-3 years. Letters from research mentors are helpful but should not substitute for letters attesting to your clinical experience.

If your school does not provide a Chair letter, then you should submit a third letter of recommendation instead.
Do candidates need to be ECFMG certified to apply to the program?

International graduates must have completed USMLE Step I and II CK to be considered for an interview. USMLE II CS must be completed prior to the rank order deadline or you will be automatically withdrawn from the match.
What is the earliest and latest date for submission of application?

Applications can be submitted from August 15 until December 15th of the recruitment year via ERAS.
What are my chances of getting an interview?

It is impossible to tell you exactly what your chances of an interview are. Each application is reviewed individually by the program director and evaluated on its individual merits and accomplishments.
When do new housestaff start?

New housestaff are required to be here for our IM Residency Orientation sessions usually the third week of June. GME Orientation is June 24th and 25th and are mandatory before training can begin. For those interns not off cycle, academic year begins on June 26th.
What are other websites that will give me needed information?

Candidates should go to the DHMC GME website for detailed information regarding benefits, eligibility, visa policy, employment criteria/requirements, and other pertinent data.
Do you offer pre-match positions ?

We accept applications through ERAS and rank our candidates through the match system.
When do our interviews begin/end?

Our interview season normally goes from mid-November to mid-January.
If a candidate is interested in a Primary Care Track Program, do they need to apply to the categorical program as well?

No, candidates need only apply to the track they are interested in.
Once I get an invitation to interview, what information will be sent to me?

Once a candidate has been notified that they are invited for an interview and a date has been agreed upon, the candidate will receive a confirmation email containing information about the area and our institution, the interview day schedule, a listing of preferred area hotels, and more.