General Program Questions
What is your application deadline?
We request all applications be submitted through Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) by December.
Does the program accept osteopathic applicants?
Yes, we accept both allopathic and osteopathic applicants
By what criteria are residents selected?
Our program utilizes a holistic application review, with a goal to recruit diverse trainees with a passion for family practice, particularly in a rural setting
How are your interviews scheduled? How will we be notified of an invitation?
Upon review of applications, candidates selected for interview will be notified by email.
Are your interviews virtual or in-person?
This year we are conducting all interviews virtually, through the Thalamus GME platform.
Do you hire outside the NRMP match?
No. Applications for the PGY-1 positions are only accepted via Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Our program participates exclusively with the NRMP and ERAS; therefore, all applications must be submitted through ERAS. We do not review any documents e-mailed to our resident coordinator (CV’s, research, etc.) nor communicate with the applicants due to the volume of requests.
Do you offer observerships, externships, or volunteer research work?
Visiting student rotations are available. If interested, please apply for a rotation at our main campus in Little Rock
Are there any pre-requisites for applying?
We require applicants to submit USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX level 1 scores, along with the MSPE letter, and at least two letters of recommendation to have full consideration. Applicants must complete USMLE Step 2 or COMLEX Level 2 by the end of January. There is no minimum USMLE or COMLEX score. We do not believe that a test score reflects the quality of a physician. Our residency program is unable to support visas at this time. Applicants must already be U.S. citizens or green card holders.
International Medical Graduate Questions
When do you require ECFMG certification? At the time of application or by the time PGY-1 residents start in July?
We require ECFMG certification at the time of application.
Do you sponsor visas?
No. The UAMS Regional Centers sponsoring institution does not sponsor H-1B Visa applicants or applicants holding a J-1 Visa through the ECFMG. The goal of this program is to train, recruit, and retain qualified physicians for safe, independent practice in rural Arkansas.
Do you accept international medical graduates?
Yes, we accept international medical graduates
Do you accept applicants with the status “pending application for permanent resident”?
No. Based upon our resident eligibility guideline posted within our Application Requirements, the foreign national would not qualify since they would not yet have a green card. The permanent resident (green card) applications that are pending may take several years to be approved and our program cannot accept that status.
If I get a work permit “Employment Authorization Document” can I apply to this program using this work permit instead of a J1 or HB1 visa?
The EAD is not a substitute for a green card or citizenship so this is not an eligible status to apply to our rural practice family medicine program.
Is US clinical experience required for international graduates?
U.S. experience is not required, but it is highly encouraged. International graduates who do not have experience should provide a letter of recommendation attesting to excellent clinical communication skills. Please note that we do not count externships, observerships, or research work as clinical experience.
Program-Specific Questions
Is COVID vaccination required?
UAMS mandates COVID-19 vaccination and requests for accommodation or exemption are available. Please be advised that some required residency training experiences are only made available at partner facilities who may also mandate vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition for participating in their clinical environments. Requests for accommodation or exemption from such requirements may be available at partner facilities, but are solely at the discretion of those facilities and not UAMS. All UAMS residents and fellows are required to adhere to policies as outlined by UAMS and our partner sites as part of any ACGME-accredited residency training. Failure to adhere to such policies, including policies regarding vaccinations, may impact a resident’s ability to successfully complete a training program.
How many positions are available?
Two for the 2023-2024 academic year
How far is it from Fayetteville to the rural training sites?
The drive from Fayetteville to Eureka Springs is roughly 1 hour. It takes about an hour and 15 minutes to drive from Fayetteville to Berryville. The drive between Eureka Springs and Berryville takes about 20 minutes.
Where do most residents end up living and do they buy or rent?
Northwest Arkansas and the surrounding rural communities offer a very affordable cost of living compared to many other parts of the country. Fayetteville, Arkansas is home to the flagship University of Arkansas campus, and as such, there are many options to rent for the PGY-1 year. As residents will be spending PGY-2 and PGY-3 primarily in Carroll County, we recommend they live in or near the communities where they will train: Eureka Springs and Berryville. There are options to rent or buy.
Is there a charge for parking?
Parking is available onsite at all facilities with no charge
Benefit Questions
Salary
| PGY | 2022-2023 Stipends |
| 1 | $55,123 |
| 2 | $56,724 |
| 3 | $58,681 |
Benefits
Download the Benefits for Housestaff (PDF) for information about:
- Medical (Classic, Health Savings Plan, and Premier)
- Dental
- Vision (Basic and Enhanced)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Optional, and Dependent)
- AD&D
- Disability and more
2022 Resident Physicians/Housestaff Insurance Rates (PDF download)
Additional Questions?
Contact Us:
Andrew Brooks, Program Coordinator
1125 N. College Ave.
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Email: ACBrooks@UAMS.edu
Phone: 479-684-5170