Thank you for your interest in our UAMS / Washington Regional Internal Medicine Residency Program in northwest Arkansas! We hope these FAQs will begin to answer some general questions about our program and we hope to have an opportunity to answer more in-depth questions if you are selected for an interview.
Applicant Specific Questions
What is your application deadline?
We request all applications be submitted through Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) by November.
Does the program accept osteopathic applicants?
Yes, we accept both allopathic and osteopathic candidates.
By what criteria are residents selected?
Our program utilizes a holistic application review, with a goal to recruit diverse trainees with a passion for internal medicine.
How are your interviews scheduled? How will we be notified of an invitation for a Northwest Arkansas interview?
Upon review of applications, candidates selected for interview will be notified by email.
Do you hire outside of 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 through our main campus in Little Rock.
Are there any prerequisites 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.
May I visit your campus for a second look?
We allow second looks on our campus, but these visits will not be taken into account in the selection of applicants into our program. For more information, contact Leslie Jordan, Program Coordinator, at LLJordan@UAMS.edu.
International Medical Graduate Questions
When do you require ECFMG certification? At the time of application or by the time the PGY-1 resident starts residency in July?
We require ECFMG certification at the time of application.
Do you sponsor any Visas?
No. The UAMS Northwest Regional Campus does not sponsor H-1B Visa applicants or applicants holding a J-1 Visa through the ECFMG. Our UAMS Northwest Regional Campus mission is to train and recruit primary care physicians in the Northwest Arkansas Region.
Do you accept international medical graduates?
Yes, we accept international 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” (EAD), can I apply to this program using this work permit instead of a J1 or H1B Visa?
The EAD is not a substitute for a green card or citizenship so this is not an eligible status to apply to our UAMS Northwest Internal Medicine Residency Program.
Is U.S. 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-19 vaccination required?
Yes. Pursuant to our sponsoring institution and our clinical rotation site, COVID-19 vaccination is required for our residents.
Why start a new residency program in Northwest Arkansas?
Northwest Arkansas’ population is now over 560,000 and growing by 1.3% annually. The four counties in the region—Benton, Washington, Carroll, and Madison—are considered to be medically underserved based on the Arkansas Department of Health classifications. $2 billion of healthcare money leaves the region annually. Adding advanced medical education and training opportunities in Northwest Arkansas improves access to care and quality of care for patients in our region.
How many PGY-1 positions are available?
There are eight categorical positions each year in our three-year training program.
Where do most residents end up living and do they buy or rent?
All of the clinical training experiences are located in Fayetteville. We recommend residents look in this area for housing. There are many options for sale or rent.
Parking
Parking is available immediately on site at no charge.
Benefits
What are your benefits and terms and conditions for appointment (employment) in residency training programs at UAMS?
- Sample Resident Agreement of Appointment (Contract) and terms and conditions of appointment
- Benefit Summary for Medical
- All benefit information: UAMS GME Handbook
Salary
What is the salary?
The PGY-1 salary for the 2023-2024 academic year is $55,356.
Additional Questions?
Please feel free to contact us at 479-463-3370 or LLJordan@UAMS.edu.