How to Apply

Program ID #3003521224

The University at Buffalo Department of Pathology participates in the National Residency Matching Program for first year positions.

The program abides by all of the regulations of the NRMP. No Pre-Match offers are available to applicants. Openings, if available, for years other than first year, and those that occur during the academic year will be filled outside the match. The Program does not offer observerships, internships, externships, research or volunteer positions. 

Applicants to the program must apply only via ERAS. Complete applications should be submitted as early as possible. Applications received after November 1st may not receive appropriate review.

Applications are evaluated on a number of criteria. Emphasis is placed on the applicant´s cognitive abilities, communication skills, clinical skills, knowledge, and record of achievement. In addition, the applicant´s ability, as judged by faculty members during a personal interview to adapt to the program, to work as a member of a team composed of faculty, resident colleagues, laboratory technicians and support staff, and to develop effective patient/physician relationships are equally important criteria. The following process has been designed to facilitate the search for the "right" match.

Every application is screened by the Selection Committee, which is composed of the Program Director and appointed faculty members. The Selection Committee evaluates each application on the basis of the following criteria:

1. Quality of undergraduate medical education.
2. Medical school grades, achievements, honors, and Dean´s Letter of Recommendation.
3. Research experience recommended, but not required.
4. Quality of the personal statement, which should indicate effective written communication skills, as well as a commitment to a career in pathology.
5. Letters of recommendation, (at least 3) which should indicate the applicant´s ability to sustain the rigors of a training program and to interact effectively with others. If IMG, at least one letter from a U.S. source is required.
6. Less than 10 years out of medical school preferred. If over 10 years, some additional professional development expected, i.e. Ph.D.
7. Applicants must have submitted results of USMLE step 1 and step 2 via ERAS prior to consideration of an interview. Exception for medical students currently enrolled, step 1 only required.
8. USMLE scores greater than 200 on both parts one and two on the first attempt preferred. If more than 5 years out of medical school, successful completion of USMLE step three expected prior to ranking (Mid February).
9. USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills - passing on 1st attempt preferred.
10. COMLEX scores are accepted for D.O. students.
11. The Institution no longer sponsors H1-b visas for incoming residents. The Institute will only sponsor J-1 visas. However, if a resident is unable to obtain a J-1 visa by July 1st, we cannot guarantee that their position will be held.
12. Verification of valid ECFMG certification is required prior to ranking, which is typically mid-February.
13. US Clinical Experience is not required.
14. Previous pathology training and/or experience is recommended, but is not required.
15. Per NYS regulations, international medical graduates must have satisfied the NYS Department of Education (NYS DOE) 12-week rule, i.e., if more than 12 weeks of medical school curriculum have been spent outside of the country in which the medical school is located, the school must appear on the list of approved schools issued by the NYS DOE.

Based on the Selection Committee´s recommendation, applicants are selected to pursue their application with a personal interview.

Interviews are scheduled for a full day, and applicants are offered several dates from which to choose in the months of October through January. During the course of the interview day, applicants meet first as a group with the Program Director who gives an overview of the program. This is followed by individual interviews with the faculty, lunch with the residents and a tour of the Department´s facilities.