Application Process
Applications will only be accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). We do not accept applications via FAX, email, or postal services.
Thank you for your interest in our Internal Medicine Residency Program.
We strongly encourage applicants to submit their applications by the end of September, as our available interview days and times fill quickly. The following documents are required:
- ERAS Common Application Form
- Curriculum Vitae
- Dean’s Letter (MSPE)
- A minimum of three (3) Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Photograph
- Medical School Transcripts
- USMLE and/or COMLEX Transcripts
Program Codes - Cleveland Clinic
- Categorical: 1968140C0
- Preliminary: 1968140P0
- Clinician Educator: 1968140C1
- VA Track: 1968140C2
The following are the minimum criteria for application:
- Graduate of an accredited medical school within the past 5 years.
- Passage of all licensing exams on the first attempt. Step 1 transcript is required with application submission (ERAS); Step 2 transcript is required by June 1.
- Any gaps in training or medical school should have an accompanying explanation.
- Must be able to assume all responsibilities of training by July 1. All appointees must report for orientation the last two weeks in June.
- Pass all preclinical courses on first attempt.
- Minimum grade of PASS on the first attempt for all Core Clerkships.
- High Pass or commendation (if given) for Medicine Clerkship.
Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to an inquiry regarding application status.
We conduct interviews from November through mid-January, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General FAQs
When do you start reviewing applications?
We begin reviewing applications the day they are released to our program from ERAS.
What are the requirements with regards to letters of recommendation?
Dean’s letter and at least 3 letters of recommendation are required for consideration. We value letters from Internal Medicine faculty with whom the applicant has worked closely in a clinical setting. Due to COVID-19, we understand applicants may have completed telemedicine rotations. While applicants may submit the letters they choose, letters from telemedicine rotations will not be considered as a substitute for a IM clinical preceptor letter.
How do our residents perform on ABIM boards?
Our board pass rate for 2020-2023 is 97% (national average 88%).
What career paths do your residents pursue after graduation from Internal medicine?
Approximately 80-85% of our residents continue their medical education by obtaining fellowships at prestigious institutions including numerous world renowned specialties right here within Cleveland Clinic. 15-20% of our residents pursue practice in Primary Care or Hospital Medicine. Many choose academic careers as medical educators, researchers and leaders in addition to clinical care.
FAQs or Osteopathic (DO) Applicants
Do you require both USMLE and COMLEX scores for DO applicants?
We require USMLE and/or COMLEX score transcripts. Both are not required.
FAQs for International Medical Graduate (IMG) Applicants
Do you review International Medical Graduate applications?
Yes, Cleveland Clinic embraces and values the talent of physicians from across the world.
Do you sponsor Visas?
Yes, we sponsor H1B or J1 visas. All matched applicants must obtain a valid visa prior to intern orientation.
Is there a cutoff for year of graduation from medical school?
Yes. Applicants who have graduated medical school within the past 5 years will be considered, provided they have continued to provide direct patient care since graduation.
Do I have to take Step 3?
The applicant should have cleared all qualifying exams before the Match results are posted. If requesting an H1B visa, Step 3 must be taken before Match Day with results received no later than April 15. Step 3 is not required for a J1 visa.
Is US clinical experience required for IMGs?
Applicants with US clinical experience are preferred, but not required.
Contact Us
For all inquiries about the Internal medicine residency program at Cleveland Clinic, email us IMRPResidencyRecuit@ccf.org.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to inquiries regarding application status.
