Revised 10/13/2024
We only accept applications via ERAS and adhere to all NRMP guidelines and rules. Each year we fill three or four categorical intern positions and two or three preliminary intern positions. To be considered, all applicants must have minimum three letters of recommendation from surgery faculty (a non-surgical letter is encouraged but does not substitute for the required three letters from surgeons) and must have successfully passed USMLE Step 1 and 2CK.
International medical graduates must also have a valid ECFMG certificate and meet the requirements to obtain a postgraduate training license from the California Medical Board. We prioritize residents who have a connection to Northern California or our program. Medical students that have rotated at our facility are given special consideration. Because of our diverse population in the areas of our practice, we also value diversity in our residents and candidates. We make every effort to embrace varied backgrounds and world views in qualified applicants.
Interviews will be held from November to January. All interviews for categorical positions will be conducted in person at San Joaquin General Hospital with an optional resident-applicant dinner the night before. We appreciate that in person interviews are costly and time-consuming, but we do feel that they are the best way to evaluate applicants, and they are the best way for applicants to evaluate our program. All applicants who would like to speak to the program director about the program beforehand should contact us via email to schedule a brief phone call. This phone call will not be considered in any way when our program ranks candidates and no record of it will be kept by our program.
All interviews for preliminary positions will be held virtually via Zoom. Applicants who interview for categorical positions but with weaker applications may wish to simultaneously apply for a preliminary position, in which case they will not have to interview again in order to be considered. Our program considers such a decision a sign of maturity and dedication to the profession, and it does not impact invitation or ranking decisions in any way. We sometimes will offer preliminary surgery residents a 2nd year position if one becomes available in the coming year. In addition, a strong preliminary intern is often near the top of our list for categorical interns the following year.