Application and Interview Process

All applicants to the Pediatric Residency Program (categorical), the PALS Residency Program – Pediatric Advocacy-Leadership-Service (primary care), Pediatric Scientist Development Program, or any of the Combined Pediatric Training Programs at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

We evaluate all applications based on merit regardless of the applicant’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected group status. We prioritize those from applicants who have graduated from medical school in the past 5 years. 

Applications are reviewed from late September through December 15.  Applications submitted after December 15 will not be considered.  Applicants who are selected to interview will be contacted via email. Interviews are conducted from late October through mid January. Due to the COVID epidemic, we will be conducting all interviews remotely for the 2022-2023 interview season.  We offer afternoon and morning interview sessions on Mondays and Fridays respectively. 

Application Requirements

All applications must be submitted with the following for consideration:

  • Complete ERAS application
  • USMLE and/or COMLEX score – Step 1 score required with application and Step 2 score required by February 15th
  • Personal Statement
  • Dean’s Letter/MSPE
  • Transcript
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation (we do not require a Chair letter for our application)
  • ECFMG Certificate (for International Medical Graduates only)

Interview Process

Our interviews days are Monday and Fridays. We have a later start on Mondays and an earlier start on Fridays.  There will be a virtual happy hour with the residents the night prior to your interview day. Business casual attire is welcome on interview days.

Interview Schedule

Monday Interview Day

Sunday Evening – Dinner with the Residents

11:30 a.m. EST – Program Director Welcome
You will have the opportunity to meet with the program leadership who will share program highlights and basic information regarding the pediatric residency program.

12:00 p.m. EST – Case Conference
A resident-led, case-based conference.

1:00 pm EST – Program Overview
The Chief Resident provide an overview of the program, schedules, and perks of Pittsburgh.

2:00 p.m. EST – Interviews
Faculty interviewers will meet every applicant, who will also interview with at least one Program Director.

4:00 p.m. EST – Chair of Pediatrics Welcome
The Chair of Pediatrics, Terence S. Dermody, MD, will briefly meet the applicants.

4:30 p.m. EST – Program Director Farewell
Finish your day with a relaxing and informational conversation with our program leadership. Feel free to ask any remaining questions regarding the program.

Throughout the day, video tours, informal resident meet-ups, and informational content on the program will be provided.

Friday Interview Day

Thursday Evening – Dinner with the Residents

7:30 a.m. EST – Program Director Welcome
You will have the opportunity to meet with the program leadership who will share program highlights and basic information regarding the pediatric residency program.

8:00 a.m. EST – Case Conference
A resident-led, case-based conference.

9:00 a.m EST – Program Overview
The Chief Resident provide an overview of the program, schedules, and perks of Pittsburgh.

10:00 a.m. EST – Interviews
Faculty interviewers will meet every applicant, who will also interview with at least one Program Director.

12:00 p.m. EST – Chair of Pediatrics Welcome
The Chair of Pediatrics, Terence S. Dermody, MD, will briefly meet the applicants.

12:30 p.m. EST – Program Director Farewell
Finish your day with a relaxing and informational conversation with our program leadership. Feel free to ask any remaining questions regarding the program.

Throughout the day, video tours, informal resident meet-ups, and informational content on the program will be provided.