Pediatric Residencies Application and Interview Process

All applicants to either 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 October 21 through December 15. Applicants who are selected to interview will be contacted via email. Interviews are conducted early November through mid January. Due to the COVID epidemic, we will be conducting all interviews remotely for the 2020-2021 interview season.

Applications must include the following:

  • Complete ERAS application
  • USMLE or COMLEX score – Step 1 score required with application and Step 2 score required by February 15th
  • Personal Statement
  • Dean’s Letter
  • 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. The interview season starts on Friday, November 6, 2020 and ends on Monday, January 18, 2021. There will be a virtual dinner 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, Dr. Dermody, 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, Dr. Dermody, 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.