Frequently Asked Questions

All applicants must apply through ERAS and provide the following:

• Official transcript from the medical school
• Curriculum Vitae
• Dean’s letter
• A minimum of three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Photograph (ID to track applicants after interviews)
• Official Medical School Transcripts
• Test scores (USMLE or COMLEX; we prefer that you have passed through Step 2 or Level 2 by the time of your application)
• ECFMG certificate, if an international medical school graduate (not required to interview, but must be issued prior to beginning the residency program)

An applicant must be able to carry out the duties as required of the residency training program.

An applicant must meet one of the following qualifications:

• A graduate of a medical school in the United States or Canada accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)
• A graduate of a college of osteopathic medicine in the U.S. or Canada accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
• A graduate of a medical school outside the U.S. who has completed a Fifth Pathway program provided by an LCME-accredited medical school
• A graduate who holds a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a U.S. licensing jurisdiction, or
• A graduate of a medical school outside the U.S. or Canada with all of the following qualifications:
  • A copy of USMLE or COMLEX notification of Step 1 and 2 scores (or Level 1 and 2) with a grade of passing (preferred but not required prior to interviewing)
  • A current valid certificate from the Education Committee for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG; not required for interview, but essential to begin training)
  • The ability to reside continuously in the U.S. for the length of training
  • A current driver’s license.

Preference is given to applicants who have graduated from medical school within the last four years or have been in the practice of medicine within the last three years.

Applicants must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in speaking, understanding, reading, and writing in English, both on medical and conversational topics.

Our visa policies are currently under review. For general information, visit the UAMS Immigration Services page, or contact UAMS Immigration Services at AskImmigration@uams.edu. 

Yes!

We review and confirm eligibility requirements.

We give preference to those having zero failures on USMLE Step 1 and Step 2, or COMLEX Level 1 and Level 2 – but we look at your entire application in a holistic fashion as outlined below. We do not have minimum test scores, and we will not eliminate an applicant solely on the basis of a test score.

We give careful consideration to the following:

• Overall performance in medical school
• Commitment to ideals of Preventive Medicine
• Recent clinical training or experience
• Demonstrated ability to choose goals and to complete the tasks necessary to achieve those goals
• Maturity and emotional stability
• Communication skills and professionalism
• Performance on standardized medical tests

Sorry, we don’t offer informal visit opportunities or email connections.  Please apply through ERAS.  If you are chosen for an interview, we will let you know.

ERAS is our sole source for reviewing applications. Please do not mail, email, fax, or drop off documents. We will not review anything outside of ERAS.

Not at this time.

Residents who earned their MPH prior to residency are still required to train for two years within the program. Additional advanced courses may also be required to meet ACGME requirements or to enhance training based on grades in previous MPH coursework.

Residents who enter the program with an MPH will have the opportunity for more in-depth educational experience in public health due to their availability to engage in projects and events more readily than peers who will have restrictions due to class time commitments.

We plan to begin interviews in October 2026.

We can’t speak for every program, of course, but here are some things we consider.

• We look for candidates who have demonstrated an interest in population-based medicine and public health, who plan on practicing public health, who have performed well in medical school as demonstrated by their grades, dean’s letter and USMLE or COMLEX scores, and who has performed well in internship or residency. We also want individuals who are eager to learn, who have a strong work ethic, who are team players and who want to enjoy their work.