Letter from the Program Director
Dear Prospective UAB Neurology Residency Applicants:
Virtual interviews have long been the standard in some industries, but for most residency programs and Match interview candidates, their first introduction to them came in 2020 when all programs were called to hold interviews virtually.
Like in-person interviews, virtual interviews have positives and negatives for candidates and programs. It is now becoming clear that virtual interviews are likely to remain a normal part of the Match interview process, even after the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a major concern.
Although initially, at UAB Neurology, we were considering going back to in-person interviews, we have decided that in accordance with AAN, AAMC and UAB GME guidelines, we will continue with virtual interviews for the 2024 Match.
The interview process will include:
Wednesday 5 pm: Overview of the Program*
Wednesday 6 pm: Meet and Greet with residents
Thursday 8:15 am: Welcome and introductions
Thursday 8:30 am-12:30 pm: Interview with Faculty
Thursday 1 pm: Meeting with Department Chair
Thursday 2 pm: Conclusion of interview
* All times are Central Standard Times
We will also offer Second Look day(s) for applicants who are interested in visiting UAB following the virtual interview. The second look opportunity potentially offers some benefits for applicants to help make an informed rank list decision during a virtual interview season. We hope that second look will help applicants adequately understand the culture of UAB Neurology program and its “vibe”, which usually are more apparent through more casual conversations and interactions.
During the second look visit, a half-day that will be set aside to tour the program and Birmingham if the applicant is interested in visiting AFTER the virtual interview. We will have a couple of days (TBD) set aside for interested candidates to come and spend time with residents, tour the hospital and visit the city. However, we would like to stress that:
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Second look visits are completely optional and are NOT necessary to be considered for our program; these visits will NOT be used as an indication of an applicant’s interest.
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Second look visit will NOT be a factor in considering candidate’s application for the rank order list
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Second look visit is a NOT a second interview and applicants will not be meeting the program leadership or faculty
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Second look visits are for the benefit of the applicant only and designed in a way as to avoid impacting the programs’ ranking of the applicant.
In accordance with NRMP rules, post-interview communication is not expected from applicants.
We look forward to reviewing your applications and meeting you during virtual interviews. In addition, we wish you the best of luck in the Match and in all your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Khurram Bashir, MD, MPH
Distinguished Professor of Neurology
Director, Neurology Residency Training Program
Timetable
Applications to the Neurology Residency Program must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) of the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). Applicants must have completed medical school within the past 5 years in order to apply.
All positions will be filled through the NRMP. For information about registering, please contact the National Residency Matching Program. Visit their website www.nrmp.org or contact them by phone at 866-653-6767
The deadline for accepting all applications to our program is October 6. Interviews generally begin in mid-October and conclude in February.
Interviewing Process
The program director and coordinator will review applications and a letter of invitation will be sent to applicants considered strong candidates for the UAB Neurology Residency Training Program. The program coordinator will schedule and arrange interviews via ERAS.
Candidates invited for interviews are selected based on a number of factors including USMLE scores, academic credentials, personal statements, letters of recommendation, etc. If applicants are foreign medical graduates, we encourage you to have had some US clinical training (observership, externship, etc.) and research experience. Please note that completing a rotation at UAB does not automatically grant an interview invitation.
Applicants will interview individually with the Chair of the Neurology Department, the Program Director, and Neurology faculty members. Virtual interviews are conducted via Zoom.
Application FAQs
Q. How do I submit an application?
A. The UAB Neurology Residency Program accepts applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) at www.nrmp.org only. Applications submitted in any other form will not be accepted or reviewed.
Q. How many positions do you expect to offer?
A. Our program is a 4-year program and we offer nine positions with an automatic year (PGY-1) in internal medicine.
Q. Does the program accept applications from graduates of international medical schools?
A. As stated earlier, we have a very competitive application process. However, graduates from any medical school are invited to submit applications and will be subject to our usual application procedures - UAB sponsors J-1 visas for graduates of foreign medical schools. For any further questions regarding visas sponsored by the University, please visit International Students and Scholar Services at https://www.uab.edu/global/about/programs-services/isss
Q. What are your requirements for international graduates?
A. International medical graduates must be ECFMG certified with a valid certificate, must have passed Steps 1 and 2 of USMLE on first attempt with a score of 220 and above, and have clinical experience (observerships, externships) in the United States.
For further information or questions regarding the interview process, please contact:
Charmaine Echols
Program Coordinator
(205) 975-3756
cgechols@uabmc.edu
