Anesthesiology Residency FAQs

Application Process FAQs

Is your residency program accredited?

• Our Anesthesiology residency program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). We currently accept six categorical residents to participate in the match process.

How do I submit an application to your program?

• Residency program applications will only be accepted and reviewed through the ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service). You can access the ERAS website at www.aamc.org/eras.

Who is eligible to apply?

• All candidates who apply will be considered. Each candidate must have graduated from medical school within the last five years at the time of enrollment in the residency program. A passing score on USMLE Step 1 is required for the application process. If applicable, a passing score on COMLEX Step 1 is also necessary. Additionally, candidates must submit a passing score on USMLE Step 2 prior to the end of the interview season, and if applicable, they must also submit a passing score on COMLEX Step 2. Graduates of international medical schools must provide an ECFMG Status Report.

Is there a deadline to apply?

• Applications will be accepted until December 31st. However, candidates are encouraged to complete their applications as soon as possible. Applications will only be accepted through ERAS.

Do you accept foreign and international medical graduates?

• We welcome graduates from international institutions.

Does an applicant need to be certified by ECFMG to apply?

• All international applicants must obtain ECFMG certification.

Do you sponsor J-1 Visas?

• Yes, Hackensack Meridian Health, our sponsoring institution, does sponsor J-1 visas.

Is it required for applicants to have clinical experience in the United States?

• Applicants are required to have clinical experience in the United States.

What are your score requirements on licensing examinations?

• While we do not have a specific score requirement, we expect applicants to pass each licensing examination on their first attempt. Examination scores are considered alongside many other aspects of an individual’s application.

How many letters of recommendation will I need to apply? Is there a maximum number of letters you will accept?

• You are required to submit a minimum of four letters of recommendation from faculty members who are familiar with you and can provide detailed insights into your clinical work, achievements, leadership abilities, personal qualities, and contributions to projects. At least one of these letters must come from a faculty member in the Anesthesiology department.

When do you interview applicants?

• Interviews are conducted virtually every week from the end of October through January. A typical interview day starts at 3 p.m. All applicants invited for an interview will also receive an invitation to participate in one of our virtual resident mingles. These social events, hosted by our current residents, provide applicants with an opportunity to learn more about the program and connect with residents in a casual, informal setting.

How will I be notified if I am offered an interview?

• Applicants selected for an interview will be notified through ERAS/Thalamus mail. Invited candidates have 72 hours to accept or decline their interview invitation and to schedule their appointment. If there is no response within 72 hours, the invitation will be considered declined, and the interview slot will be made available to another candidate.

General Curriculum FAQs

Do you get to work with/teach medical students?

• During your residency, you will have multiple opportunities to work with third and fourth-year medical students. Jersey Shore University Medical Center serves as a primary clinical rotation site for students from both the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and St. George's University, as well as for VSLO MS4 rotations from July to January. You will have the chance to engage with students in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

How would you describe your patient population?

• The patient population at Jersey Shore University Medical Center is diverse, representing a broad range of ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds.

What types of ancillary services are available?

• IVs and lab draws are generally performed by nurses, although residents are also qualified to do these tasks. Patient transport services are available 24/7 to move patients to and from procedures, radiology, the operating room, and other locations.

Does the hospital have an Electronic Medical Record (EMR)?

• We use EPIC for both our inpatient and outpatient electronic medical records (EMR).

Resident Life FAQs

Is there a food stipend?

• Residents are provided with a meal card with a monthly allowance to use in the staff-only cafeteria. The allowance is more than enough to carry you through each month and is rarely used up entirely!

Is housing available?

• There is no hospital-provided housing; however, there are various affordable housing options in the area. There are many great towns to live in, all within short walking or driving distance of restaurants, shops, etc. Most residents live within 10-20 minutes of the hospital.

Do residents receive an educational stipend?

• Yes. Residents receive an educational/book stipend each year. The allowance does not roll over from year to year, but residents can use the money for books, board review materials, and conferences.