How to Apply

Application Process

Applications for Internal Medicine's Categorical (three-year) and Preliminary (one-year) residency programs must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

M.D. and D.O. graduates from U.S. schools may register for ERAS through their Deans' offices. The ECFMG serves as the Dean's office for all IMGs. A "Request for an ERAS Application Kit" is available on the ECFMG home page.

Standard Application Requirements are:

• Standard ERAS application
• At least 3 letters of recommendation (one of them preferably the chair’s letter)
• Personal Statement
• Transcripts
• USMLE and/or COMLEX Scores
• Dean’s letter

Interviews are by invitation only. We begin reviewing applications on October 1. Following the review of your application, you will be notified by e-mail as to whether or not you have been selected for an interview.

International Medical Graduates (IMGs)

At this time, Sutter Health does not sponsor J-1, H-1B, or other types of visas. International Medical Graduates are welcome to apply to our residency and fellowship programs provided they meet the following requirements:

1. Authorization to work in the United States: Applicants must have appropriate work authorization at the time of application and for the duration of training.  
2. Medical School Recognition: Applicants must have received all medical education from, and graduated from:
   1. A U.S. or Canadian medical school accredited by the Liason Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the Committee on Accreditation (COCA); or
   2. A foreign medical school evaluated by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)  or an ECFMG-authorized foreign medical school accreditation agency, and determined to meet the minimum requirements substantially equivalent to LCME, CACMS, or COCA standards; and
   3. The school must be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (maintained by the World Federation for Medical Education [WFME] and the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research [FAIMER]), or approved by the Medical Board of California.
3. Post-Graduate Training Authorization Letter (PTAL)
   1. As of January 1, 2020, the Medical Board of California no longer issues a PTAL to International Medical Graduates. A PTAL is not required to apply to Sutter Health programs.