Skip to main content

How to Apply

The Psychiatry Residency at the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Our program only accepts applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for PGY-1 positions; all other inquiries are not accepted.

We offer two tracks for nine positions annually: 

  • Categorical (NRMP Program Code: 2247400C0)
    This is the main residency match for PGY-1 applicants.
  • Research Track/PSTP (NRMP Program Code: 2247400C1)
    This is for our R25-funded Research Track position for residents who have extensive research backgrounds and would like to pursue a career as a clinician-scientist. Refer to the Starzl Academy Physician Scientist Training Program page for application instructions.

Additionally, we offer a medical education track for accepted residents:

  • Clinician Educator Track
    Residents can apply to our Clinician Educator Track after acceptance into the McGaw Medical Education Clinical Scholars Program, a two-year competency-based medical education certificate program to provide them with training in educational theory and teaching in a variety of settings. Residents can apply to the scholars program at the end of their PGY-1 year; for application details, visit the McGaw website.

McGaw sponsors J1, H1B and F1 visas. Please visit the McGaw website for visa, salary and benefit information. A sample resident contract is also available.

Required Application Materials

We participate in the NRMP Match. Applications are submitted to ERAS through your medical school dean's office or the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). Please contact your medical school student affairs or dean's office or the ECFMG for instructions. Applications will not be accepted via fax, mail or email. The following materials are required:

  • Complete ERAS application, including supplemental application
  • USMLE scores (Part I required; Part II is optional but preferred)
  • A recent photograph (optional; helpful in refreshing memories for ranking purposes)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
  • Medical school transcript
  • Personal statement

Deadlines

In accordance with the ERAS timeline for residency applicants, applications should be submitted by the date that residency programs can download completed applications. No interview offers will be made before MSPEs are received.

Interviews

Interviews are conducted virtually from October to January. We will only send as many invitations as we have interview spots. Candidates will interview with faculty and residents on the interview day. Additional information about the interview day will be sent along with interview invitations. We realize that medical student schedules may be demanding, and students may need time to coordinate interview schedules. Applicants will have 72 hours to accept or decline an invitation to interview. We send invitations to interview out at 5 p.m. CDT/CST so that applicants can avoid checking email earlier in the day about interview requests.

Application FAQs

What is the best way to show interest in Northwestern Psychiatry? 

The best way to show interest in Northwestern Psychiatry is with a “signal” in ERAS. Our Selection Committee gives priority to applications from residents who have sent us a signal. Our Selection Committee does not consider letters of interest in making interview offers. Due to the volume of letters of interest we receive, our program does not reply to letters of interest. We do not consider signals in making our rank list since we know that applicants’ preferences can change once they’ve had the opportunity to interview.   

Will interviews be in-person or virtual? 

Our interviews will be 100% virtual.  

Do you have away electives for visiting students? 

No, we do not offer away electives to visiting students. 

Do you have a minimum board score requirement? 

No, we do not have a minimum board score to be considered for an interview offer. We do require that applicants have passed step 1 and step 2 prior to starting internship so this information is helpful for the selection committee. We review applications holistically to identify applicants we believe will thrive at Northwestern.   

How many letters of recommendation are required? 

We require 3 letters of recommendation. We recommend at least one letter comes from a psychiatrist. We are interested in hearing from faculty who know your clinical work well.  

Do you offer PGY2 transfer positions? 

We do not offer transfer positions.  

What is your program policy on international medical school graduates? 

Our program considers all qualified applicants. McGaw sponsors J1, H1B and F1 visas. 

If I have additional questions about the interview process or applying to Northwestern Psychiatry, who should I contact? 

Please email our program manager, Mia Reed (mccollin@nm.org). 

 

Contact Us

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our housestaff coordinator.

miareed
Mia Reed
Program Manager
mccollin@nm.org
312-926-8058

Follow Psychiatry on