Frequently Asked Questions

Candidates must be eligible for licensure in the State of California. Inquiries should be directed to the Medical Board of California. Appointments will be made through the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) and applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) websites.

The UC Davis Residency Program uses the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates definition, which can be found at the ECFMG website.

All IMGs must apply for certification through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) in order to apply and be accepted into US residency training programs.

UC Davis Medical Center sponsors J1, however, there are other requirements, please see IMG requirement document.

No, US clinical experience is not required, however a demonstrated interest in Pathology is favorable.

There is no graduation year cut off.

A passing score is the minimum requirement.

Yes, we do participate in the Couples Match.

Yes, an ECFMG Certificate is required (for international medical graduate applicants) to complete your application and only completed applications are reviewed for interview.

Our Program has 16 residents and we accept both US and IMG applicants.

All residents take call except for PGY-1 residents. Each call shift is 24 hours long and mostly at home call. Number of assigned calls may vary based on the number of eligible residents available to take call.

Completed applications consists of: ERAS application, CV, Personal Statement, 3 Letters of Recommendation, School Transcripts and USMLE Transcripts. Fellowship and Residency applications need to include letters of recommendation from any prior or current training director before application can be considered. For IMG’s, an ECFMG certificate is also required. All materials in the ERAS system must be submitted before the application can be reviewed.

For more information on our residency program, please contact:

Rachel C. Joseph
Residency Program Coordinator
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Phone: 916-734-0764
Email: HS-PathResidency@ucdavis.edu

Please note: Often applicants will visit our department in-person without an appointment. We kindly ask that you do not visit our department unannounced. If you have any questions about our program, please contact us at the phone number or email address above.

Key Information Regarding California GME Licensure Requirements

Changes effective January 1, 2020

• A Postgraduate Training License (PTL) will be required for ALL RESIDENTS participating in a California ACGME program for the first 36 months of any ACGME training
  • A trainee must obtain a PTL within 180 days after enrollment in the program
  • After the first 36 months of any ACGME training Residents/Fellows MUST obtain a full and unrestricted California medical license.
  • The PTL will be valid until 90 days after completion of the first 36 months of any ACGME training (to allow an applicant time to obtain a full and unrestricted license)
  • A PTAL will no longer be required for International Medical Graduates (IMG)
• All residents and fellows are REQUIRED to have a full and unrestricted California Medical License after they complete 36 months of any ACGME (or RCPSC, CFPC) program training
• California Licensure Requirements:
  • 36 months of ACGME training (ACGME-International Training is not applicable)
  • At least 24 consecutive months of ACGME training
    • in the same ACGME program
    • within the first 36 months of training
  • If a candidate does not meet this criterion, they may not train in California beyond 36 total months under any circumstances
  • ACGME-International Training is not applicable for a California Medical License

• Applicants may (should) submit the PTL application and supporting documents soon as they have confirmation of acceptance into the ACGME program