Residency Applicant FAQ

How to apply for residency at Vanderbilt Orthopaedics

Enter quick intro paragraphs about applying for residency

This page will cover topics relating to:

  • Deadlines
  • ERAS process
  • Interview dates and overview
  • Visas and certifications 

 

  • A complete application includes the following:

    1. Medical School Transcript
    2. Medical School Performance Evaluation (Dean's Letter)
    3. Three letters of recommendation
    4. USMLE transcript and/or COMLEX transcript
    5. ECFMG Certificate (if applicable)
    6. A Personal Statement.

    Research and honors in the surgery clerkship are also factors.

  • All applications must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

  • Our deadline for 2026-2027 is Oct. 5, 2025. 

  • USMLE Step 1 score of 240 or higher for tests taken before January 26, 2022. After Jan. 26, 2022, we require a "Pass" on Step 1.

    We require that you have passed USMLE Step 2 prior to our application deadline.

    We require a passing exam score of 240. We do not have a limitation on the number of attempts for USMLE exam, but do take into consideration any failed attempts.

  • COMLEX LEVEL 1, we require a "Pass".

    We require that you have passed COMLEX LEVEL 2-CE prior to our application deadline.

    We require a passing exam score of 600. We do not have a limitation on the number of attempts for COMLEX exam, but do take into consideration any failed attempts.

    • Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025 – Friday, Dec. 19, 2025
    • Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 – Friday, Jan. 23, 2026

  • No. Our interviews will be held in person over the course of two days.

  • Thursday

    • Interviews in the afternoon with our department chair and program director.
    • Social that evening with our residents and fellow applicants.

    Friday

    • Breakfast
    • Presentation and welcome to the program
    • Interviews with faculty and residents
    • Tour of VUMC

  • We will be participating in the American Orthopaedic Association’s Universal Offer Day. More information on Universal Offer Day can be found on the AOA's website.

  • No previous US clinical experience is required to apply to the program.

  • We do not have a cut-off for the number of years since graduation from medical school. This will be taken into consideration when reviewing applications.

  • Applicants should be ECFMG certified by the application deadline.