Eligibility and Selection of Residents

Eligibility and Selection

Applicants with one of the following qualifications are eligible for appointment to programs:

• Graduates of medical schools in the United States and Canada accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)
• Graduates of colleges of osteopathic medicine in the United States accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
• Graduates of dental schools accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation
• Graduates of medical schools outside the United States and Canada who meet one of the following qualifications:
  • Have received a currently valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates prior to appointment
  • Have a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a U.S. licensing jurisdiction in their current ACGME specialty/subspecialty program.
• Have completed a Fifth Pathway program provided by an LCME-accredited medical school.

Consideration of Applicants

All Summa Health accredited programs in graduate medical education select from among eligible applicants on the basis of residency-related criteria such as preparedness, ability, aptitude, academic credentials, communication skills, and personal qualities such as motivation and integrity. In accordance with Summa Health's mission to serve its community and train a diverse workforce of residents and fellows, each program also implements policies and procedures to further the recruitment of minorities underrepresented in medicine.

Applicants are ranked on a fair and equal basis, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, color, national origin, cultural background, disability or any other applicable legally protected status. 

• All applicants must have completed both steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE or COMLEX to be considered.
  • Residency directors determine what is considered a satisfactory score in their program.
• Applicants must have graduated from medical school no more than three years prior to the date residency training would potentially commence at Summa Health System.

Consideration of International Medical Graduates

In addition to the above section for consideration of all applicants, International Medical Graduates must provide a current ECFMG certificate before starting Residency or Fellowship.

Consideration of Medical Graduates with a Visa

In addition to the above section for consideration of all applicants, only applicants with J-1 visa status will be considered. 

Consideration of Applicants with Prior Training

Applicants for residency programs who have completed prior residency training will not be considered for residency positions unless they:

• Have one year or less of prior training,
• Were previously enrolled in a Summa Health System residency program,

This policy does not apply to years of training that are required for matriculation into a given residency and will therefore also not apply to programs that require prior training for admission.

Program Directors may seek an exception to this policy on a case-by-case basis. 

Recruitment Procedures

In general, applicants use the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) to apply for PGY1 (and applicable PGY2) resident positions. Students apply to the ERAS system through their medical schools. Exceptions to this policy are applicants for positions in programs not available through the ERAS system.

After the program director grants an applicant an interview, arrangements for the interview are made through the respective residency programs. 

An applicant invited to an interview must be informed, in writing or by electronic means, of the terms conditions, and benefits of appointment to the program, either in effect at the time of the interview or that will be in effect at the time of the applicant's eventual appointment. 

All rank order lists are strictly confidential. Notification of the outcomes of the match, will occur in accordance with the regulations established by the NRMP or equivalent organization.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Prior to assuming educational and patient care duties, each new hire resident and fellow receives:

• A medical examination. 
  • this includes a complete physical examination, a TB test, Rubella and Rubeola titers, screening for illicit drug use, and testing for nicotine product usage. 
  • If indicated, additional examinations may be repeated periodically. 
• A criminal background check performed through the system Human Resources Department. 
  • this check is performed at no cost to the resident/fellow.
  • any issue discovered during this check will be investigated.

Information uncovered may have the potential of delaying or preventing system employment. Information regarding any prior criminal issues or pre-existing physical/mental health issues or substance issues will be followed up and processed on a case by case basis in consultation with relevant professional resources. Summa Health reserves the right to require additional evaluation, data gathering, and/or referral for additional assessment for other pre-existing physical/mental health issues or challenges deemed necessary. 

Summa Health requires all newly hired employees to receive a Flu Vaccine during employment, as well as their full COVID-19 vaccine by their start date.
We would also like to remind prospective employees that Summa Health is a tobacco-free workplace.