Internal Medicine Residency Program

Application Information

For the 2023-2024 ERAS® cycle, our program will use program signals offered through the AAMC’s ERAS program.  

Training Programs 

Training opportunities are provided along four separate tracks, designed to meet the varied needs of the post-graduate trainee: 

  • Categorical/Primary Care Internal Medicine (NRMP #1702140C0): The categorical program provides comprehensive training in internal medicine and the subspecialties in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Our goal is to combine the best features of categorical and primary care training into a single, flexible program that can be adapted to the evolving career goals of the trainee. 
  • Physician Scientist Training Program, ABIM Research Pathway (NRMP #1702140C1): Residents who are firmly committed to a research career in academic medicine may apply to this program. This program allows residents to enter into their academic discipline after two years of clinical residency training. Applicants interested in the research pathway must check the "Research" box on the ERAS application. In addition, please email Sarah Andrews indicating your interest in consideration for the Research Pathway. 
  • Preliminary Medicine (NRMP #1702140P0): Preliminary internships are available to a limited number of qualified applicants who wish to take a single year of general medicine training in preparation for a career in another specialty. 
  • Combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics (NRMP #170270): The combined internal medicine/pediatrics program is a four-year program leading to Board certification in both disciplines. Applications for the combined medicine/pediatric program are through ERAS.

​​​​​​​U.S. Graduates 

Applicants to the Vanderbilt Internal Medicine Residency Program must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). All internship positions will be offered through the National Residency Match Program (NRMP). Please be sure to register. The relevant program numbers are listed above. 

The deadline for applications is December 31, 2023.  All applicants are required to submit the following supplemental materials: 

  • Curriculum vitae (generated by ERAS) 
  • Personal Statement 
  • Medical Student Performance Evaluation (Dean's Letter) 
  • USMLE Steps 1 & 2 scores; Step 1 is required at the time of interview; Step 2 is required prior to an intern's official start date 
  • Letter of recommendation from the Chair (or designee) of your Department of Medicine 
  • A letter from two members of the faculty with whom you have worked or who know you well; additional letters may be submitted without penalty 

International Medical Graduates 

International medical graduates must contact the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) for their application materials and eligibility requirements. ECFMG-ERAS Program, PO Box 13467, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-3467, USA or visit the ECFMG site  to download the application kit. 

Due to the vast number of highly qualified applicants, only a small number of international medical graduates are invited to interview. Significant "hands-on" clinical experience in the United States (NOT an observership or research) is highly recommended. For international medical graduates we require: 

  • Two letters of recommendation from clinical supervisors in the United States 
  • USMLE Steps 1 & 2 scores; Step 1 is required at the time of interview; Step 2 is required prior to an intern's official start date 
  • Medical School graduation date of 2018 or later 
  • We sponsor J-1 Visas and consider sponsoring H-1B Visas 

Equal Employment and Affirmative Action 

"In compliance with federal law, including the provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, Executive Order 11246, and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, as amended, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 , Vanderbilt University does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of their race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or military service, or genetic information in its administration of educational policies, programs, or activities; admissions policies; scholarship and loan programs; athletic or other University-administered programs; or employment. In addition, the University does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression consistent with the University’s nondiscrimination policy." 

Electives/Clerkships: All electives and clerkships are processed via the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine's Office of the Registrar. For more information, please visit the Registrar's page or call (615) 322-7701. 

Observerships: Vanderbilt University Medical Center does not offer any observerships. 

Invited Applicants: Please see this page for more information.

Contact us: For additional information about our program or any aspect of the application process, please contact:

Kristy Braden, Residency Program Administrator
Phone:  615-322-0417 
E-mail: kristy.braden@vumc.org