Pediatric Residency Program Application Information
We participate in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) and adhere to its policies and principles. Applications are to be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). We cannot accept paper applications or applications sent to us via email or fax. Applications for each academic year will be accepted until December 1. The deadline may be extended under special circumstances. Please contact the Program Administrator to request an extension.
Please make sure the following information is included with your ERAS application:
- A letter from the Dean of your medical school
- Three strong letters of recommendation
- Medical school transcripts
- USMLE or COMLEX transcripts for both Steps I and II
- ECFMG certificate (applies to International Medical Graduates only)
Pediatric residency administration will review all applications received. Interviews will be granted on a competitive basis, and you will be contacted via email to schedule an interview.
A competitive application would contain the following:
- An impressive CV that includes volunteer service, academic awards/achievements, extracurricular activities, etc.
- A strong medical school transcript
- A USMLE/COMLEX transcript with scores >= 85 on both Steps I & II (no more than 2 attemps)
- Three strong letters of recommendation
- A well-written personal statement
International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
Obtaining a residency slot in a United States GME system is a multi-step process that begins with certification through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). ECFMG certification ensures United States GME programs that physicians trained outside the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico are qualified and eligible to enter residency training. Additional information regarding this certification process can be obtained from the American Medical Association or ECFMG websites.
IMGs must be extremely competitive and meet the following application criteria:
- Must have graduated from medical school within the past five years, no exceptions.
- Must have USMLE scores >= 85 on both steps I and II within two attempts
- Must apply through ERAS (Cannot accept applications via email or fax)
U.S. clinical experience is not required for IMGs. All IMGs must have a J-1 VISA once accepted into the program (no exceptions) prior to starting the residency program.
Observerships/Externships
The Department of Pediatrics does not offer observerships/externships due to the HIPAA policy. Since an “observer” is a physician who is not in a U.S. program and has no license or permit, the institution, as well as governmental agencies, have set many restrictions and limitations on what an observer is legally allowed to do. This is coupled with the fact that the experience does not constitute medical education and cannot be used as evidence of clinical experience.
Acting Internships (AIs)
We are always happy to have American medical students from outside universities visit our program. AIs offer a great opportunity to experience pediatrics at the McLane Children's Hospital Scott & White first-hand. It is also a great way to research programs that you are considering for residency. If you are interested in doing an AI in pediatrics at the McLane Children's Hospital Scott & White, please contact our Student Affairs Office at 254-724-0246.
Interview Process
The night before the interview, there will be an informal social with the residents. This allows for applicants to be in a relaxed environment to be able to ask questions about life as a resident and any other questions you may have about the program. The interview process includes interviewing with the Program Director, other pediatric faculty members and a meeting with the Department Chairman. In addition to meeting the faculty, your schedule will include a tour of the Scott & White Hospital Campus, the Outpatient and Subspecialty Pediatric Clinics, and all Pediatric and Simulation Center Inpatient services at the Children’s Hospital at Scott & White.
The day will conclude with an informal lunch with the residents and faculty. During this time, applicants can ask questions or just get to know members of the program and department. It is important to us that applicants have a chance to meet the people they will potentially be working with during residency. Spouses and/or family members are welcome to attend the social.
For travel and hotel accommodations, please see the Central Texas Life page. We will be more than happy to provide all applicants with one night's lodging. Please let the Program Administrator know when you schedule your interview that you will require hotel accommodations.
Residency Program Administrator
To a resident, the most important person in the department is the Program Administrator. In Pediatrics, Brandy Cox is the point of contact for the residency program. For applicants, she tracks applications, arranges interview schedules, keeps the Interview Committee organized, manages the contract offers and maintains contact with the applicants after the match.
Her role is even more important once residents join the program. She coordinates schedules, manages their personnel file and residency portfolio and answers more questions each day than most of us can remember. She is an invaluable resource for applicants, residents and faculty.
Brandy Cox
Pediatric Residency Program Administrator I
McLane Children's Hospital Scott & White
Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine
2401 S. 31st St. - Clinic Desk 4B
Temple, TX 76508
bccox@swmail.sw.org 
Phone: 254-724-5092
Fax: 254-724-0274