RESIDENT PERSPECTIVE

The interview process at Scott & White was unique because I had an afternoon interview. Because of this, the residents were through with the busiest part of their day and had more opportunity to talk to me.

The dinner following the interview was more relaxed than other interview meals because the most stressful part of the day was already finished.

I chose Scott & White for residency for multiple reasons. I liked the small size of the program, as I felt I would not be lost in the shuffle, and I felt I would be able to have more one-on-one interaction with the faculty, which has been true. The program director was very friendly and interested in the residents' thoughts and feelings about the program.

I was also part of the couple's match, and my husband and I liked the small-town feel of Temple, as well as the affordable housing. If we need the amenities of a big city, Austin and Waco are only a short drive away.

I have been very happy with my decision to complete my residency with Texas A&M at Scott & White. The faculty are amazing teachers, including the subspecialists. Because of the small size of the program, there is a great camaraderie among the residents. Everyone works well together.

Also, we were able to buy a great house in Temple, only five minutes from the hospital.

Reagan Larsen

Second year Pediatric Resident
University of Texas at Houston, M.D.
Angelo State University, B.S. in Biology

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), so we do not accept paper applications or applications sent to us via email. Applications for each academic year will be accepted until December 1. The deadline may be extended under special circumstances. 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 letters of recommendation.
• Medical school transcripts.
• USMLE or COMLEX transcripts for both parts 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; 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.
• Outstanding letters of recommendation.
• A well-written and unforgettable 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.
• Must have USMLE scores >= 85 on both steps I and II within two attempts.
• Must apply through ERAS.

There is no U.S. clinical experience required for IMGs. All IMGs must have a J-1 VISA (no exceptions) prior to acceptance.

Observerships/Externships

The Department of Pediatrics does not offer observerships/externships.

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 Children's Hospital at Scott & White firsthand. 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 Children's Hospital at Scott & White, please contact our Student Affairs Office at (254) 724-0246.

Interview Process

The interview process will begin with an informal dinner the night prior to the interview and will include a meeting with the Department Chairman and interviews with the Program Director and other Pediatric Faculty. In addition to meeting the faculty, your schedule will include tours of the Simulation Center, the Scott & White Hospital Campus, the Outpatient and Subspecialty Pediatric Clinics and all Pediatric 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 join us for dinner.

For travel and hotel accommodations, please see the Local Lifestyle 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, Pepper Wedgewood is the nerve center 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.

Pepper Wedgewood
Pediatric Residency Program Administrator II
Children's Hospital at Scott & White
Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine
2401 South 31st St. - Clinic Desk 4B
Temple, TX 76508
pediatricresidency@swmail.sw.org
Phone: 254-724-5092
Fax: 254-724-0274

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