Frequently Asked Questions — Neurology Residency at St. Vincent Medical Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose this program?

St. Vincent Medical Center Neurology residency program will prepare you to be a competent and confident Neurologist, ready to practice on your own upon graduation. Our faculty is dedicated to education and providing residents with necessary support to excel in the Neurology field. In addition, the Resident will receive extensive community experience to prepare for treatment of a variety of neurological diseases that may be encountered in practice after graduation. We have a Graduate Medical Education (GME) office dedicated to providing support for our future physicians and specialists including Neurologists. St. Vincent Medical Center also has one of just five Mobile Stroke Units in the country, which operates 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Do you lose out by being at a community hospital as opposed to an academic or university hospital?

On the contrary, our residents will have a greater opportunity to become an excellent clinician and be trained by physicians with a wealth of experience in everyday practice. Furthermore, you will encounter a large variety of cases in a community setting and still have ample opportunity to be involved in clinical research if desired.

What are didactics like? 

The core of this program is our commitment to provide a comprehensive review of neurological diseases through didactic lectures by experts in the Neurology field. Didactic lectures are managed by our Associate Program Director. Residents must attend at least 70% of all didactic lectures as a graduation requirement.

How is moonlighting perceived?

Moonlighting is strongly discouraged in the Neurology residency program.

How do I apply?

Applications will be accepted only through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Our application process will begin January 30 of the same academic year. Learn more about applying.

What are the application requirements?

We require a medical school Dean’s letter, transcript and three letters of recommendations. In addition, USMLE scores, curriculum vitae and a personal statement are required. Once your application is complete, it is reviewed by our resident selection committee and selected applicants will be invited for an interview. We review all applications for qualified individuals.

Do you accept International Medical Graduates? Are there additional requirements for IMGs?

Yes, we do. St. Vincent Medical Center has a very diverse medical staff. IMGs must have a valid ECFMG certificate by match date and all other applicant requirements also apply. We pride ourselves on our Graduate Medical Education department, and staff our residencies with physicians from all areas and many different cultures. Learn more about applying as an IMG here.

Do you offer pre-match positions?

No, we do not. All positions are filled through the match process.

What is the schedule for an interview day?

Our interview day begins at 7:30 a.m. and concludes at 1 p.m. Applicants will meet with our Program Coordinator and discuss the benefits of joining Mercy Health for their Neurology residency, then one-by-one meet with a panel of faculty and current resident for your interview. This will be followed by an individual meeting with the Neurology residency Program Director and Associate Program Director. Lastly, candidates will tour our facility as a group with either a resident or faculty member and have lunch with residents and faculty. Once the interview season is completed, applicants are ranked with NRMP and match will occur in March.