Application Timeline and Interview Process
All applicants to the Pediatric Residency Program (categorical), the PALS Residency Program – Pediatric Advocacy-Leadership-Service (primary care), Pediatric Scientist Development Program, or any of the Combined Pediatric Training Programs at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
We evaluate all applications based on merit regardless of the applicant’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected group status. We prioritize those from applicants who have graduated from medical school in the past 5 years.
Applications are reviewed from late September through December 15. Applications submitted after December 15 will not be considered. Applicants who are selected to interview will be contacted via email. Interviews are conducted from late October through mid-January. We will be conducting all interviews remotely for the 2025-2026 interview season. We offer afternoon and morning interview sessions on Mondays and Fridays respectively.
Application Requirements
All applications must be submitted with the following for consideration:
- Complete ERAS application
- USMLE and/or COMLEX score – Step 1 score required with application and Step 2 score required by February 15th
- Personal Statement
- Dean’s Letter/MSPE
- Transcript
- Curriculum Vitae
- Three (3) letters of recommendation (we do not require a Chair letter for our application)
- ECFMG Certificate (for International Medical Graduates only)
Interview Day Overview
Our interviews days are Monday and Fridays. We off a morning and afternoon option. You will see a pediatric case-based discussion. You will have an opportunity to meet with one of our wonderful Program Directors or Associate Program directors, chiefs, program coordinators as well as other educational leaders in the department. Most importantly, we will provide you with many opportunities to meet and chat with our fabulous residents who are the heart and soul of the program!
Application Q&A
Q: What type of applicant is most successful in our residency program?
A: We are a high-volume program with a comprehensive mix of patients ranging from cases of classic general pediatrics to medically complex patients requirement the support of multiple subspecialties. Trainees who are most successful at CHP are individuals who learn best by managing high volumes of patients across a breadth of different clinical environments, learn through immersive experience and are passionate about working collaboratively as a team.
Q: Which applications do we review during recruitment?
A: We perform a holistic review on all applicants to best understand your various interests and path to Pediatrics.
Q: What do we look for in a letter of recommendation?
A: We are most excited to learn about you from physicians who know you well as a person and can speak to your strengths and accomplishments, but especially with regard to ability to care for pediatric patients.
Q: Do we use ERAS signals to invite applicants for interviews?
A: Signaling our program helps us understand your interest in Pittsburgh and our residency program prior to the interview process.
Interview Q&A
Q: Are there any ways to help manage interview times if I live in a different time zone?
A: We have a later start on Mondays (11:30 am Eastern Time) and an earlier start on Fridays (7:30 am Eastern Time)
Q: Residents are the most important part of the interview day! How can I meet them?
A: There will be a virtual happy hour once per week to accommodate your busy interview schedule during the interview season. Please feel free to join and meet our residents. You will also be able to interact with them throughout sessions on your interview day.
Q: How can I meet faculty members in my future field of interest?
A: We will attempt to pair you with a faculty member based on common interests in your application. Please indicate your specific career interests in your pre-interview survey so that we can arrange for you to meet members of our community who are as passionate as you are in that field!
Q: Does CHP do second looks after interviews?
A: We will provide information related to second looks after completion of all interviews. Your second look participation holds no bearing on your application rankings.