The Department of Medicine
Internal Medicine Applicant Criteria
For the 2026-2027 interview season, we will participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). We have formally agreed not to accept applications outside the ERAS system. To apply to our program, please visit the ERAS website and follow the instructions. The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) has been designated as the primary contact agency for all international medical graduates. They will assist you with any questions you may have regarding the ERAS process. If you are a foreign medical graduate, you must go through this program.
We also participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and have agreed to accept only applicants who participate in the NRMP. We do not offer positions outside the NRMP. We have 13 positions available for PGY-1 residents. Currently, our program does not have any vacancies for 2nd and 3rd-year residents.
We review all applications submitted through ERAS. Our requirements are:
- We do require passing the USMLE or COMLEX exams on the first attempt (both Step 1 and Step 2) and one year of prior U.S. training, which can include any research work.
- We will only review and accept applicants who have completed medical education within the past 2 years.
- All scores and testing must be completed before an applicant is considered for an interview (we understand that graduation from medical school must take place before you can receive your ECFMG certificate).
- Please keep in mind that The University of Tennessee Medical Center/Knoxville does not sponsor the H-1 VISA. We currently have International Medical Graduates in our program, all of whom are either U.S. citizens or on a J-1 Visa.
- Sorry, but due to legal matters (including patient confidentiality and malpractice), The University of Tennessee Medical Center and the University of TN Health Science Center College of Medicine, Knoxville, do not allow observerships or externships.
Please note that we do not deviate from these rules. We really mean no more than 2 years following graduation from medical school, one full year of prior U.S. training, and all tests must be passed on the first attempt.
