Neurosurgery Residency Program

• Applicants must have completed an MD, DO, or equivalent medical degree from an accredited medical school.
• Applicants must submit their application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
• Candidates must participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) for residency selection.
• International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are eligible to apply. IMG applicants must provide ECFMG certification as required for residency appointment.
• IMG applicants must have completed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 to obtain ECFMG certification before application.
• Applicants are evaluated based on multiple factors, including:
• Academic achievements
• USMLE scores
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Extracurricular activities
• Research and clinical experience
• Interpersonal skills
• Applicants must meet all University of Illinois Chicago Graduate Medical Education (GME) requirements for residency appointment

The Neurosurgery Residency Program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine (UICOM), Chicago is a 7-year ACGME-accredited residency program designed to provide comprehensive training in the diagnosis, surgical management, and critical care of neurological disorders requiring operative treatment. The program provides progressive clinical and operative experience in major neurosurgical subspecialties including cerebrovascular surgery, complex cranial surgery, spine surgery, pediatric neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, trauma, functional neurosurgery, peripheral nerve surgery, and neurocritical care. Residents receive hands-on training through rotations in neurosurgical intensive care, operating rooms, outpatient clinics, and affiliated clinical centers. The curriculum emphasizes surgical skills, patient care, research, academic development, and increasing responsibility throughout training, preparing graduates to practice independently as neurosurgeons.

1. Submit Application Through ERAS

• Applicants must apply directly through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
• The program does not accept applications outside the ERAS system.

1. Register for NRMP Match

• Applicants must participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) for residency selection.
• Both the applicant and program submit rank lists after completion of interviews.

1. Submit Required Documents

• Applicants should provide the following documents through ERAS:
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Personal Statement
• Medical School Transcript
• USMLE Transcript/Scores
• Letters of Recommendation (3 letters)
• Dean’s Letter / Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
• ECFMG Certificate (for International Medical Graduates)

1. Application Review

• The selection committee evaluates applicants based on multiple factors, including:
• Academic achievements
• USMLE scores
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Extracurricular activities
• Research experience
• Interpersonal skills

1. Interview Process

• Qualified applicants are selected for interviews based on application review.
• The interview process includes program presentations, individual interviews, and opportunities to learn about the training environment.

1. Final Selection Through NRMP Match

• After interviews, applicants and the program submit their final rank lists to NRMP.
• Residency positions are awarded through the NRMP Match process.

1. Begin Residency Training

• Matched residents begin the 7-year Neurosurgery Residency Program with progressive clinical responsibility and surgical training.