NEUROSURGERY
Welcome to the Department of Neurosurgery Resource Page. This online repository houses relevant resources and contact information for students seeking career advice. We encourage you to review the career-related materials provided (e.g. Specialty Webinar, Interview Questions, Research, etc.) as you seek support in your journey through medical school. If you have further questions that are not addressed on this page, please feel free to contact a Specialty Faculty Mentor for further guidance.
MATCH PREPARATION AND CHARTING OUTCOMES
You are more than your Step Scores! Use the NRMP page HERE to look at the qualifications of applicants who have successfully applied to your specialty.
Completion of Step 2 for US medical student is preferred at the time of your application, but is not an absolute requirement. For IMGs completion of Step 1 and Step 2 is a requirement to obtain ECFMG certification, and therefore, must be completed prior to application.
Away rotations are not necessary, but most applicants do take advantage of the opportunity to gain experience.
Yes.As a field neurosurgery encourages innovation and research, and research is highly encouraged.
Number of letters recommended 3
Chair’s letter required? No
Number of letters from within specialty? 2
Number of letters from away rotations/institutions? 1
Do you require the MSPE before offering interviews? Yes
Primarily what makes neurosurgery important for you to pursue.
When do programs in your specialty generally begin reviewing applications? September/October
When do programs in your specialty begin offering interviews? After October 1st
When does your program generally offer interviews? October through December
Do you require the MSPE before offering interviews? Yes
Neurosurgery is quite competitive. The average number of interviews per applicant is approximately 20. During interviews it is important on how you get along with the residents as well as the faculty.
Thank you letters are looked upon favorably. It is not necessary but it demonstrates interest in the program.
- The NRMP publishes a survey of Applicants each year. This report presents the results of selected items from the 2019 NRMP Applicant Survey. The report documents factors that applicants weigh in selecting programs (1) at which to interview and (2) to rank in the Main Residency Match. It can be found HERE.
- The NRMP Publishes a survey of Residency Program Directors. This report examines the factors program directors use to select applicants to interview and rank. Data are reported for 22 specialties and the transitional year in the Main Residency Match. It can be found HERE.
- Looking for residency programs? The AAMC interactive, Careers in Medicine Website is where you should be! LINK
- Having difficulty deciphering this information? Contact your Student Affairs Career Advisor on your campus!!!
Residency Career Planning Helpful Links
Below you will find resources to help you get started when applying for residency.
(Updated August 24, 2021)
American Urological Association (AUA)
American Medical Association (AMA)
- FREIDA Residency and Fellowship Program Database
- Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database (FREIDA Online)
- The Road to Residency Made Simple
- AMA Residency match made simple: From M4 to PGY-1 in 6 steps
AAMC/NRMP/NBME collaborative Residency Exploration Tool
Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)
Medical Residency and Fellowship Map
National Resident Matching Program (NRMP
- Match Data and Reports
- NRMP Charting Outcomes in the Match
- Charting Outcomes
- Match Prism App: for mobile devices Search the app store on your mobile device!
MATCH PREPARATION AND CHARTING OUTCOMES
You are more than your Step Scores! Use this NRMP page to explain HERE and to interactively explore your specialty of interest, based on your own experiences, educational attainment, and scholarship HERE.
Away rotations are not required, but LOR’s from away rotations do add weight.
Research is encouraged and taken into consideration.
Number of letters recommended 3
Chair’s letter required? At least one letter from a Program Director or Department Chair.
Number of letters from within specialty? 2
Number of letters from away rotations/institutions?
Do you require the MSPE before offering interviews? No
Personal statements that are insightful and honest are the most impactful. Journey to interest in neurosurgery is informative.
When do programs in your specialty generally begin reviewing applications? Start on the date the applications are available.
When do programs in your specialty begin offering interviews? September
When does your program generally offer interviews? September through November
Do you require the MSPE before offering interviews? No
We thank the candidates for interviewing with us. Many interviewers email or mail us a thank-you, and that is looked upon favorably –but is not expected.
- The NRMP publishes a survey of Applicants each year. This report presents the results of selected items from the 2019 NRMP Applicant Survey. The report documents factors that applicants weigh in selecting programs (1) at which to interview and (2) to rank in the Main Residency Match. It can be found HERE.
- The NRMP Publishes a survey of Residency Program Directors. This report examines the factors program directors use to select applicants to interview and rank. Data are reported for 22 specialties and the transitional year in the Main Residency Match. It can be found HERE.
- Looking for residency programs? The AAMC interactive, Careers in Medicine Website is where you should be! LINK
- Having difficulty deciphering this information? Contact your Student Affairs Career Advisor on your campus!!!
SPECIALTY FACULTY LIAISONS
Chicago
Peoria
