Family Medicine

Family Medicine

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 Heading link

You are more than your Step Scores! Use the NRMP page to look at the qualifications of applicants who have successfully applied to your specialty.

Should applicants do away rotations?

A strong performance at an away rotation located at the institution that you are applying to can help strengthen your application. However, it is certainly not a prerequisite for a successful match into our program.

Research

  • Research is a core aspect of our curriculum.
  • First year residents will be introduced to research concepts via intermittent didactic sessions.
  • Second year residents will be responsible for creating a QI project under the mentorship of a faculty member. Residents present their projects at the annual Department of Family and Community Medicine Research Day.
  • Third year residents will be responsible for creating a scholarly project under the mentorship of a faculty member. Residents present their projects at the annual Department of Family and Community Medicine Research Day.

Letters of Recommendation

  • Number of Letters recommended – 3
  • Chair/special letter required – No
  • Number of letters within Family Medicine – at least 1 recommended
  • Away rotation letters – not required
  • MSPE required prior to interview – Strongly recommended

Personal Statements

  • Personal statements should demonstrate a clear interest in Family Medicine as a specialty, and reasons for choosing this specialty.
  • Descriptions of experiences and background are recommended to be compatible with the priorities, goals, and mission of our program.

Application Timing

  • When do we start reviewing applications – Late September/Early October
  • When do we start offering interviews – Early/Mid October
  • When do we start interviews – Mid October

Interview Advice

  • We recommend having a clear idea of the mission and goals of our program prior to interview day.
  • We recommend being ready to demonstrate your commitment to Family Medicine.
  • We recommend having solid reasoning for applying to UIC Family Medicine.

Post-Interview Advice

We do not expect any specific communication after interview day, but encourage applicants to contact us with questions.

For further guidance, contact our specialty faculty liaison:

Sagina Hanjrah, MD
hanjrah@uic.edu

Should applicants do away rotations?

Away rotations are helpful for both applicants and programs. A good performance on an away rotation often elevates a student’s application at that program.

Research

  • Research/QI project required for graduation
  • Other research/QI/community development projects ongoing in department, residents encouraged to participate

Letters of Recommendation

  • Number of letters recommended – 3
  • Chair’s letter/SLOE/special letter required? No, chair letter not required. Recommend at least one letter from Family Medicine rotation.
  • Number of letters from within specialty? 1-3
  • Number of letters from away rotations/institutions? No minimum requirement
  • Do you require the MSPE before offering interviews? No (MSPE not available early in interview season)
  • Strong letters of recommendation highlight the student’s pursuit of and aptitude for a career in family medicine.

Personal Statements

Strong personal statements clearly demonstrate a student’s commitment to family medicine, while bringing to light unique aspects of the student’s background, experiences, and interests. Conversely, a personal statement containing subpar grammar and repetitive content leave a negative impression of an applicant.

Application Timing

  • When do programs in your specialty generally begin reviewing applications? September
  • When do programs in your specialty begin offering interviews? September before MSPE release
  • When does your program generally offer interviews? October – early January
  • Do you require the MSPE before offering interviews? No
  • Students should strive to have USMLE Step 1 and 2 testing accomplished, and ERAS applications submitted, as soon as possible (keeping in mind that application review begins in September).

Interview Advice

We expect applicants on interview day to understand well their motivation for pursuing family medicine and their broad goals for a career in family medicine. They should also be ready to engage in discussion about a broad range of topics.

Post-Interview Advice

We do not expect any specific communication after interview day, but encourage applicants to contact us with questions.

For further guidance, contact our specialty faculty liaison:

Craig Griebel,MD
uicompcareer@uic.edu

Should applicants do away rotations?

  • International students should have rotations in the United States. We encourage rotation in Family Medicine.
  • Research in medical school is encouraged but not required. Poster presentations and publications are also encouraged.

Letters of Recommendation

  • Number of letters recommended – 3
  • Chair’s letter/SLOE/special letter required? No. Chairman letter not required
  • Number of letters from within specialty? At least 1
  • Number of letters from away rotations/institutions? Variable
  • Do you require the MSPE before offering interviews? No

Personal Statements

We recommend your Personal statement to include

  1. Your reason for choosing Family Medicine as a specialty.
  2. Your engagement in community service.
  3. What are you looking for in a program?

Application Timing

  • When do programs in your specialty generally begin reviewing applications? September
  • When do programs in your specialty begin offering interviews? September before MSPE release
  • When does your program generally offer interviews? September
  • Do you require the MSPE before offering interviews? No

Interview Advice

You should research the program before the interview. During the interview you should have time to speak with current residents.  Always have pertinent questions to ask. Have ideas of what a future practice situation may be like.

Post-Interview Advice

A thank you note is always appreciated if the student honestly liked the program.

For further guidance, contact our specialty faculty liaison:

Joseph Ross, MD
joeross@uic.edu

Helpful Resources Heading link

  1. The NRMP publishes a survey of Applicants each year. This report presents the results of selected items from the 2022 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Looking for residency programs?  The AAMC interactive, Careers in Medicine Website is where you should be! LINK
  4. Having difficulty deciphering this information?  Contact your Student Affairs Career Advisor on your campus!!!

Below you will find resources to help you get started when applying for residency.