How To Apply

Join the Howard University Hospital Pathology Residency Program

The Department of Pathology reviews all applications taking into consideration academic performance, written and oral communication skills, letters of recommendation and commitment to pursuing a career in pathology.

Candidates must be graduates of a medical school in the United States or Canada accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Canada (RCPSC), a college of osteopathic medicine in the United States accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) or a foreign medical school.

Candidates who graduate from medical school outside the U.S. must have:

  • A currently valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) or
  • Have a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a United States licensing jurisdiction or
  • Have completed a Fifth Pathway Program provided by an LCME-accredited medical school

We do not offer observerships or externships in the department of pathology.

Application Requirements

The following documents are required for your application to be considered complete:

  • ERAS Application
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Personal Statement (1-2 pages)
  • Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
  • USMLE/COMLEX scores Step 1 and 2 (Step 2 if available, however not mandatory for application review). Applicants must passed exams in no more than two attempts. Passing scores required prior to NRMP rank deadline.
  • Medical School Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
  • Medical School Transcript (transcribed in English)
  • Medical School Diploma (if applicant has completed medical education prior to date of interview)

The Department of Pathology does not have a minimum USMLE/ COMLEX score to apply to the program. Previous experience in a U.S. clinical laboratory is not required but viewed favorably. There is a strictly enforced ten (10) year cut off from medical school graduation requirement.

Howard University Hospital participates in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) and all PGY-1 positions are offered through NRMP. The Department of Pathology does not offer PGY-2 positions through NRMP or offer pre-match positions.

Our NRMP Program Code is 2193300C0.

International Medical Graduates

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are also required to have a valid ECFMG certificate prior to employment. All IMG candidates must have a passing step 3 score if out of school for more than one (1) year before starting residency.

Application Process

  • Applications are accepted only through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applications sent by postal mail or electronic mail will not be accepted or considered.
  • Review of candidates entire application.
  • Invitations are extended to candidates by the program coordinator through ERAS.
  • Accept or decline interview invitation and select a date  from those provided (first come, first reserve)
  • Application Deadline: December 31. The department does not review new applications after this date.

Interview Information

  • Interviews are conducted from October to January.
  • The Department of Pathology does not send out regret letters to applicants who are not selected for interview.
  • Typically two candidates are interviewed per day.
  • Interviews last approximately 4 hours beginning at either 8:30 or 9:00AM and concluding at 1:00PM
  • A detailed interview schedule is sent to all candidates prior to interviewing with the program