Application Information

Procedure for application through the NRMP Match for July 1 start date:
The Pathology Residency at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) selects its residents from eligible applicants on the basis of their demonstrated preparedness, ability, aptitude, academic credentials, communication skills, and personal qualities such as motivation and integrity. Our residency does not discriminate in the selection of its residents on the basis of gender, race, age, religion, ethnicity, color, national origin, disability, or any other applicable legally protected status. Residents are annually selected via the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP), and applications must be received through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) by January 1 of the year in which the resident will begin training in order to ensure consideration. Applicants must have one of the following qualifications for appointment as a pathology resident at ETSU:


1. Graduate of a medical school in the U.S. or Canada accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)

2. Graduate of a college of osteopathic medicine in the United States accredited by the American Osteopathic Association

3. Graduate of a medical school outside the United States or Canada who meets one of the following qualifications:

a. has received a currently valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) prior to appointment, or

b. has a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the State of Tennessee.

4. A student of a medical school outside the U.S. who has completed a Fifth Pathway program provided by an LCME-accredited medical school.

In order to be selected for an interview, it is expected that applicants will have either already secured one of the above qualifications or that there is a reasonable expectation that they will have secured such qualification by the start of their pathology residency training. In general, it is expected that International Medical Graduates (IMGs) will already have obtained an ECFMG certificate at the time of their submitting an application if that is the means by which they are qualified.

The following factors are weighed heavily in making decisions with regard to interviews and ranking:

  1.  We are most interested in candidates who scored at or above the mean on both USMLE step 1 and step 2; the mean corresponds to a score of ~220. Candidates with lower scores may still be considered depending on the strength of the overall application. For osteopathic students/graduates we will consider COMLEX scores at or above the mean. Official USMLE step 1 or COMLEX level 1 scores must be available before the applicant can be considered for an interview. Passing of USMLE Step 2 (or equivalent) examination is required before the candidate can be placed on the rank order list (ROL). On rare occasions, we may place a candidate on the ROL who has not passed these tests, as long as we believe that there is a high likelihood that the candidate would pass the test before the expected matriculation date.
  2. We strongly prefer that no more than five years should have passed since graduation from medical school. If it has been longer than five years since medical school graduation, some allowance may be given for participation in activities during the interim that have been directly related to experience with the clinical practice of pathology. Moreover, any interruption in education and/or training should be explained
  3. At least three letters of recommendation should be provided, with at least one of these provided by a U.S. pathologist. It is preferred that all of the letters be from U.S. physicians and that at least two of these be from U.S. pathologists who have an academic appointment. The letters should not be from acquaintances or colleagues and should primarily address the applicant’s suitability for training in the practice of pathology.
  4. Applicants should be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, hold an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or be eligible for a J-1 visa. Other physicians who have been awarded the right to reside and work in the United States through alternate means such as the granting of asylum will also be considered. 
  5. The applications of graduates of international medical schools that have been disapproved by the California Medical Board will not be considered (see http://www.medbd.ca.gov/applicant/schools_unapproved.html).
  6. Evidence of good oral and written communication in English, including an excellent command of English medical terminology, is required.
  7. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the U.S. healthcare system.
  8. Familiarity with U.S. pathology residency training and practice, as well as interest in and motivation for the practice of pathology, is important.

Ranking of the applicants to our residency program is performed by our Residency Steering Committee (RSC). Consideration of special circumstances or qualifications not listed above may also be weighed by the RSC in evaluating applicants.

Applicants who meet the above criteria and are invited to interview must travel to Johnson City for a personal interview. Complete applications must be received by January 2 for appointments beginning July 1, but earlier submission of applications is strongly encouraged. For additional information, contact the residency coordinator by e-mail to path@etsu.edu.