Applicant Information

Thank you for your interest in our program. We know you have many options for training, and we appreciate you considering UCLA Neurology. The UCLA Department of Neurology Residency Program accepts applicants through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) only. Positions will be matched utilizing the NRMP.

Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)

The following are the required supporting application materials to the ERAS Common Application Form.

USMLE/COMLEX Transcript (scores)
Medical School Transcripts
Photograph (will only be viewed if selected to interview)
Curriculum Vitae
Personal Statement
Letters of Recommendation (3 minimum)
Dean’s Letter / MSPE

Application Review and Interviews

All applications undergo holistic review by program leadership.

Interview Process

Entirely Virtual (all meetings by Zoom)
Scheduled as half-days and are held on Mondays beginning in November and running through late December
Interviews include: Department Chair, Program Director and Associate Program Director, a Chief Resident and Neurology faculty
Sunday evening prior to interview day: Meet with Residents (learn about the program, ask questions, socialize)

Additional Webinars, Informational Sessions and Resident Meetings will be scheduled throughout the interview season. We also plan to offer optional in-person ‘second look’ visits in late January / early February after we have locked our rank list. The opportunity to visit UCLA in person will have no impact on your application and is purely for your benefit.

Housing

A wide range of housing choices are available within a short commute. Residents are eligible to apply for university-sponsored housing, which includes options for married residents and those with children. All residents receive a $1000/month housing stipend included in salary.

Local Neighborhoods

A few of the more popular neighborhoods that residents have chosen include Westwood, West LA, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, Culver City, Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. However, residents have also chosen to live further away, including in the San Fernando Valley and the South Bay.

Other Resources

UCLA Graduate Medical Education (GME) Prospective Residents and Fellows website
Salary and Benefits: David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Graduate Medical Education Site (includes Salary and Benefit information)
Resident contract: UCLA Resident Contract (PDF)
Virtual hospital tour
GME Summary 2023: Summary (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many positions do you have each year?
We match 9 PGY2 positions every year with 6 of those positions including a PGY1 year with UCLA Neurology.

Do you accept International Medical Graduates (IMG) into your program?
Yes. Applicants must have valid ECFMG Certificate. J-1 or H1B Visas can be supported. For details regarding these Visas, please consult UCLA's GME Visa policy, which can be found here.

Is there a cut-off for the year of graduation?
No. We review all applications.

Do you require U.S. clinical experience?
No.

How are USMLE/COMLEX scores used in your review process, and is there a minimum cutoff score?
USMLE/COMLEX scores are reviewed as part of the application process on a whole. There is no minimum cutoff score.

How many applicants are interviewed?
Approximately 75-85 per season.

How many letters of recommendations do you require?
Three to four letters are recommended, and should ideally include at least one from a Neurology Faculty member.

Does UCLA have a preliminary or PGY1 program?

This year we will have a hybrid model, with 6 categorical positions and 3 advanced positions.

The 6 categorical positions include a PGY-1 year at our affiliated VA within the UCLA Department of Internal Medicine, while the 3 advanced positions include a PGY-1 year at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center. Both sites are affiliated with our neurology program. For the categorical positions, no separate application to an internship is required. Simply rank the UCLA Neurology Categorical program option (NRMP Code 1956180C0). There is no separate application nor interview required for a position in the Olive View Preliminary Medicine/Neurology program. Preliminary positions are awarded to candidates who match with UCLA Neurology who also rank the Olive View Preliminary Medicine/Neurology program in their supplemental rank list. First rank the Advanced UCLA Neurology Program (NRMP Code 1956180A0), then rank Olive View for Preliminary Medicine/Neurology (NRMP Code 2950140P2). We encourage all applicants interested in the UCLA Neurology Residency Program to apply to both the categorical and advanced program options. Regardless of where you do your internship, all Neurology residents gather at the beginning of the PGY2 year for Boot Camp to get oriented to program logistics, engage in hands on simulation-based learning, and socialize.

Where do residents spend time on their clinical rotations?
Changes to our Block Schedule now give first year residents significantly more outpatient time than in prior years. This will allow for decompression from inpatient work, focus on the practice of outpatient care and career exploration with subspecialty exposure. The second and third year both include ample elective time along with significant care team leadership development.