A Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating the U.S. Residency Match

The AMSA Residency Prep Series is a comprehensive, multi-session program designed to support both international and domestic medical students as they navigate the residency application and Match process. Through expert-led workshops and practical guidance, the series covers every major step of the journey—from securing U.S. clinical experience and strong letters of recommendation to crafting compelling personal statements, mastering ERAS, preparing for interviews, and building effective rank lists.

With sessions tailored to the unique needs of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and U.S. medical students, participants will gain essential insights into visas, ECFMG certification, USMLE planning, program selection, and Match strategies. The series also emphasizes professional development, wellness, and resilience to help students prepare confidently for a successful transition into residency.

Join us for this step-by-step guide to position yourself for success in the residency match — whether you’re applying from the U.S. or abroad. Don’t miss this chance to learn from experts and set yourself up for match success!

Program Details:

• Registration is open! We’re excited to share that all sessions in the series will be recorded. If you miss any session, you’ll be able to watch the recordings at your convenience.

• Start Date: February 21, 2026

• End Date: January 2027

• Meeting Times: Saturdays, 10:00 – 11:00 AM ET

• Cost: $25 for AMSA members | $75 for non-members

What This Series Covers

✔ U.S. clinical experience and letters of recommendation
✔ IMG-specific strategy and positioning
✔ Visas, ECFMG certification, and USMLE planning
✔ Personal statements and professional storytelling
✔ Fourth-year planning and ERAS preparation
✔ Interview skills, rank list strategy, and SOAP readiness

Each session is designed to be actionable, realistic, and grounded in what residency programs are actually looking for.

Session Breakdown

Session 1: Get U.S. Ready — US Clinical Experience & Letters That Matter

Audience: International Students

Speakers: Dr. Lois Rotuno and Dr. Aquila Lesko

Date: February 21, 2026

Learn how to secure meaningful U.S. clinical experience and build professional relationships that translate into strong, credible letters of recommendation. This session focuses on networking, observerships and externships, and what residency programs expect from IMG applicants.

Key Topics Include:

• Finding observerships and externships

• Building a U.S. professional network

• Securing strong letters of recommendation as an IMG

• Understanding what residency programs look for in IMG candidates

Session 2: Designing Your Medical Identity: Building a Career Beyond the Expected Path

Audience: Domestic and International Students

Speaker: Dr. Bertina M. Hooks, MD

Date: March 21, 2026

This session will explore how physicians can intentionally shape their professional identity early in training by aligning clinical goals, leadership development, personal values, and long-term career vision. We will discuss how medical identity evolves over time, how to remain open to emerging opportunities, and how to build a career path that reflects both professional excellence and personal purpose.

Key Topics Include:

• Define and shape your medical identity early in your training
• Align your personal values with your professional goals
• Connect your clinical interests with long-term career vision
• Develop leadership skills alongside clinical training
• Understand how your career path can evolve over time
• Stay open to new opportunities in medicine
• Build a career that reflects both excellence and purpose

Session 3: Match Like a Pro — IMG Strategy & Crafting Your Narrative

Audience: International Students

Speakers: Dr Liam Watkinson and Dr. Alison Spice

Date: March 28, 2026

Position yourself as a competitive IMG by learning how to tell your story with intention and strategy. This session addresses program targeting, ranking strategy, and contingency planning.

Key Topics Include:

• Positioning yourself as a strong IMG applicant

• Identifying IMG-friendly programs

• Personal statement storytelling strategies

• Realistic vs. aspirational rank lists

• How SOAP works for IMGs

• Emergency planning if you don’t match

Session 4: IMG Roadmap — Visas, ECFMG & USMLE Steps for Success

Audience: International Students

Speakers: Naveen Rahman Bhora from WR Immigration 

Danielle Tinder – Director, Domestic Services, ECFMG

Christine D. Shiffer – Director, Regulatory Services, ECFMG

Date: April 18, 2026

A practical overview of certification requirements, exams, and visa pathways — all in one place.

Key Topics Include:

• ECFMG certification requirements
• Visa pathways (J-1 vs. H-1B)
• OET and USMLE timeline planning
• Key documentation and deadlines
• Common IMG application mistakes to avoid

Session 5: Crafting Your Professional Story: Program Alignment, Strategic Signaling, and Cultivating Letter Writer Advocacy

Audience: Domestic Students

Speaker:  Dr. Radhika Narla

Date: April 25, 2026

Key Topics Include:

• Defining Your “North Star”: Aligning career goals with program-specific strengths and cultures.
• The Art of the Personal Statement: Moving beyond the CV to articulate your “Why”
• Letter Writer Advocacy: Identifying and cultivating relationships with clinical and research mentors who can speak to your trajectory.
• Program Alignment: Tools and strategies for researching programs beyond geographic location and reputation.
• The Mechanics of Signaling: How to use preference signaling to highlight genuine interest with “high-alignment” programs. 
• The Narrative Thread: Ensuring your personal statement and letters of recommendation provide a cohesive story.

Session 6: Crush Your ERAS — Crafting the Ultimate Application

Audience: Domestic Students

Date: May 2026

ERAS is more than a form — it’s your professional narrative. This session breaks down how to submit a polished, competitive application.

Key Topics Include:

• Building a compelling ERAS application

• Writing an unforgettable personal statement

• Selecting the right residency programs

• Letters of recommendation strategy

• MSPE pitfalls to avoid

Session 7: Own the Interview — How to Stand Out on the Big Day

Audience: International & Domestic Students

Date: October 2026

Interviews are where your application comes to life. Learn how to prepare, perform, and follow up with confidence.

Key Topics Include:

• Virtual vs. in-person interview strategies

• Behavioral questions and storytelling

• Researching programs effectively

• Post-interview etiquette and thank-you notes

Session 8: Smart Matching — Rank List Strategy & SOAP Prep

Audience: International & Domestic Students

Date: January 2027

End the cycle strong with a clear understanding of ranking strategy and contingency planning.

Key Topics Include:

• How the NRMP Match algorithm works

• Building a strategic Rank Order List

• What to do if you don’t match

• Understanding and preparing for SOAP

Who Should Attend?

• International medical students and graduates pursuing U.S. residency

• U.S. medical students preparing for ERAS and the Match

• Students seeking structured guidance, mentorship, and honest insight into the residency process

Why This Series?

The Residency Prep Series is built to fill the gaps traditional medical education often leaves behind — offering clarity, strategy, and real-world insight so students can move forward with confidence and purpose.