Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many applications did you receive last year?
A. Last year we received over 70 applications.
Q. If I am accepted into the neurological surgery residency training program at Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC), do I need to participate in the general surgery match for my intern year?
A. Yes. A position is automatically reserved for you; your match application is merely a formality; however, you are required to complete this application process.
Q. I understand that the intern year is changing this year, is this true?
A. This year, applicants will be matching for a catagorical neurosurgery position for July of 2009. The intern year, is now part of the PGY-1 neurosurgery year. The program will assign rotations for the year, to include some general surgery rotations.
Q. How can I apply directly to your program?
A. All applications are distruibuted from the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
Q. Is it necessary to have all of my letters of recommendation written by neurosurgeons?
A. Absolutely not, however, it is helpful to those reviewing your application to determine the best match of an applicant to our program based on a letter of recommendation from someone with whom they are familiar. Remember, the matching process is mutually beneficial and is designed to coordinate the needs of the applicants to those of the training programs.
Q. Do I need to complete a rotation at your institution to have my application seriously considered?
A. No.
Q. Can I apply to complete a rotation or externship at your institution?
A. You must complete the formal application process through our School of Medicine in order to receive elective credit. Currently, our program strongly discourages individuals from visiting our institution without completing this application as participation in any manner of patient care or access to any type of patient information is strictly prohibited otherwise. If you desire to apply for an elective rotation, please email Rosalind Hamilton in the School of Medicine at externships@llu.edu.
Q. Does your program accept applications of those individuals who have obtained their doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree?
A. Yes.
Q. Does your program accept applications of those individuals who received their medical training outside of the United States?
A. Yes, but in order to be accepted for training, all requirements of the LLUMC GME office must be met, as well as, requirements for candidacy of California State Medical Licensure (www.medbd.ca.gov). Please see further details at www.llu.edu/for-health-professionals/residency-programs/eligibility.html.
Q. Do I need the Authorization for Training letter from the Medical Board of California to interview at your program?
A. You do not need the letter to interview; however, if the letter has not been submitted to our department by January, we will not be allowed to rank you for the match.
Q. How often will I be on call if accepted into your program?
A. Approximately every four days.
Q. Are non-Adventist individuals accepted into your program and institution?
A. Yes. The Loma Linda University Medical Center is a Seventh-day Adventist institution offering Christ-centered care to patients, and education to students and residents to fulfill the mission of the institution, to "make man whole." Individuals of many different religious backgrounds appreciate the unique training opportunities at our institution. Special considerations are made for the institution that provide for specific Adventist practice. For example, national examinations are given on days other than Saturday to accommodate the observance of the Sabbath. Please see our mission statement and a brief history of Adventism. For detailed information, please see www.adventist.org.
Q. What kind of extracurricular activity will I find in your area?
A. The Inland Empire is a relatively quiet area. Nonetheless, it is situated so that within an hour's time, one can enjoy city culture, deserts, beaches, or mountains. Please see information about the area.
Q. Does your institution offer resident benefits comparable to other institutions?
A. Absolutely. Please see stipends and benefits.
Q. Is it necessary to have completed Step 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or its equivalent before applying to your institution?
A. No. It is necessary to have completed Step 1; and, if you match at our institution, you are required to complete Step 2 prior to beginning your intern year. Step 3 of the USLME should be completed during your intern year.
Q. Do I need to send anything to your program other than the items included in my ERAS application?
A. No. However, if you are invited to interview and have reserved an interview position, you will be asked to bring along a recent photograph and current curriculum vitae (CV). Your application will not be considered complete without your CV and cannot be considered for ranking.
Q. How many hospitals are involved in training neurological surgery residents at LLUMC?
A. Presently, excluding your intern year, Loma Linda University Medical Center and Children's Hospital are the only institutions involved in our training program.
