Frequently asked questions

1. What do you consider most strongly when you look at an applicant?  

We look at the whole applicant, but our first priority is "mission fit". This is a term we use to describe how well your personal mission fits with ours as an institution. We want residents with the right hearts first, who can express a sense of calling to give whole person care in a Family Medicine setting. Secondly, we look for "personal fit", which describes how your personality, medical acumen, life experiences, and dreams interweave with ours to create relationships that will help us work and grow together in an exceptional way.

2. Are there minimum USMLE score requirements?

No. We look at the entire application when considering an applicant for interviewing.

3. How many letters of recommendation do you require and does one of the letters need to be from a family physician?

Two letters of reference must be submitted with your application, and they do not need to be from a family physician. Letters of recommendation should be written within the last year and should include statements about your clinical fund of knowledge and skills. This person should have directly observed you interacting with patients. We also look for comments regarding attitude, work ethic, teamwork, compassion, teachability, and professionalism.

4. May I fax additional information to put with my application?

No. Information that is sent through mail or the fax will be returned. All documentation must be submitted through ERAS.

5. Do you have a deadline to accept an application?

No. Interviews will be conducted through January 30. We have had occasions where an applicant submitted an application near the end of January, was accepted for an interview, joined our program and became an excellent resident! We encourage to you to apply early so if you have been granted an interview, you will have the opportunity to return for a second look or time to contact our residents and faculty if you have questions.

6. Do you hire residents who are international medical graduates (IMG)?

Of course, we would consider any qualified applicant. Please refer to the house staff office link below to see what requirements are needed for us to consider your application.

7. Do you require a California status letter for IMG applicants?

Yes. We require a Medical Board of California Application Status letter dated within the past 12 months. To be considered for an interview this must be submitted with your application and should state that you are ready to commence training immediately.

8. Do you require an Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates certificate for IMG applicants?

Yes. A valid certificate must be submitted with your ERAS application. The CSA and English dates must be current for IMG applicants.

9. Can Loma Linda family practice residency or house staff office sponsor a VISA?

No. All legal applicants must have a legal right to work in the United States prior to our rank list submission. The house staff office is most accustomed to transferring an F1 (student) to a J1 VISA.