Interviews and FAQs

Applicant Selection
UMN MedPeds invites a limited number of applicants for virtual interviews, based on complete application materials submitted through ERAS. We will contact you about the status of your application once your materials have been reviewed. If you are selected to interview with us, you can select the date and time on a first-come, first-served basis via Thalamus. We interview up to 10 applicants per day.

Interview Process Details
Current residents host a dinner the night before each interview day, providing an opportunity to meet current residents and their families/significant others without the pressure of having MedPeds faculty or staff around. Since we interview virtually, we offer an optional social event via Zoom, which will be hosted by current MedPeds residents gathered at a resident host's home. We encourage applicants to attend one of these Zoom social events, ideally the night before your scheduled interview, to get a personal view of life in our program. We share more information on how to sign up and RSVP during the interview invite process.

On interview days, applicants meet with MedPeds program leadership, categorical (Internal Medicine and Pediatrics) leadership, interview with MedPeds faculty, and get additional face time with residents and other individuals in the UMN MedPeds sphere. We also set aside time for informal conversation about what it's like to live and work in the Twin Cities.

Post-Interview Communication Policy
Following national discussion around how residency programs communicate with applicants after the interview day. APDIM and AAIM released a joint policy statement and accompanying rationale. To decrease ambiguity and stress around post-interview communications and ensure a level playing field among all applicants and programs, we've enacted this policy:

• Applicants are free to ask questions of whomever they wish, and will get a direct reply from that person. These inquiries are neither expected nor factored into the ranking process.
• The program will not send out individualized communications to a given applicant. The only communication applicants will receive from us will be those that go out to all applicants.

This policy applies to all program-initiated communications after the interview day: lack of contact from us does not imply lack of interest in a given applicant. Rather, we uphold the spirit of the match and rank applicants based on merit and best fit for our program. We hope that applicants will do the same when creating their own rank lists.

Beyond the Interview
We understand that this is a big decision and that you may want to explore beyond the virtual interview.  If you have questions about the program, life in the Twin Citties, or would like to be connected with a resident to ask about their experiences, please email our chief resident at [email protected].

Questions about Interview Days?
Please contact MedPeds program coordinator Erica King at [email protected].

Intern Orientation

How many intern positions are available?

We match 10 residents per year.

When does orientation start?

The second week of June.

When is my first day on rotations?

Typically, June 23 or June 24. We offset the early start with a week of protected vacation time at the end of intern year.

What should I complete before residency starts?

• ACLS and BLS certification
• Institutional GME onboarding requirements, via RMS checklist
• Any MedPeds-specific requirements, as communicated to newly-matched interns

Is relocation assistance available?

Yes. The University of Minnesota Relocation Assistance Program can ease the transition. They provide information on moving companies, housing, child and elder care, school systems, diversity, community resources, and job search services for spouses and partners.

Life in the Twin Cities

Do most residents rent or buy homes?

The rent vs. buy percentages vary by residency class and by city (Minneapolis or St Paul). Fellow residents and staff are good resources for information and realtor recommendations. 

Rental options range from individual homes, duplexes, small complexes, and high-rises. The Minneapolis StarTribune tracks average rents and vacancy rates within the Twin Cities metro area. Rental and neighborhood info resources include:

• Padmapper
• Apartments.com
• Trulia
• Zillow
• Minneapolis-St Paul Neighborhood Profiles

What is living in the Twin Cities like?

The Twin Cities are a vibrant place to live and work - there is truly something for everyone in the metropolitan area. It is home to six professional sports teams and myriad fine arts institutions and festivals. The food scene includes farmer's markets, co-ops, food trucks, distilleries, breweries, award-winning fine dining, and terrific international cuisine. Minneapolis ties with Portland on best urban bike access.