Application Criteria

Applications to the Internal Medicine Residency program at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital are only accepted through ERAS. All positions are filled through the NRMP.

Our program will be participating in the supplemental ERAS application offered through the AAMC’s ERAS program. Applicants will be required to complete the MyERAS application, and participation in the supplemental ERAS application is optional.

We are committed to accepting the best candidates, regardless of their medical school or national origin. Our program is diverse with residents from many different universities and cultures. Learn more about IU School of Medicine's commitment to diversity.

We receive approximately 2,000 applications per year for eight positions and therefore are able to personally interview only about four percent of applicants. We do personally review all applications and you will only be notified if you are selected to interview with our program. All interviews are conducted virtually.

residents and faculty discuss notes written on a whiteboard

Examination Criteria

USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX Part 1 pass in the first attempt.
USMLE Step 2 or COMLEX Part 2 scores preferred prior to rank submission and pass in the first attempt.
No prior failures on USMLE CS or COMLEX PE.
USMLE or COMLEX results must be within the last five years.
We typically require a USMLE average of 220.

Approved Medical Schools and Year Cut-Offs

U.S. Allopathic Schools or Osteopathic schools: senior or graduate preferably within the past three years.
International Medical Schools: senior or graduate preferably within the past three years. Please note your school must be listed on the Medical Board of California Approved Medical School List AND NOT listed on the Indiana Licensing Board Disapproved List. If your school is not on the California approved list, you will not be called for an interview.

Visas

We cannot guarantee sponsorship of any type of visa. Availability of visas depends on many factors outside our control that cannot always be anticipated in advance. We currently sponsor J-1 visas only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualities do you look for in an applicant?

We strive to attract the best candidates, regardless of medical school or national origin. What describes the ideal candidate? Certainly, we are looking for individuals with demonstrated academic excellence. But the most important qualities we value are integrity, humility and character—attributes necessary to become a successful physician leader in today’s society.
Are you a community or academic program?

We are part of IU School of Medicine and strive for academic excellence. Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital houses IU School of Medicine medical students, and all medicine faculty members hold university faculty appointments.

Multiple faculty members are engaged in clinical research and original research projects and residents regularly compete against much larger programs in poster and abstract competitions. IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital is located adjacent to the campus of Ball State University.
What is the patient load?

Each PGY-1 resident cares for approximately eight to ten patients and perform one to two admissions on a daily basis on the ward medicine service. In the outpatient clinic, residents gradually assume more responsibility as they progress, and PGY-3 residents see approximately six to eight patients per half-day session.
Does your program provide training in "hospitalist" medicine?

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital has a strong hospitalist program which is integrated with the Department of Medical Education. Hospitalists serve as attending staff for a significant number of months.

Experience with hospital consultative medicine may also be obtained during an elective, which complements the inpatient experiences on ward medicine, cardiology and ICU. We recently have modified our PGY-3 year to accommodate those interested in a hospitalist career by offering more inpatient rotations (hospitalist and ICU) in place of two ambulatory rotations.
Will I learn how to be a good outpatient physician?

Our ambulatory experience mirrors that found in a typical internist’s office. Dr. Lakanen, our director of ambulatory medicine, is an academic internist who trains our residents in performing multiple procedures.
How do your residents perform on the ABIM Certifying Examination?

Our pass rate for the past 3 years is 86 percent. We are committed to residents passing the boards, and supply ample funds for board review courses and educational materials (e.g., board review videos). We have revamped our noon conference curriculum and incorporated Board Review sessions on a weekly basis.

International Student Frequently Asked Questions

Do you require the CSA examination?

Completion of the Clinical Skills exam is necessary for the ECFMG certificate. Therefore, you cannot participate in the Match without it. ECFMG certificate is required.
Do you have a preliminary year?

No. We are a categorical program (three years).
Do you sponsor Fifth Pathway graduates?

No. This is no longer sponsored by the American Medical Association and is no longer considered a valid credential for entry into GME programs at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital.
Is clinical experience in the US required?

This is desired but not required.
Do you have externships/observership positions?

We are unable to sponsor such positions at this time.
Do you take medical students from non-U.S. schools?

Guest student electives are sponsored through Indiana University School of Medicine. Please contact Medical Student Education at medguest@iupui.edu for information regarding the application process.
How many letters of recommendation do you require?

Three letters are desirable. These letters need to be part of your ERAS packet and not faxed, e-mailed or mailed to the program.
Do you require Step 3 USMLE?

No.