General questions
Do you accept students from international medical schools?
The School of Medicine only accepts students from LCME or AOA accredited medical schools. Canadian students from LCME accredited schools may contact us at thompsonkl2@upmc.edu for more information.
When will I hear back regarding my application?
Do not call to check the status of your application, you will be notified via VSLO once a decision has been made.
Are applications processed on a first come first serve basis?
No, departments receive the applications and they process the applications based on merit.
Are there resources available for visiting students in regards to housing/transportation?
No.
Do you have scholarships for visiting students?
Yes, we do offer 4 scholarships for financial assistance to visiting students. Scholarship details and the application will be sent to each applicant upon receipt of their application in VSLO.
Can I receive extra malpractice coverage through UPMC?
We do not provide extra malpractice coverage for visiting students if they do not have the level of coverage that we require. Talk with your home school officials to see if they can help you secure additional coverage.
Supplemental document questions
Are hardcopies of supplemental documents accepted via email?
No.
I have never had a background check.
You must submit a background check that has been successfully completed within the last 12 months. We do not have a specific vendor we prefer, but we do ask that a state (where your school is) and a federal check have been done and cleared. Once completed, upload the documents to VSLO.
Do you have any recommendations for vendors to use for background checks, liability insurance, etc.?
No. Please contact your home school for recommendations.
Should I send hard copies of my supplemental documents or should I upload them to VSLO?
All documents must be uploaded to VSLO. We do not accept documents that are not submitted through VSLO.
I do not have a hard copy of my Step 1 scores, what should I do?
Have your school submit a letter on letterhead documenting that you have passed your boards.
What is the cut off score for Step 1?
UPMC just requires that you have passed the boards.
My school requires we take our Step 1 after our third year.
Have your school submit a letter stating that your Step 1 is taken after your third year due to a curriculum change.
Are there any additional requirements/documents besides those listed on VSLO?
Individual programs may require additional information and they will contact you.
Do I need to have a BLS certification?
Yes, it needs to be completed before starting a visiting rotation at UPMC.
Letter questions
Who should my letter of recommendation be addressed to?
Letters may be addressed to the Visiting Student Coordinator.
I waived my right to see my LOR, how am I supposed to upload it?
Have your letter writer send it to your coordinator who will upload it into VSLO.
What goes into my letter of interest?
Your letter should explain why you are interested in coming to UPMC and why you are interested in being placed in the department you are applying for.
Rotation questions
What can I do to increase my chances of getting the rotation I want?
The best strategy to being selected for an away rotation is to apply to multiple rotations and to have a completed application.
My school’s rotations are staggered and do not match the rotations at UPMC, can you accommodate me?
We may be able to accommodate you. Please email thomsonkl2@upmc.edu with the specific dates you are interested in.
The rotation I am interested in is not listed on the VSLO website, is that a mistake?
No, departments close particular blocks and we are unable to place you in a closed block.
Can I do a two-week rotation at UPMC?
No, we cannot accommodate two-week rotations.
Can I get a description of the rotation I am interested in?
Please refer to our visiting student elective catalog listed on VSLO for a description.
How many electives/rotations can I participate in at UPMC?
Visiting students can participate in a maximum of one four-week elective rotation.
I want to make sure a rotation is available before I apply, who should I talk to?
Availability of rotations can be confirmed by emailing thompsonkl2@upmc.edu.