Applications to the Child Neurology Residency are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

All applicants must also register with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP #1203185C0). Please, note you only have to apply to the Child Neurology Residency Program.

Deadlines

Applications must be received by Dec. 1.

All interviews will occur between October and January.

Application Materials

Please include the following documents with your application:

  • Medical School Transcript
  • Dean's Letter
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • USMLE Transcript
  • ECFMG Certificate (if applicable)
  • Personal Statement
  • Photograph

Criteria for Candidacy

U.S. Allopathic Medical School Graduates

  • Passing USMLE scores with no more than one previous failure.
  • At least 3 letters of recommendation, Dean’s letter, medical school transcript, personal statement and photograph sent through ERAS. Letters from pediatric supervisors are preferable if possible. We do not require a “Chairman’s Letter.”
  • There are no specific requirements for the personal statement but in general it should explain why you are interested in a child neurology residency and argue for why you would be a good candidate.
  • Appropriate medical education to train in a large U.S. teaching hospital.
  • History of and commitment to treating and/or advocating for and/or conducting research for children and/or adolescents.

Osteopathic Medical School Graduates

  • COMLEX Step 1 & Step 2 scores of at least 500 or USMLE Step 1 score of at least 200 on the first attempt.
  • At least 3 letters of recommendation, Dean’s letter, medical school transcript, personal statement and photograph sent through ERAS. Letters from pediatric supervisors are preferable if possible. We do not require a “Chairman’s Letter.”
  • There are no specific requirements for the personal statement but in general it should explain why you are interested in a child neurology residency and argue for why you would be a good candidate.
  • Appropriate medical education to train in a large US teaching hospital.
  • History of and commitment to treating and/or advocating for and/or conducting research for children and/or adolescents.

International Medical School Graduates

  • USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores of at least 225 on first attempt. Both scores must be available before you can be considered for an interview.
  • Passing grade on the CSA or USMLE Step 2 CS on the first attempt.
  • Medical school graduation date within 5 years. Exception can be made for practicing physician.
  • Previous pediatric or child neurology residency experiences, observership or clinical experience in the US is strongly preferred.
  • Previous degree in U.S., i.e. MPH is also desirable.
  • At least 3 letters of recommendation, Dean’s letter, medical school transcript, personal statement and photograph sent through ERAS. Letters from pediatric supervisors are preferable if possible. We do not require a “Chairman’s Letter”.
  • There are no specific requirements for the personal statement but in general it should explain why you are interested in a pediatric residency and argue for why you would be a good candidate.
  • Appropriate medical education to train in a large U.S. teaching hospital.
  • History of and commitment to treating and/or advocating for and/or conducting research for children and/or adolescents.
  • We sponsor J-1 Visas.

The Interview

In compliance with institutional, state, and national recommendations, our program will be solely conducting virtual interviews for the 2025-2026 residency NRMP Match cycle. We will not offer in-person interviews or visits to our site in support of minimizing health risks associated with travel during this period and to provide an equitable interview experience to all applicants.

The interview consists of two separate days. One day with our General Pediatrics program and one day with Child Neurology.

We will interview approximately 32 candidates for two positions beginning Oct. 26 and ending early to mid-January. Orientation for all new residents begins June 24, so you must be available for that start date and be licensed in Iowa by June 30.

Invitations to interview

Invitations from our program will be extended via Thalamus for Child Neurology and for General Pediatric, enabling you to self-schedule your interview.

What should I expect on the interview day?

Your interview day will begin around 10 a.m. and conclude around 2 p.m. (Central Time Zone), on the Zoom platform. The components of your day will include an overview of the program, a virtual tour, interviews with the program director / associate program director and two other child neurology faculty members.

Questions

Please contact our residency program coordinator listed at the bottom of this page, or contact residency leaders.

Learn about our program

Accrediting Board - Pediatric and Neurology Board Certification

Medical specialty certification in the United States is a voluntary process which serves multiple purposes for the trainee and the public.

Certification is:

  • one mission of the training program to produce trainees who meet board eligibility criteria;
  • distinguishes a physician as someone with a distinct level of expertise;
  • provides more opportunities when applying for employment;
  • presents resources and tools by the ABMS;
  • a commitment to life-long improvement for providing the best patient care; and
  • elevates physicians into the ranks of doctors committed to the highest standards of healthcare.

For more information visit the American Board of Pediatrics and American Board of Neurology for specifics on board certification requirements.