How to Apply

 

We seek applicants who

  • We seek applicants who
  • Contribute to an environment where people from all backgrounds have a shared sense of belonging
  • Are devoted to providing the highest quality care in collaboration with underserved and marginalized communities
  • Are prepared to address complex health issues using a systemic framework that includes social determinants of health
  • We participate in the ERAS program and the NRMP match process. Information on the ERAS process can be obtained through your medical school. To be considered for admission to the Class of 2029, the following materials are required to be submitted through ERAS by Tuesday, September 30, 2025: 
  • ERAS Common Application Form
  • Personal Statement
  • Three Letters of Reference (recommendations from family physicians are especially encouraged)
  • Medical School Performance Evaluation (aka Dean's Letter)
  • Medical School Transcripts
  • USMLE or COMLEX (for D.O. candidates) Step I Score or COMLEX Level 1 Score (for D.O. candidates)
  • USMLE Step II (CS and CK) or COMLEX Level II scores are required prior to February 2026; consistent with UCSF policy, only applicants with passing Step II or COMLEX Level II scores will be placed on our Rank Order List
  • Because we understand the USMLE scores and clerkship grades are impacted by life circumstances and other challenges, we do not rely on these to filter out applications. For that reason, we read every application that is completed by the deadline, regardless of test scores or graduation date. As a result, we often take longer than other programs to offer interviews. This is not because we do not value your application or your time, it is because we are committed to using a comprehensive process to review applications and have accepted that this means taking more time than if we used algorithms or filters.
  • ​Please note: 
  • All information must be submitted through ERAS. Documents received outside of ERAS will not be considered in our review. 
  • Applicants with a D.O. degree are required to submit USMLE OR COMLEX Step I and II scores, but not both.

  • Interviews (Remote in Fall 2025)

  • The Residency Director and Applicant Selection Committee will review each application and select individuals who will be invited to interview. We will be conducting remote interviews in Fall 2025 to ensure that every candidate has the same experience. Social opportunities to engage with current residents will be available during interview season that will not impact your interview scores. If you are selected for an interview, our Residency Manager will contact you by Thalamus to schedule a date. We will begin sending interview invitations in October and will continue to send invitations in waves through December. 

International Medical School Graduates

In addition to the items listed above, IMG applicants are also required to submit the ECFMG Certification.

Non-U.S. citizens must possess a Permanent Resident Card or an appropriate educational visa prior to starting a postgraduate medical education program. UCSF sponsors J1 visas and H1B visa transfers. H1B visa transfers must be pre-approved by the UCSF Office of Graduate Medical Education for applicants who already hold an H1B, F1 or OPT. More information is available at the UCSF International Students and Scholars Office.

Due to the passage of California Senate Bill SB 798, international applicants no longer need to submit the Postgraduate Training Authorization Letter (PTAL) when applying to California-based programs. Our program does not require international applicants to submit the PTAL.

PGY-2 Positions

From time to time, we have PGY-2 positions available. In that instance, we will list any openings with the AAMC's Find a Resident program. Preferences for these positions will be given to applicants who have (or who will have, prior to beginning training with us) completed a first year of family medicine residency training. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you do in-person tours?

  • As not everyone has the opportunity to travel to San Francisco in person, to ensure equitable access, we will not be hosting any in-person tours or meet and greets. However, we would love to connect you with current resident and any faculty members to answer any questions about the program, experience or what it is like working at SFGH.

 

For questions and clarifications about how to apply to our program, please contact us.