Application and Interview Process

Application Process

All applicants to the PedSDP at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh/UPMC Graduate Medical Education Program must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)

Applications are reviewed from late September through December 15, after which new applications are not considered. Applicants who are selected to interview will be contacted via email. Interviews are conducted late October through mid-January. PedSDP applicants we be scheduled on Mondays to allow participation in Tuesday PedSDP specific interview days. Select applicants will be invited on Fridays with their PedSDP day scheduled asynchronously.

We will be conducting all interviews remotely for the 2022-2023 interview season.

Required Application Materials

  • Complete ERAS application
  • USMLE or COMLEX
    • Step 1 score required with application
    • Step 2 score required by Feburary 15
  • Personal Statement
  • Dean's Letter/MSPE
  • Transcript
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation, strongly recommend at least one from a research mentor who can speak to the candidate's scientific potential

Additional Requirements for International Medical Graduates

  • ECFMG Certificate

International medical graduates with questions on additional application requirements can contact the residency program office at pedsresidency@chp.edu.

Application Contact

If you have any questions or concerns when applying to the Pediatric Scientist Development Program, please contact us at pedsdp@chp.edu.

ERAS Track Information

To ensure you have the correct ERAS application information for UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh please look for the tracking number 1652320 and "Pediatrics - Scientist Development Program."

Interview Schedule

PedSDP interview days are scheduled on Mondays. As above, asynchronous interviews will be considered for select applicants who cannot interview on a Monday.

Interview Day 1 (Monday)

(Sunday) 7:00 p.m. EST – Virtual Dinner with the Residents
Applicants are invited to join a group of our residents for an informal virtual dinner the evening prior to your interview. The pre-interview dinner is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. and the evening should end by 9 p.m. You will receive an e-mail invitation with the information to join.

11:30 a.m. EST – Program Director Welcome
You will have the opportunity to meet with the program leadership who will share program highlights and basic information regarding the pediatric residency program.

12:00 p.m. EST – Case Conference
A resident-led, case-based conference.

1:00 pm EST – Program Overview
The Chief Resident provide an overview of the program, schedules, and perks of Pittsburgh.

2:00 p.m. EST – Interviews
Faculty interviewers will meet every applicant, who will also interview with at least one Program Director.

4:00 p.m. EST – Chair of Pediatrics Welcome
The Chair of Pediatrics, Terence S. Dermody, MD, will briefly meet the applicants.

4:30 p.m. EST – Program Director Farewell
Finish your day with a relaxing and informational conversation with our program leadership. Feel free to ask any remaining questions regarding the program.

Throughout the day, video tours, informal resident meet-ups, and informational content on the program will be provided.

(Monday) 6:30 p.m. EST – Virtual Dinner with the Residents
Applicants and their significant others are invited to join a group of our residents, fellows, and Program Directors for an informal virtual dinner the evening before your second interview day specifically for the PedSDP Program. The PedSDP pre-interview dinner is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. and your evening should end about 8:30 p.m. You will receive an e-mail invitation prior to your interview informing you of the links to join.

Interview Day 2 (Tuesday)

9:00 a.m. EST – Program Director Welcome
You will have the opportunity to meet with the Program Directors who will share program highlights and basic information regarding the PedSDP Program.

10:00 a.m. EST – Interviews
You will receive three interviews with our faculty to discuss your research experiences and ask specific questions about your research interest(s). We will do our best to match you with the appropriate faculty members and fellowship program directors.

12:00 p.m. EST – Lunch with Fellows and Program Directors
Take the opportunity to talk with current fellows in various programs and discover all the possibilities CHP has to offer in research.

1:00 p.m. EST – Group Welcome by the Chair of Pediatrics
Experience a welcome from our Chair explaining our view of pediatrician-scientists, the future in this exciting field, and our commitment to the PedSDP Program

1:30 p.m. EST – Program Director Farewell
Finish your day with a relaxing and informational conversation with our program leadership. Feel free to ask any remaining questions regarding the program.

Throughout the day, video tours, informal resident meetups, and informational content on the program will be provided.