Become a Resident | Ohio State College of Medicine

Ohio State is a research-oriented institution known for training leaders and innovators in neurosurgery. As a neurosurgical resident, you’ll receive rigorous, comprehensive training that balances technical expertise with compassionate patient care. You’ll have opportunities to learn and work alongside some of the world’s foremost researchers. Upon completion of the program, you will be well prepared for a career in private practice, academic neurosurgery, or for additional training in a sub-specialty fellowship.

We accept only one to three of the best and brightest applicants every year. We invite you to apply and become part of the neurosurgical tradition at The Ohio State University.

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Strengths of the Neurosurgery Residency Program

ResidentsNeurosurgery2020 Our residents all agree it’s the people — the leadership, faculty, staff and co-residents — that set Ohio State apart. Here are recent comments by active residents.

Hear real world insights from our residents

“The attendings here all seemed eager to help me reach my potential, and the residents seemed to be fun, dependable and well-rounded individuals,” says a first-year resident. “At the end of the day, I chose Ohio State because I felt that everyone was invested in my journey.”

“I think it’s the unique combination of operative diversity, complex cases, state-of-the art facilities, and the affable and friendly faculty,” says a seventh-year resident. “We have a lot of independence but with appropriate supervision.”

“The ability to tailor two full academic years to whatever experience suits your needs is the best part of the program,” says a second-year resident. “Being able to home in on your personal interests in research and clinical matters is not something every program has.”

Making the most of your interview

Residency Application Process Being prepared for your interview is an important step in successfully becoming a neurosurgery resident at The Ohio State University.

We asked some of our residents for real world insights about Ohio State University’s neurosurgery program, and how to make the most of your interview.

“Don’t be afraid to ask challenging questions. You should be interviewing us as much as we are interviewing you,” says a first-year resident. “We’re looking for a personality fit, so just be yourself.”

“Be honest with yourself,” advises a second-year resident. “Sometimes a gut feeling, whether good or bad, is as reliable as a making a painstaking list of pros and cons about a program.”

“Talk to the residents about their lifestyle, and see if you would fit in,” says a seventh-year resident. “See if you can envision yourself interacting more with these people than your family. “

How to Apply

Applications for the postgraduate year (PGY) one position in the neurosurgery training program are accepted exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The deadline for receipt of completed applications is Oct. 12.

Eligibility Requirements
- Application through ERAS by Oct. 12 deadline
- Eligibility for either a training certificate or a permanent medical license through the State Medical Board of Ohio
- U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 score, preferably above 220
- Interest and/or experience in academic research
Interview Selection
The program director and faculty review qualified applications. We consider these and other factors before extending an interview offer:
- Preparedness
- Ability
- Aptitude
- Academic credentials
- Communication skills
- Personal qualities, such as motivation and integrity
Once applications have been reviewed, applicants will either be offered an interview or sent a letter notifying them that they have not been accepted.
Application Interview Process

Most of our neurosurgical faculty, the program director and residents interview all applicants. At the end of each individual interview, the interviewing faculty member or resident rates the applicant by completing an evaluation form. We interview residents on Thursdays between Oct. 1 and Jan. 31.

At the end of the interview process, the program director develops a list of all applicants in order by their score. A review session, which is attended by the entire faculty, is held to rank the applicants. The final ranking is completed by the program director and chairman. The results are available the third Thursday in March.
Match Guidelines
Ohio State’s Neurosurgery Residency Program will adhere to these Society of Neurological Surgeons match guidelines for student and resident recruitment:
1. Only one trip for interview visit required or encouraged per department. Second or more visits allowable but must be unofficial.
2. The host department cannot pay travel and accommodation expenses. Exception could be made if hospital has facilities to house visiting medical students during clerkships, but not for interview visits. Hotel discount rates can be arranged. Payment for meals and social events with residents and faculty are permitted.
3. Student applicants must not be contacted or pressured at rank time to inquire how they plan to rank a recruiting program.
4. Advanced commitments for ranking must not be made.
5. No applicant can be accepted for residency training outside the match.
6. Openings that occur unexpectedly between match times may be filled individually without waiting until the next match. There is an ERAS website bulletin board listed as Find A Resident that may be useful.
Matched applicants must fulfill the requirements for appointment to the faculty of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center as clinical instructor house staff and to the medical staff of University Hospitals as a member of the limited medical staff, which includes:
- Application for clinical credentials
- Obtaining an Ohio medical license/training certificate
- Successful completion of USMLE Step 1 and 2
- A criminal background check through Ohio State Wexner Medical Center security
- Pre-employment drug screening prior to starting their training program

Join the Neurosurgery Residency Program

A career in Neurosurgery begins here.

Strengths of the Neurosurgery Residency Program

Making the most of your interview

How to Apply

Eligibility Requirements

Interview Selection

Application Interview Process

Match Guidelines

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