ERAS is a program of the Association of American Medical Colleges

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About ERAS

What is ERAS?

Components of ERAS

How does ERAS Work?

ERAS Costs

Next Steps to Prepare for ERAS

What is ERAS?

ERAS is a service of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and was created to enhance medical students' transition to residency by reducing the amount of time spent on the residency application process. Using the Internet, ERAS transmits residency applications, letters of recommendation (LoRs), the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), transcripts, and other supporting credentials from applicants and medical schools to residency program directors. ERAS also provides national statistics on applicant behavior by specialty.

ERAS partners with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) to transmit USMLE score reports. ERAS also partners with ECFMG to transmit certification information for IMGs, and with the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners to transmit COMLEX scores.

Components of ERAS

ERAS is comprised of four main components:

The MyERAS Web site. This is where applicants complete their MyERAS application and personal goal statement, select programs to apply to, and assign documents to be received by programs.
The Dean's Office Workstation (DWS). This is ERAS software used by staff at the designated dean's office. From this software, they create the ERAS electronic token that applicants use to access MyERAS. They also use this system to scan and attach supporting documents to the application, such as photograph, medical school transcript, dean's letter/MSPE, and LoRs. Then they transmit these materials to the ERAS PostOffice.
Program Director's Workstation (PDWS). This is ERAS software used by program staff to receive, sort, review, evaluate, and rank applications.
The ERAS PostOffice. This is a central bank of computers that transfer the application materials applicants and the designated dean's office programs.

How does ERAS work?

Applicants receive an electronic token from their designated dean's office, and use it to access the MyERAS Web site.
Applicants complete their ERAS application, select programs, assign supporting documents, and transmit their application to programs.
Schools receive notification of the completed application, and start transmitting supporting documents: transcripts, LoRs, photographs, MSPE/Dean's Letters.
Examining boards receive and process requests for score reports.
Programs contact the ERAS PostOffice on a regular basis to download application materials.

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How much does ERAS cost?

Allopathic Programs - ERAS fees are included in your annual membership dues to the AAMC.
Osteopathic Programs - ERAS fees are $250.00 per institution and must be paid annually.

How do I get my specialty prepared for ERAS?

Specialty leadership should contact ERAS to begin the dialogue.
At least 80 percent of programs must agree to use ERAS and inform us by November 1st of each year prior to joining.
Contact other ERAS users at your hospital about their experience using ERAS.
Register for ERAS during the registration period. Learn more about ERAS Registration.
Contact the ERAS HelpDesk at if you have any questions about us.

What if my specialty already uses ERAS? How do we get started?

If you are a new program and would like to participate with ERAS, we require that you submit your request in writing.

Please submit your request on your program's letterhead and be sure to include information on the type of training your program will offer and any specialized training types as well as contact information (name, address, city/state/zip, e-mail, program Web site address, phone and fax numbers). This request should be signed by the Program Director.

If you are a newly accredited program, you will also need to submit a copy of the accreditation letter as proof of accreditation status. Requests may be submitted via fax Attn: Hasan Mahmood to 202-828-1129.

ERAS Staff will contact you to confirm your information within 5-10 business days.

If you have additional questions, contact our HelpDesk at 202-828-0413, Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM Eastern Time or via e-mail at erashelp@aamc.org.

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