FindAResident Applicant User Manual

Take a look at our FindAResident Applicant User Manual for comprehensive information on the FindAResident service as well as step-by-step instructions for your FindAResident account! This user manual provides statistical information on our service, screen shots for registering and using your account, a glossary of terms and more.

FindAResident Applicant User Manual (PDF, 114 pages)

FAQs for Residency and Fellowship Applicants

• Overview of FindAResident
• Registration Information
• Login Information
• Managing Your FindAResident Account
• Using FindAResident Tools and Features
• Open Positions Search
• Match & Scramble Information
• Glossary of Terms

Overview of FindAResident

What is FindAResident?

FindAResident is a Web-based service that can put you in direct contact with programs looking to fill open residency and fellowship positions. Sponsored by the AAMC, FindAResident is a supplement to ERAS and is ideal for finding unfilled positions, especially if you experienced an unsuccessful match through NRMP.

When would I use FindAResident?

Use FindAResident if:

• You were unsuccessful in the NRMP Match and Scramble.
• You wish to change specialties, job location or residency program.
• You are seeking fellowship opportunities.

What does a FindAResident membership provide me?

Registering with FindAResident allows you to:

• Post your resume, test scores, photo, curriculum vitae (CV) and other pertinent information for programs to view.
• Search a database of open residency positions through a detailed search engine.
• Notify programs of your interest and begin the process of matching up with an open residency or fellowship position.

To date over 20,000 applicants have registered with FindAResident.

How do I contact FindAResident with questions?

You can reach the FindAResident staff at findaresident@aamc.org.

Registration Information

Who is eligible to register with FindAResident?

If you are or will be a medical graduate from an accredited medical school before the end of the FindAResident season (the first business day of September) you may register with our service. Registration is not dependent on completion of USMLE testing or any other tests or certifications.

Can I register if I'm not certified or finished necessary testing?

If you have not passed and completed all necessary testing or obtained certification necessary for US residency, you can still register with FindAResident. However, be aware that it is the policy of most US residency programs to deny applications from medical graduates that do not have appropriate test scores and certifications. It is your responsibility to determine and complete any US and state prerequisites for residency practice (see FSMB for more details). FindAResident will not grant refunds based on applicants who are denied application by US residency or are unsuccessful at securing a residency position.

How do I register?

To register for FindAResident:

1. Go to the FindAResident Login page and click on the "Register" link at the top left corner of the screen.
2. Mark the radio button beside "Applicant" and press "Submit."
3. Complete the required fields with your personal information. You will be asked to enter your AAMC ID. If you do not have or cannot recall your AAMC ID, enter your birth information to assign your unique 8-digit AAMC ID.
4. Create your own user name and password for future logins. This login information will set up a single account that you can use to login to other AAMC services as well (go to the AAMC Login page for more information about other services that use the AAMC Login).
5. Click Submit.

This will be your login information for future sessions with FindAResident and any other AAMC Login participating programs. Remember login information is case sensitive.

Do I need an Access code/Token to register, and how do I get it?

Residency and fellowship applicants do not need an access code/token to register with FindAResident. If you click the radio button next to "Applicant" on the registration page and click submit you can continue on with registration.

What is the AAMC Login?

The AAMC Login is part of an effort to improve security and help you manage your relationship with the AAMC.

Is there a registration fee?

There is a $75 subscription fee for applicants; active ERAS users pay a discounted $30 fee. You are not considered an active ERAS user until you have completed and transmitted your ERAS Common Application Form (CAF) to at least one program during the regular ERAS season that corresponds with the start of the FindAResident season.

Is there a registration deadline?

You can register with the FindAResident program year-round, but subscriptions will only last from the date of purchase until the first business day of September.

I am a previous user of FindAResident. Do I need to register again?

A new enhancement of FindAResident is that previous registrants do not need to register again. Simply log in with your FindAResident user name and password and you will be prompted to make a payment for the new season. Once your payment is approved, you will have access to your FindAResident account with your previously entered information. Be sure to update your resume if any information has changed, including your specialty, PGY level, and geographic preferences.

When registering I get an error that my information already exists. What does this mean?

If you completed the registration page with FindAResident in the past you do not need to register again. Log in with your FindAResident user name and password and you will be prompted to make payment for the new season. If you do not remember your user name and password, contact FindAResident at findaresident@aamc.org for assistance.

During registration I am asked to "verify old password." What do I do?

FindAResident is a participating service in the AAMC Login program. The AAMC Login is part of the AAMC's effort to improve security and help you manage your relationship with the AAMC; it is a new approach to providing access to password protected Web resources. Several AAMC services are already collaborating in this initiative. Your login information for any of the participating services will be linked creating one single login identity for multiples services.

Therefore, if you are already signed up for an AAMC program, you will be prompted to "Verify Old Password" after we confirm your AAMC ID and registration information. The "Verify Old Password" field is requesting confirmation of your password from your other participating AAMC Login service. At the top of the screen you will see the AAMC ID and user name associated with the password we are verifying. Please contact the applicable service if you have forgotten your password. Remember, any changes to your login and password in FindAResident will automatically carryover to the other AAMC programs as well.

Login Information

I forgot my FindAResident password, how do I get this information?

If you don't remember your password, click "Forgot Password" on the FindAResident Login page. Enter your user name and e-mail address. The system will prompt you to answer your security question. Your password will be immediately sent to you via e-mail. The email will contain an alphanumeric password to use along with your user name to login. User names and passwords are case sensitive, capitalize properly. You will then have an opportunity to establish a password of your choice. You will be prompted to "Verify Old Password"; this field requires your temporary (alphanumeric) password from the email. Complete the remaining fields and print out the confirmation of your user name and new password for your records. Remember, any changes to your login and password in FindAResident will automatically carryover to the other AAMC programs as well.

I attempted to log in several times unsuccessfully; now what?

For security reasons, after 5 unsuccessful login attempts FindAResident will lock your account. Please e-mail FindAResident to unlock your account and confirm your login information.

Managing Your FindAResident Account

How do I create my resume for residency programs to view?

To post your resume:

1. Log in to FindAResident.
2. Click on "Resume" tab.
3. Click on each sub-tab in the Resume section (Contact, Status, Education, Experience, etc.) and complete the information requested if available.
4. Once you've completed all of the information, you may view it by clicking on the Resume tab again. Next to the Resume status field, click on the link for View.
5. If you're happy with how your resume looks, you will be ready to activate (or post) your resume. This is done by clicking on the Activate link next to the Resume status field (INACTIVE). Once activated the Resume status will change to "ACTIVE".

What does it mean for my resume to be "Active" or "Inactive"?

Your resume can be activated or deactivated at any time to make your account active or inactive respectively. The "Active" setting allows you to search and notify programs, and also allows programs to view your resume. The "Inactive" setting blocks your notification function and does not allow programs to view your information. Simply activate your resume to notify programs and showcase your resume.

How do I activate or deactivate my resume?

To change your status to "Active" or "Inactive" use the activate/deactivate function.

1. Log in to FindAResident.
2. Click the "Resume" tab.
3. Just below the "Resume" tab is the Resume status field. Next to that status will be a link for "Activate" or "Deactivate".
4. Click the "Activate" or "Deactivate" link to change your status to active or inactive respectively.

Could my current program director discover my resume?

When your resume is "Active," it is viewable by any program registered in FindAResident. You may choose to withhold your name from your resume if you are concerned about confidentiality (option is located on the 'Resume' page below the activation link). However you may still be identifiable by information contained in your resume. Program directors search for registered applicants based on an applicant's indicated specialty and location preferences. If you select a specialty and/or location preference that differs from your current residency program's criteria, you will not appear in that program director's search.

Note: If you opt to deactivate your resume to prevent your program director from discovering your resume no programs will be able to search or contact you and you cannot send your information via FindAResident to programs.

Can I import information from my ERAS account?

FindAResident users who are active ERAS users (transmitted their Common Application Form to at least one program) have the option of importing data from their ERAS profile into their FindAResident account.

1. Log in to FindAResident.
2. Click the "Resume" tab.
3. Just below the "Withhold Name" option, is the ERAS Import function.
4. To the right of "Transfer ERAS Data", click the "Import" link.
5. Previously entered information will be cleared out and your certified ERAS CAF information will be automatically imported to the corresponding sections of FindAResident.
6. Be sure to click the "View" link at the top of the resume page to review that all information was imported completely and accurately.

The ERAS import does not apply to documents such as photo, curriculum vitae, transcripts or letters of recommendation. You may upload separately your curriculum vitae and photo from your Resume home page. However, FindAResident does not support transcripts or letters of recommendation in our service.

How do I add my CV and photo?

First, please make sure your Curriculum Vitae is saved as a Microsoft Word document or a text file (*.doc, *.pdf or *.txt). Pictures must be saved as photo file types (*.gif or *.jpg). Also, be sure the filename is less than 16 characters in length and contains only alphanumeric characters. To add your CV and photo:

1. Log in to FindAResident.
2. Click on the "Resume" tab.
3. Next to "Curriculum Vitae" click the "Upload" link.
4. A dialogue box will appear.
5. Press the browse button.
6. A file browser window will appear. Find and select the desired file, then click "Open"
7. You will be returned to FindAResident's browser window where you will click "Attach File". Repeat this process to add your picture using the "Upload" link next to the Picture field.

If you have trouble or receive any error messages, contact FindAResident and be sure to include the exact error message you received while uploading.

How do I update my CV and photo?

To update your curriculum vitae (CV) in FindAResident:

1. Login to FindAResident.
2. Click on 'Resume' at the top left of your screen.
3. Next to "Curriculum Vitae" click the "Download" link.
4. The file download wizard will pop up, and ask "Would you want to open or save this file?", click "Open".
5. Your CV will open up in a separate window for Microsoft Word.
6. Update your CV as needed and save the file to your computer.
7. Return to your FindAResident 'Resume' home page.
8. Next to "Curriculum Vitae" click the "Remove" link.
9. Next to "Curriculum Vitae" an "Upload" link will appear, click it.
10. A dialogue box will appear, press the 'Browse' button.
11. A file browser window will appear. Find and select the updated file, then click "Open".
12. You will be returned to FindAResident's browser window where you will click "Attach File".

Repeat this same process for the photo if necessary by using the links next to the "Picture" field.

Why upload a separate CV?

The FindAResident standardized resume is designed to capture the pertinent information used by programs to evaluate residency candidates. However, applicants have requested in the past the ability to post a personalized curriculum vitae in addition to the standard FindAResident resume. This allows them to expand on areas and send a personalized version of their information to programs. Uploading a CV is optional.

What documentation will I need for FindAResident?

To complete your resume within the FindAResident system, you may upload your CV and a picture. FindAResident cannot accommodate other documents like transcripts, deans' letters, letters of recommendation, etc. found in ERAS. Programs may ask you to forward any additional documentation directly to them outside FindAResident if needed.

Will you verify the validity of inputted test scores?

FindAResident uses self-reporting for all resume information. We do not provide source documents and do not verify information submitted by applicants. All applicants who post a resume agree to a certification of truthfulness that information inputted into FindAResident is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge.

Using FindAResident Tools and Features

How do I conduct a search for open positions?

1. Login to FindAResident.
2. Click on the "Program Search" tab.
3. Select the Position Year desired from the drop-down menu.
4. Click on the specialty that interests you. (To select more than one specialty, press and hold the Ctrl key and simultaneously click the specialties you want. Maximum: 5 specialties)
5. Click on the geographic preference(s) of the programs you're interested in. (To select more than one geographic area, press and hold the Ctrl key and simultaneously click the geographic area you want. Maximum: 5 areas or click on the "no preference" for national search)
6. Click on "Search" to complete the query.
7. Click on the program's name for more details on the program and position information.
8. Review the information listed to decide which program(s) interest you.

How do I notify a program of my interest?

1. Conduct a program search selecting the appropriate criteria.
2. Click on the program's name to review their profile information and minimum requirements.
3. Review the search results list to decide which program(s) interest you.
4. If you are interested in this program and you meet the qualifications listed, click "Notify" next to that program record.
5. You will be asked to confirm that you want to notify this program, click "OK".
6. A notification containing your resume information will be sent to that program's FindAResident mailbox.
7. A record of this notification will remain in your mailbox in the "Notification Sent" section.

Why can't I notify a program? N/A appears next to each program.

The FindAResident notification function only works for applicant users with an active resume. Your resume can be activated at any time by logging into FindAResident and clicking on the "Profile" link and using the "Activate" function.

Open Position Search Results

Why can't I get a list of all open positions advertised in FindAResident?

FindAResident has a customizable search engine to help save you time and make it easier for you to track the results of your search. Selecting only the specialties and locations that interest you simplifies the search and evaluation process for you and for programs that are interested in you.

Why does my search show "No Records Found"?

A search results value of "No Records Found" indicates that we do not have any positions listed for the combination of specialty, geographic area, and PGY level that you selected. We do offer vacancies of all levels year-round, however there is a pattern to the availability of certain residency training levels. PGY1 and PGY2 positions are mostly advertised through ERAS prior to the Match period. However, following the Match period FindAResident will have a dynamic list of unfilled positions, updated by participating residency programs. PGY3 - PGY6 fellowship positions are advertised and updated year-round.

When will programs post open positions for PGY1 and PGY2 for the upcoming year?

Prior to the NRMP Match Week, FindAResident will not post PGY1 and PGY2 positions for the upcoming year (i.e. PGY1 positions with 7/2010 start dates and PGY2 positions with 7/2011 start dates). You should contact the NRMP about registering for the Match for a preliminary opportunity with these positions for PGY1 and PGY2. Following the Match period, FindAResident will have a dynamic list of unfilled positions from programs that choose to advertise their vacancies in FindAResident. You can register and activate your resume ahead of time to get a jump-start on your residency search prior to new open PGY1 and PGY2 positions posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Match & Scramble Information

Can I use FindAResident during "Scramble"?

If already registered, you will be able to access your FindAResident account at any time. If you participated in the NRMP Match your ability to search and notify may be restricted based on your match status. If you matched to a PGY1 and PGY2 program you will not be able to search nor notify programs with PGY1 or PGY2 vacancies. If you did not match to both a PGY1 and PGY2 program, then you can search for any program, but will only be able to send notifications to positions listed for the year you are not matched.

During Scramble, will the search and notification functions work the same?

FindAResident users who did not match for both PGY1 and PGY2 positions with the NRMP may search and notify programs for all available years. Applicants who matched for PGY1 or PGY2 may only notify programs for the year in which they are not matched. Programs searching for PGY1 and/or PGY2 applicants will not have access to the resumes of individuals for the years they are listed as matched by the NRMP. A fully matched FindAResident user will not appear in search results for PGY1 or PGY2 applicants. FindAResident users matched for PGY1 only will appear in search results for PGY2 applicants, but not for PGY1 applicant searches. The reverse applies for FindAResident users matched for PGY2 by the NRMP. This restriction applies from when the Main Residency Match results are released each year on Tuesday, 12:00 p.m. ET until July 1, 12:00 a.m. ET. For exact dates for the upcoming Main Residency Match events, please visit the NRMP Web site.

Will registering for FindAResident affect my application to the Match or ERAS?

FindAResident is a web-based service offered by the AAMC targeted to residency applicants who do not match, or need to find a new residency program. Being registered with FindAResident does not affect your application to the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) or the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). FindAResident is a supplement to both the NRMP and ERAS. Applicants should consider registering with both ERAS and NRMP to maximize their ability to find a PGY1 and/or PGY2 position. Should you be unsuccessful with the NRMP Match, FindAResident will be an important resource for you to find any residency positions that are unfilled following the Match week. Active ERAS users do receive a discounted registration fee of $30 with the FindAResident service.

Will you have the list of unfilled programs?

FindAResident does not contain the full list of unfilled programs as provided by the NRMP to Match participants. However, many programs choose to advertise in FindAResident if they have not filled all their available positions at the end of the Match and Scramble periods. Please reference our open positions report for a listing by PGY level and specialty to view the number of vacancies currently advertising in FindAResident.

Glossary of Terms

AAMC — Association of American Medical Colleges is the parent organization for FindAResident.

ACGME — Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education is responsible for the accreditation of post-MD medical training programs within the United States.

CV — Curriculum Vitae is a resume style document to list and describe your objectives, education, and work experience.

ECFMG — Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) assesses the readiness of international medical graduates to enter ACGME accredited residency or fellowship programs in the United States.

ERAS — Electronic Residency Application Service is another AAMC service designed to help applicants apply to residency programs.

FREIDA — The Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database Access offered by the American Medical Association is a searchable, online database by specialty and subspecialty of graduate medical education programs, aggregate training statistics, and career plans of recent graduates.

GMETRACK — An AAMC service designed as a resident database and tracking system to assist GME Administrators and program directors in the collection and management of GME data.

NRMP — National Resident Matching Program conducts the resident match each year for PGY1 and PGY2 level positions.

NBME — National Board of Medical Examiners develops and administers examinations to assess the medical knowledge and clinical skills of those seeking licenses to practice medicine in the United States.

NBOME — National Board of Osteopathic Medical Education administers examinations to test the medical knowledge of those who seek to serve the public as osteopathic physicians.

PGY — Post Graduate Year refers to the level of training by year starting after graduating medical school. The scale in FindAResident involves PGY1 - PGY6.

USMLE — United States Medical Licensing Examination assesses a physician's ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles.

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