aamc.org does not support this web browser.
  • Professional Service

ERAS® for Programs: Getting Started

The ERAS® program is your partner during the recruitment process. We look forward to having you join us.

As a new ERAS user, we want to give you the tools you need to acclimate yourself quickly. Below are some resources that will help you get started.

What is the ERAS Program?

The ERAS program streamlines the residency and fellowship application process for applicants, their designated dean's offices, Letter of Recommendation (LoR) authors, and program directors. By providing applicants the ability to build and deliver their application and supporting materials individually or as a package to programs, the ERAS program provides a centralized, but flexible solution to the application and documents distribution process. The ERAS system includes four individual-but-connected applications developed to serve the needs of each user group involved in the application process and provide impartial, confidential transmission of applications to programs.

New Specialties

The Participating Specialties and Programs page provides a full list of specialties currently participating in the ERAS program. If your specialty is listed and your program is not in the ERAS system, see the New Programs section below.

For your specialty to join the ERAS program, please see the Getting Started and Additional documents sections below. We look forward to hearing from you!

Getting Started:

  • It's preferred that participating programs be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), Committee for Advanced Subspecialty Training (CAST), Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), or United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS). However, the ERAS team can evaluate specialty additions on a case-by-case basis. 
  • Please reach out to the ERAS team by November 1, 2026 to initiate the process to join the next recruitment cycle (2028 ERAS season).
  • Individual programs or specialty leadership may contact the ERAS program for more information.

Additional documents or actions needed:

  • A letter of intent from specialty leadership
  • A written agreement to an ERAS application cycle (Fellowship only)
  • Complete or validate program listing information
  • Specialty information or requirements for their applicants (as applicable)

New Programs

Programs from specialties currently in the ERAS system that are interested in participating with the ERAS program are required to submit a formal request. Please complete the New Program Submission Form.

  • ERAS staff will contact you to confirm your request within 5-10 business days. Please provide your DIO contact information at that time if available. 

Training

The ERAS team offers webinars, in addition to other web-based learning tools, including tutorials, job aids, and e-learning. Please contact the AAMC Support Center (ASC) at 202-828-0413 for additional assistance.

Timeline

Note these important dates for the ERAS season.

ERAS Registration

ERAS registration for programs.

Registration allows you to:

  • Designate an ERAS contact.
  • Update contact information.
  • Indicate your program participation status in the ERAS system.

How to Register:

To receive applications in the ERAS system, programs must register to indicate that they will have open positions and will use the ERAS program. To register, please log in to the Program Director’s WorkStation (PDWS) with your AAMC credentials. Navigate to the Program Management tab and select the appropriate season. When accessing PDWS for the first time, you will have to agree to the Terms and Conditions. Make sure your role has been assigned first. If you have not received your registration email, please contact AAMC Support Center (ASC) at 202-828-0413.

  • Log in using your AAMC username and password.
  • Confirm your program’s participation status. The participation status will be listed under the Program Management tab.
  • Update contact information pertaining to your program by navigating to the ERAS Program Contact Information section under the Setup tab to ensure you receive ERAS emails.

Programs should include their web address in the Program Listing section under the Setup tab to ensure that applicants have access to relevant information such as program accreditation, requirements, and deadlines.

Note: Even after registration is complete, you may continue to access the Program Management section to make program updates throughout the season.

Registration reminders:

  • Log in using your AAMC username and password.
  • Update your program’s participation status. The participation status will be listed under the Program Management tab
  • Confirm contact information pertaining to your program by navigating to the ERAS Program Contact Information section under the Setup tab to ensure you receive ERAS emails.

Help Applicants Apply Smart

Applicants will be able to make more informed decisions in a timely manner when programs populate the following optional fields in EPM under the Program Listing section:

  • Website - Add your program’s complete URL (including the prefix “https://”) to provide applicants an active hyperlink to your web page.
  • Program Information for Applicants - Add deadlines, descriptions of your patient population, curriculum/training opportunities, or any other information unique to your program.

Complimentary Access to Thalamus Products

Registering to use the ERAS system will automatically register programs for complimentary access to Thalamus Core, Itinerary Wizard, Cerebellum, and Cortex. No other steps will be needed to receive access to Thalamus.

Explore the suite of Thalamus training opportunities to equip your program with cutting-edge tools and techniques. Contact the Thalamus Customer Experience Team with questions.

ERAS Communications

It is important that you keep your program and contact information updated to ensure you receive all communication from the ERAS program. You may update your information throughout the season in the Program Management section.

ERAS Registration for DIOs

ERAS registration for designated institutional officials (DIOs).

Registration allows you to:

  • Designate ERAS contacts.
  • Update previous contact information.
  • Indicate your institution's participation status in the ERAS program.
  • Grant initial PDWS access to program directors and primary contacts.

How to Register

  • To register, please log in to the PDWS with your AAMC credentials.
  • Navigate to the Program Management tab. Confirm your desired program's participation status.
  • Update contact information by navigating to the ERAS Program Contact Information section under the Setup tab to ensure you receive ERAS emails.

Note: Even after registration is complete, you may continue to access the Program Management section to make program updates throughout the season.