Updates From Leadership
Dear Colleagues,
We are thrilled to announce another July fellowship cycle is successfully underway! This is always an exciting time for applicants and programs, and this season is extra special, as it marks the start of the AAMC-Thalamus integration and the launch of the new AAMC-Thalamus application programming interface (API).
The new API streamlines data and document transfer between the Electronic Residency Application System® (ERAS®) Program Director’s WorkStation (PDWS) and Thalamus products.
The addition of the API is just one enhancement to improve your experience with the ERAS program. Look for more updates throughout the season, all designed to improve the ERAS process!
Although our summer webinar series has concluded, you can still access the recordings for valuable insights on the Thalamus collaboration and the Specialty Spotlight series, which covers internal medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, emergency medicine, and general surgery. Visit our ERAS and transition to residency webinars page to find these recordings.
The AAMC and Thalamus teams are excited to work together to support the undergraduate and graduate medical education communities throughout the transition to residency. As always, if you have ideas or suggestions for how we can improve our processes and capabilities, please let us know.
Sincerely,
Patrick Fritz
Senior Director for Residency and Fellowship Services
Data Screening Update Coming to the ERAS PDWS
For the 2025 ERAS season, institutions and programs will notice a change in applicant data screening options in the PDWS. This change was made based on legal guidance to ensure institution officials control what programs see, in accordance with state and/or institutional policies and regulations. We have heard your feedback on this change and are addressing it.
- Each Institution Super User (ISU) or Alternate Institution Super User (AISU) can log in and choose which data points to make viewable to programs across the institution.
- Beginning on Friday, Aug. 9, Program Super Users (PSUs) will be able to choose to set screening options as needed for their individual program’s use, once the ISU or AISU provides access.
If you serve in one of these roles and need help completing the action assigned to you, check out this helpful job aid.
Thalamus Reminders for July Cycle Fellowship Opening
REMINDER: If you have not yet opted in to Thalamus, please complete the following steps before getting started:
- Opt in for Thalamus for the 2025 ERAS season via the PDWS by selecting the Program Management tab, and then the Program Participation item on the left navigation.
- Onboard: The program contact who completed step one will receive an onboarding email within 72 hours. This means your account is ready.
- Sign in to Thalamus to set up your Program Profile, users, and calendar.
- Review the Thalamus User Guides and Thalamus Training resources for additional support.
Celebrate GME Professionals Day on Aug. 16
GME Professionals Day, taking place on Friday, Aug. 16, is one of our favorite days of the year. We acknowledge and appreciate all the hard work that you put into running a successful training program.
Follow the AAMC (on LinkedIn) and the ERAS program (on X) to share our appreciation of GME professionals.
Connect with Thalamus (on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X) es about how you can celebrate with us.
New Features Coming to Residency Explorer™ Tool
Beginning in early August, Residency Explorer™, the most comprehensive tool for residency selection, will introduce new features including:
- Program Level Interview Invitation Data: Users will have the ability to compare to past applicants based on signaling, geographic alignment, and other characteristics.
- Personalized Profile Comparison: See how programs align personal needs and career interests by selecting relevant program characteristics.
The Residency Explorer tool relies on information provided by residency programs to the ACGME’s Accreditation Data System (ADS), GME Track®, and ERAS application and interview schedulers (ERAS Interview Scheduler or Thalamus Core).
New Principles on Use of AI in Medical School Admissions and Residency Selection
Medical schools and residency programs can advance toward more efficient, effective, fair, and informed selection processes by thoughtfully applying artificial intelligence (AI). To help schools and programs leverage AI tools to streamline their operations and promote equity, the AAMC – in collaboration with a multidisciplinary technical advisory committee – developed six key principles to guide the design and use of AI-based selection systems. Read more.
Save the Date! 2024 Fall Careers in Medicine® (CiM) Workshop Oct. 24-25
The 2024 Fall CiM Workshop will be held on Oct. 24-25 in Washington, DC. This two-day training is designed for those responsible for advising medical students about their career options and/or who manage the career advising program at their medical school; however, all faculty and staff engaged with career advising are welcome. Registration will open in August. Add this event to your calendar to save the date. Visit the Careers in Medicine website (advisor sign-in required) for more information about this offering.
Resources for Orienting New Students and Advisors from Careers in Medicine
Prepare to welcome this year’s matriculants and onboard new advisors, including specialty-specific advisors (advisor sign-in required). View all relevant CiM resources for this time of year in the curriculum map (advisor sign-in required).
The beginning of the school year is also a good time to introduce and socialize the true meaning of what it means to “find your specialty fit.” Does it mean you have a specialty “soulmate,” or one perfect specialty that you will find fulfilling? Here’s what “fit” really means and how to go about finding it.