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Psychiatry Sacramento - FAQ

How do I apply to your residency training program?

We accept applications through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS). We do not accept paper applications or outside of ERAS. Visit How to Apply for more information.

How many letters of recommendation are required?

We require three letters of recommendation. At least one letter needs to be from an attending psychiatrist.

Do you accept applications outside the Match system?

No, all our PGY-1 positions will be filled through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP).

The ERAS application asks me to include a personal statement. What type of information should I include?

Your personal statement is a chance to tell us your story—what draws you to psychiatry, the strengths and experiences you bring, and the goals you’re working toward. Feel free to share pieces of your journey or values that might not appear elsewhere in your application so we can get to know you better.

Is there a deadline for submitting applications?

We begin reviewing applications in September and interview applicants from October through December. We do not interview during the week of November 24.

Do you have a board score requirement?

No, all applications are reviewed independently.

Do you have openings for residents beyond the first year?

We do not have openings for residents beyond the first year.

Is there an opportunity to Fast Track for residents going into Child & Adolescent Psychiatry?

We encourage residents to pursue their professional goals who choose to short-/fast-track in the CAP Fellowships. We do not currently have a CAP fellowship.

How do I sign up for a psychiatry elective at KP Greater Sacramento?

Medical students interested in our Sub-internship should apply through Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO). We review applications on a rolling basis. Further information can be found here. Our institution ID is 56377.

Does your program review applications from individuals who have completed a prior residency?

Please contact our program manager Frances Higoy directly to discuss.

How diverse is the patient population?

Very diverse. Our patients are our neighbors and come from a diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. We serve patients with Medi-Cal (Medicaid), Medicare, and Kaiser Health Insurance and our medical centers currently have a catchment of close to 1,000,000 patients.

Is moonlighting allowed?

Moonlighting must be approved by the program director for PGY-3 and PGY-4 residents provided all academic and professional requirements are met.

What is the Call Frequency?

There is no call during the intern year. Call expectations for upper years are still being determined and may be included for educational experience.

Is Sacramento a nice place to live?

Sacramento is the capital of California and one of the most diverse and fastest-growing regions in the state. Known as the “City of Trees” and located at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers, it offers a balance of vibrant urban life and outdoor recreation. The city has a thriving farm-to-fork food scene, a revitalized downtown, and a rich arts and cultural community.

Sacramento is ideally located for weekend getaways—Lake Tahoe and world-class skiing are less than two hours away, San Francisco and the Bay Area are just a short drive, and Napa Valley’s wine country is close by. Locally, residents enjoy year-round hiking, biking, and river activities, plus more than 300 days of sunshine annually.

Consistently ranked among the most diverse cities in America, Sacramento offers an inclusive, welcoming community with something for everyone. Affordable compared to other major California cities, it’s a place where residents can truly put down roots while still enjoying access to the best that Northern California has to offer.

Do you require clinical experience in the US?

Yes, we require supervised clinical experience of at least two-months in psychiatry in the United States along with reference letters from your supervising attending.

How do I apply as an International Medical Graduate?

Applications are accepted through ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates). In addition to the minimum requirements for medical residency applicants, international students are required to submit:
• Foreign Medical Graduate (ECFMG) Certificate
• California Medical Board Postgraduate Training Authorization Letter (PTAL) or the PTL (effective January 2020)
The ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) has an excellent FAQ that describes the entire application process for both American/Canadian graduates and foreign medical graduates.

What is your ACGME Accreditation Status?

We are fully accredited with “initial accreditation status” with ACGME.

Is there a cut-off score for the USMLE exams?

We require that you have passed Step 1 and Step 2 for USMLE/COMLEX.

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