Prepare Application Information

In addition to the online application, the following supporting documents are required:

  • Letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Clinical license
  • Certificates of residency and fellowship training

Standardized Letters of Recommendation

Three standardized letters of recommendation are required from persons familiar with the candidate. The recommendation writers will be asked a series of questions about the applicant’s academic achievements, aspirations, personal qualities, and professional attributes. Recommendation writers will only be able to enter responses to the questions. Previously-prepared letters or PDFs will not be accepted. One recommendation must be from their immediate supervisor. For physicians applying to any residency track, one recommendation must be from their most recent residency program director.

  • Applicants in CDC-sponsored field assignments must submit recommendations from field supervisors.
  • Candidates should let the persons writing the Letters of Recommendation know they will receive a system-generated email from the Preventive Medicine Residency & Fellowship with instructions about how to submit the information requested electronically.
  • Persons writing recommendation forms should typically be current or former supervisors or professors. Avoid requesting recommendation forms from colleagues or friends.

Transcripts

Copies of transcripts are required for all earned degrees. The following information is related to transcripts:

To Submit Unofficial Transcripts

Applicants to PMR/F must:

  • Request an unofficial copy of all college/university transcripts
  • Within the online application, complete all necessary fields for college/university education, click Update
  • On the main Education page, click the Upload link next to the specific college/university
  • Click Browse button and select appropriate college/university transcript PDF
  • Click Upload to attach unofficial transcript PDF for appropriate college/university
  • Confirm unofficial transcript PDF successfully attached

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) All applicants who were born outside the United States must demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English by providing one of the following:

  • TOEFL scores equal to 100 or higher on the Internet-based TOEFL, 250 on computer-based TOEFL, or 600 on the paper-based TOEFL
  • TOEFL exemption letter for those whose native language is English. Refer to PMR/F TOEFL Requirements [PDF – 2 pages] to determine if you qualify for an exemption

Clinical License

U.S. citizens and permanent residents with a clinical degree (e.g., MD, DVM, RN, DMD, or equivalent) must upload a copy of their active, unrestricted license to practice a clinical specialty in the U.S.

  • Click Active U.S. License in the College Education & Licenses Listing section
  • For each license that has been received, please enter the Issuing State, Expiration Date and License Number
  • Click License Upload to attach the PDF for the appropriate license
  • Confirm clinical license was successfully uploaded

Certificates of Residency and Fellowship Training

Physicians must upload a PDF of all certificates of residency and fellowship training.

  • Select Clinical Training in the Additional Training & Skills listing section
  • Select the appropriate title
  • Click Select a file to attach the PDF for the appropriate certificate
  • Confirm certificate was successfully uploaded

EIS Activity Report or Experience Statement

Graduates of the EIS program must upload a detailed version of their EIS activity report. It is desirable that PMR/F applicants have applied epidemiology experience similar to that of a tier-2 mid-level epidemiologist according to CDC’s competencies for applied epidemiologists in governmental public health agencies (500 word limit for each experience area).

Contact the PMR/F program if you have any questions about the PMR/F application process.