Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to our program

1. How do I apply to your program?
   All applications must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and applicants must register for the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).
   
   
2. When is the deadline for application?
   All applications must be submitted by November 1st.
   
   
3. Do you accept International Medical Graduates?
   Yes.
   
   
4. Do you sponsor visas?
   We sponsor J1 and H-1B visas. 
   
   
5. What is required for a complete application for the Categorical, Preliminary and Transitional Programs? 
   • ERAS application
   • NRMP Registration
   • Three letters of reference
   • Dean's Letter (for US graduates only)
   • USMLE Step 1 must be completed before applying. Step 2 CK and CS completion is required for International Medical Graduates and preferred for US Graduates.
   
   
6. For International Medical Graduates, in addition to the above, we would prefer:
   • Meaningful US clinical experience of at least two months. 
   • Strong interest in Internal Medicine as evidenced by prior residency training.
   • For H-1B visa sponsorship, Step 3 results must be available prior to January 31st
   •ECFMG Certification is not required at the time of application but must be completed prior to the start of residency.
7. Do you offer observerships and externships?
   Unfortunately, observerships and externships are not offered. 
   
   
8. When are interviews?
   Interviews start in November and continue through the second week of January. All interview invitations are sent through ERAS.
   
   
9. What is the status of my application?
   Due to the large number of applications we receive, we cannot check the individual status of each application, nor can we answer individual inquiries.
   
   
10. How many positions are there in the Categorical Internal Medicine Program?
    We accept 9 residents per year.
    
    
11. How many positions are there in the Preliminary Year Program?
    We accept 3 residents per year.
    
    
12. How many positions are there in the Transitional Year Program?
    We accept 6 residents per year.

Working at St. Vincent’s Medical Center

1. What ancillary services are offered in the hospital?
   The hospital has 24 hour phlebotomy, ABG and EKG services
   
   
2. Does the hospital use a Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) system?
   Yes, all orders, labs and medications are entered and available for review through our CPOE.
   
   
3. Does the hospital use Electronic Medical Records (EMR)?
   History and Physicals, Consults and Discharge Summaries are dictated and available electronically. Daily progress notes are written in the patients’ charts.
   
   
4. How are residents evaluated?
   Residents are evaluated by their peers and attendings using an online program called New Innovations. All residents are also assigned a faculty adviser, who they meet with to assess their progress throughout the year.
   
   
5. Is there a night float service?
   Yes. Both Medical Floors and ICU have a night float service.
   
   
6. Are there moonlighting opportunities for residents?
   Residents can begin moonlighting in the second half of their 2nd year if they have an H-1B visa. Residents must still adhere to the 80 hours per week work limit set by the ACGME.
   
   
7. Does St. Vincent’s Medical Center have any academic affiliations?
   St. Vincent’s Medical Center is currently affiliated with the University of Connecticut and New York Medical College. The hospital will be affiliated with the new Quinnipiac University School of Medicine once it opens.
   
   
8. Can residents do electives or rotations at other hospitals?
   St. Vincent’s offers electives in all of the sub-specialties of Medicine and Surgery, in addition to Psychiatry, Dermatology, Radiology, Anesthesiology and Radiation/Oncology. Any elective not offered at St. Vincent’s can be completed at another hospital. This includes clinical, international and research electives.
   
   

Resident Benefits

1. What are the salaries for residents?
   PGY I $50,603.64
   PGY II $55,154.45
   PGY III $60,314.76
   PGY IV $62,174.45
   PGY V $64,157.69
   Rate is adjusted for inflation
   
   
2. Does the program provide housing for residents?
   The hospital doesn't provide housing; however, residents receive a $200 per month housing stipend. Most of our residents live in apartments, townhouses or houses in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Stratford, Milford or Trumbull.
   
   
3. Does the program provide a meal plan?
   Residents get $150.00 per month on their ID badges which they can use in the cafeteria or coffee shop.
   
   
4. Is there parking?
   There is free parking for all residents in a covered garage.
   
   
5. How much vacation do residents get?
   Residents get four weeks of vacation per academic year.
   
   
6. Are residents allowed to attend conferences?
   All residents who have a presentation accepted at a peer review meeting are encouraged and supported to attend. Third year residents receive a stipend of $1200 and one week for academic conferences and presentations.
   
   
7. What healthcare benefits are offered?
   A health and dental insurance plan is offered for residents and their families through Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
   
   
8. Does the hospital provide daycare services?
   While St. Vincent’s Medical Center doesn't provide daycare services, there are several daycare centers close to the hospital.

Life in Bridgeport

1. Are there things to do around here?
   You'll never run out of fun things to do in or around Fairfield County CT. 
   
   
2. Do you need a car?
   Most residents have a car but you can get around Bridgeport with public transportation (Greater Bridgeport Transit). The Metro North train links Bridgeport to New York City and the other towns in Connecticut.
   
   
3. How far away is New York City?
   New York City is approximately one hour and twenty minutes away by train.