How to apply

Applicants must

• Submit a complete ERAS application and certify that all information provided is accurate.
• Be a graduate, or expected graduate by June 2027, of an accredited U.S. or international medical school and meet all eligibility requirements for residency training in the United States.
• International medical graduates must hold a valid ECFMG certificate before beginning residency.
• Successfully pass USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK or COMLEX Level 1 and Level 2-CE.
• Have no more than two examination failures across all USMLE and/or COMLEX attempts.
• Submit three letters of recommendation.
• Applicants with prior postgraduate training must also provide verification or a recommendation from each prior program director.
• Be eligible for a California Postgraduate Training License (PTL).
• Meet all institutional requirements for employment and training authorization.
• Be in good standing with applicable licensing boards and prior institutions, with verification supplied when requested.

Preferred qualifications

While not required, preference may be given to applicants who demonstrate:

• Graduation from medical school within the past five years. Applicants who graduated more than five years ago will be considered if they demonstrate recent clinical experience and ongoing engagement in patient care.
• A strong and sustained interest in Family Medicine, including a letter of recommendation from a Family Medicine physician.
• Experience serving underserved, rural, or diverse patient populations.
• Commitment to community health, health equity, and service-oriented care.
• Ties to the Coachella or Imperial Valley, or a desire to practice in rural and underserved communities.
• Proficiency in Spanish or experience caring for patients whose primary language is not English.

Holistic review

Our program uses a holistic review process. In addition to academic achievement, we consider an applicant’s experiences, attributes, professionalism, leadership, commitment to Family Medicine, service to their community, and alignment with our mission to improve the health of the communities we serve.

Visa applicants

The program accepts J-1 visas sponsored by ECFMG for eligible international medical graduates. The program does not sponsor H-1B visas for residency training.

After residency, graduates who accept a qualifying position at a Federally Qualified Health Center or other eligible site in a federally designated underserved area may be eligible for a J-1 visa waiver, typically through California’s Conrad 30 program. A waiver removes the two-year home-country residence requirement and requires a full-time service commitment of at least three years, usually in H-1B status sponsored by the employer. Waivers are competitive and not guaranteed. Innercare may offer qualifying positions to graduates interested in continuing their careers with our organization.