The global COVID19 pandemic has impacted medical education and subsequently, many applicants plan with applying for residency. The disruption in the residency match process has been addressed by the AAMC, as they have announced changes in the ERAS application and published a new timeline, including a new date for transmission of the ERAS application to residency programs. Here is the new timeline for ERAS 2021:

June 8, 2020

ERAS 2021 Season Begins
– Applicants can register in MyERAS and begin working on their application.

September 1, 2020

Applicants may begin submitting applications to residency programs.

October 21, 2020

Residency programs may begin reviewing applications.
– MSPEs released to residency programs.

December 2020

Military match results are available.

January 2021

Urology Residency Match results are available.

March 2021

National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) main residency match results are available.
– Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) starts.

May 31, 2021

ERAS 2021 Season Ends: MyERAS closes at 5PM EST.

What are some implications for the new ERAS timeline?

USMLE Step 2 CK Timing – Students now have more time to take USMLE Step 2CK. It’s possible there will be a rush to complete these exams by October 2020 so students can access scores by ERAS opening.

Visiting/Away Rotations – Many institutions have already canceled away rotations and obtaining them is strongly discouraged at this time. This is negatively impactful news for IMG’s who often rely on these to demonstrate their abilities.

Virtual Interviews – Google and Zoom calls are our new normal. Virtual interviews eliminate the need to travel across the country and help with social distancing.