The STAR-PSTP track is a separate application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and requires a supplemental application as detailed below. It is very competitive, and we strongly encourage those interested in training at UCLA to apply to both STAR-PSTP and Categorical tracks. For residents that are accepted into a UCLA categorical program but not STAR-PSTP, another application to STAR-PSTP may be made at the end of intern year.

Requirements

All STAR-PSTP applicants must meet the same requirements as those of the Categorical Track of the UCLA Internal Medicine Residency Program, as listed on the UCLA Internal Medicine Residency Program website. 

STAR-PSTP applicants must hold an MD or equivalent degree at the time of matriculation into the program. Applicants must have had substantive prior exposure to research (basic, translational, or clinical).  This may be in the form of a PhD, Master’s level degree, or a rigorous research experience prior to or during medical school education. 

Applicants with less extensive research training but with a compelling narrative that demonstrates a commitment to a physician-investigator career are also encouraged to apply.

Strong letters of recommendation from prior research mentors, rigorous nature of prior research experiences, and a strong track record of research publications are heavily weighed on review for acceptance.

Applying through ERAS - Applications Open September 3rd, 2025. Early application is highly encouraged. 

Please use the STAR-PSTP NRMP #1956140C1

Note that applicants who hold a PhD must submit a letter from their primary thesis mentor through ERAS.

Required Supplemental Application - Applications Open September 3rd, 2025 and Close October 31st,2025:  Early application is highly encouraged. 

Due to high interest in the program, once all interview slots have been filled, the STAR-PSTP submissions portal will be closed. Early submission is highly encouraged.

The supplemental application is used to understand your motivation for pursuing a research career and how the UCLA STAR-PSTP may be utilized to help you achieve your career goals.

The following information is needed for the supplemental application: 

  • ERAS number
  • Permanent phone number
  • Permanent email
  • College name and degree earned
  • Grad school, degree eearned, and field of study
  • Medical school and location
  • VISA status
  • Specific research interest
  • Subspeciality training interest
  • Motivation - brief statement for why you are pursuing a career as a physician-scientist (250 words or less)
  • Three potential research mentors of interest at UCLA or its affiliates
  • ORCID ID
  • Two letters of support from mentors or collaborators

Please complete the supplemental application process through the link below: 

We require two letters of support from prior research mentors or collaborators. If these are not sent to us through ERAS, they may be emailed directly by the letter writer to [email protected].

Interview Season and Equitability

In accordance with DMEC regulations and in an effort to maintain equity throughout the interview season, the STAR Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP) has elected to conduct all interviews virtually. This decision ensures a fair and consistent process for all applicants, regardless of whether they are affiliated with local or non-local institutions.

Interview and Evaluation

All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee, and qualified applicants will be notified of invitation to interview via email.

All applicants will be interviewed by the UCLA Categorical Internal Medicine Residency Program and STAR-PSTP program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to select one of 3 STAR-PSTP interview dates. Categorical program orientation and interviews will occur in the morning, while the STAR-PSTP specific programming and interviews will occur in the afternoon of the three dates listed below.

The PSTP interview dates for the 2025-2026 interview season are: 

Monday, November 17th, 2025

Monday, December 1st, 2025

Wednesday, December 3rd , 2025

Wednesday, December 10th , 2025

 

We encourage applicants interested in the UCLA STAR-PSTP to interview on one of the designated STAR-PSTP interview dates. Please see the complete schedule on the internal medicine residency site. 

Upon completion of the interview season, applicant files are reviewed by the PSTP Selection Committee consisting of the program co-directors and a representative panel of affiliated scientists for consideration of ranking.

Matching into the STAR-PSTP (NRMP #1956140C1) means that applicants enter the STAR-PSTP track of the categorical program.

Matching into the Categorical program (NRMP #1956140C0) means matching into the three-year categorical program only.

We encourage applicants to apply to both, the Categorical program AND the STAR-PSTP Track of the Categorical program.

Residents in the categorical program are able to apply into the STAR-PSTP, commonly at the end of the intern year. Acceptance into the program varies per year.