STAR-PSTP FAQ

1. Do I need to apply for both Categorical and STAR-PSTP? 

Yes. Applicants are requested to apply to both as they have different NRMP numbers and applications, and while you match into just one program, all STAR-PSTPs participate in UCLA’s categorical program.

2. Do I need to have a PhD to apply?

No. Applicants may demonstrate prior evidence of commitment to a research career a number of ways. A PhD is one way. Others include prior extensive research, or prior master’s level degree. Applicants who remain at UCLA for subspecialty training may pursue formal PhD training in the STAR program.

3. How many applicants does the UCLA STAR-PSTP interview?

We receive approximately 100-150 applications, and interview about 30-40 applicants. Responses provided in the supplemental application for the program weigh heavily on invitations to interview.

4. How early can I submit the supplemental application?

The one page supplemental application and required documents may be submitted here once residency programs begin to take ERAS applications.

5. When is the supplemental application due?

Applications for the STAR-PSTP program will remain open until all interview spots have been filled. If all interview spots are filled before the official closing date, the application portal will be closed accordingly. The official closing date for the supplemental application is Friday, October 31st, 2025. Early application is encourage

6. How will I be notified of an invitation to interview?

UCLA STAR-PSTP interviews are held during the same weeks of categorical interviews. Depending on scheduling, STAR-PSTP interviews may occur in the afternoon of your categorical interviews, or on any of the specific STAR-PSTP dates. Applicants will have the opportunity to schedule both their Categorical and STAR-PSTP interviews on the same day but are not obligated to do so as both are virtual sessions.

STAR-PSTP Interview dates: 

7. What advantages does the STAR-PSTP offer? 

• Mentorship: STAR-PSTP residents receive multilevel mentorship from senior leadership, faculty, and peers.
• Access to STAR Curriculum: STAR-PSTP residents may attend as many of the STAR seminars as they wish with the expectation that at least four events will be attended during time in residency. These seminars include journal clubs, research presentations, visiting faculty lectures, and STAR events, including the Annual STAR Symposium. STAR-PSTP residents also have the opportunity to present a poster of current or prior research at the STAR Symposium, a highly attended event by senior UCLA faculty and leadership.
• Guarantee: We guarantee a ABIM Research Pathway (“fast” or “short” track) fellowship match, accompanied by a pathway to a faculty appointment recommendation, contingent upon the successful completion of all clinical milestones.
• Community and Networking: STAR-PSTP residents are integrated into a vibrant research community, where the opportunity to attend guest lectures and engage with STAR fellows, alumni, and program leadership to discuss and advance their research interests.
• Career development fund: STAR-PSTP residents receive additional funds for educational enrichment and travel to regional/national meetings. Pre-approval is required. These funds are also available during transition into STAR Fellowship.

8. Are rotations different in the STAR-PSTP?

The schedule of rotations for STAR-PSTP residents follows the ABIM Research Pathway (“fast” or “short” track), ensuring all clinical requirements are met within two years. UCLA IM Residency follows a +1 schedule (one week of outpatient service every five weeks), offering continuity in subspeciality clinics or other clinics of interest. Elective time may be used to rotate in potential mentor laboratories, although substantive research is not expected or recommended during this accelerated timeline. STAR-PSTP residents additionally may request tailoring of required (non-elective) rotations in advance of the academic year through discussion with STAR-PSTP leadership and/or Chief Residents. For those who opt to follow a standard three-years residency, additional research time can be requested.

9. Is acceptance into fellowship or into the STAR program guaranteed for participants in STAR-PSTP?

Yes. The goal of STAR-PSTP is to train residents to be outstanding applicants for any fellowship training program, including UCLA fellowships and the STAR Program.

10. Is the ABIM Research Pathway (“short” track) incorporated into the STAR-PSTP?

Yes, residents in the STAR-PSTP may follow the ABIM Research Pathway, contingent upon appropriate clinical performance. This decision should be confirmed with Program leadership at the application stage to ensure appropriate scheduling in the first year. If there are any concerns about clinical performance, STAR-PSTP residents may access additional coaching and support to ensure clinical milestones are met or choose a standard pathway to ensure clinical competence. 

11. How do STAR-PSTP residents find a mentor?

Many applicants have a list of potential mentors at UCLA at the application stage through discussion with their current mentors, awareness of their field of interest, and/or through their individual research. Leadership (inclusive of STAR, STAR-PSTP, Department of Medicine Research, and others) works with each STAR-PSTP resident to refine this list and identify optimal mentors for long-term mentor-mentee relationships. Research mentorship is available in all UCLA Health Departments and Divisions and all UCLA Schools (Medicine or Life Sciences, Public Health, Public Policy, Management, Engineering), as well as from affiliate institutions, including the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and the Pardee-RAND Graduate School (RAND Corporation). A variety of resources are available to assist the awardee in finding a research mentor, including the UCLA BioScience website.

12. Whom do I contact with additional questions?

Additional information may be obtained from the STAR-PSTP Student Affairs Officers, Nadia Barreda or Alexa Gatti (STAR-PSTP@mednet.ucla.edu).