For Medical Students: Applying for an Elective at MSKCC

1. Who is eligible to take an elective at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center?

Medical students at an international medical school listed in the International Medical Education Directory-IMED  who will be in their final 12 months at the time they participate in their Memorial Hospital electives. There are no exceptions to these requirements. We require written documentation from your school to confirm your status. Note: Students are required to demonstrate strong academic credentials (Minimum GPA 3.0 or B average.)

2. Is there an application fee to apply for electives?

Yes. There is a one-time, non-refundable fee of $100 to apply for one or more electives. Checks, travelers cheques, or money orders should be made payable to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Canadian students must submit a check, travelers cheque, or international money order payable in US dollars. Applications will not be processed without the application fee.

3. Do I have to select the predetermined elective module dates?

Yes. Modules are available only on the dates published on our website.

4. Is there a tuition fee for the elective?

No. Memorial Hospital does not charge tuition for its electives.

5. Will submitting an application on line guarantee or save me a spot for that elective?

No. We must receive all seven required documents before your application can be reviewed. This includes: (1) a completed online application (2) application fee (3) dean’s letter of recommendation (4) official school transcript (5) MSKCC Health Statement (6) proof of malpractice insurance through your medical school (7) proof of personal health insurance through your medical school or personally held coverage.  Students are accepted into the program based upon their expressed interest in oncology and their prospective Memorial Hospital elective offering; academic credentials, and clinical preparation.

6. Where do I download the template for the dean's letter and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center health statement?

See How to Apply (Visiting US and Canadian Medical Students).

7. How will I know that my online application has been received?

You will receive an e-mail confirmation with a copy of your online application.

8. Do I need to submit additional documentation other than the online application?

Yes. There are two parts to the application process. Part 1: Submission of online application; Part 2: Submission of additional documentation which includes (a) letter of recommendation from your dean; (b) official school transcript; (c) completed Memorial Sloan-Kettering Health Statement; (d) $100 non-refundable application fee. Your application will not be reviewed until all additional Part 2 documentation is received.

9. How can I increase my chances of being scheduled?

Your chances of being scheduled may increase if you include alternate choices for electives and module dates. This is especially true for the fall module dates. In addition, submitting a complete application that includes all required documentation will significantly expedite the review process.

10. Which electives should I apply for?

When deciding on which elective to apply for, consider your personal interests and the career path you would like to take. Which previous clerkships have sparked your interest? Ask your medical school advisor or other faculty members for guidance.

11. How early can I apply for an elective?

The academic year for the Elective Program begins in July and ends the following June. For electives beginning in July, August and September, visiting students may submit applications beginning in April 1, 2012. Decisions are made on a rolling basis.

For electives beginning October through June, applications may be submitted no earlier than six months prior to the start of the elective. (Applications sent in earlier than six months will be returned without review.) Decisions are made on a rolling basis.

12. How late can I apply for an elective?

A complete application containing all required materials must be submitted no later than two months (60 days) prior to the start of an elective.

13. What is the maximum amount of time I can spend at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center?

Students may take no more than two electives per academic year at Memorial Sloan-Kettering.

14. Can you hold my application for a later elective?

No. We cannot hold applications for students. Applications should be submitted no earlier than six months prior to the start of the elective.

15. When will I know if I have been accepted?

You will be notified by e-mail approximately six to eight weeks after a complete application is received. No phone calls please; e-mail inquiries only at medstudent@mskcc.org.

16. Where can I find the online application?

A link to the online application is located at the end of each elective description.

17. May I contact the sponsor(s) of the elective(s) directly?

Some electives require a phone interview with the sponsor. You will be notified if an interview is required. In all other circumstances, applicants should not contact the sponsors directly. Sponsors are not aware of the availability of electives and are not equipped to answer detailed questions regarding application procedures. As a future physician, you also need to be mindful of time constraints placed on a practicing physician's busy schedule. All inquiries should be directed to the Medical Student Coordinator in the Graduate Medical Education office. No phone calls please; e-mail inquiries only medstudent@mskcc.org.