Built for the international medical student and graduates.
Pathway to Residency (P2R) is organized through AUA's College of Arts and Sciences (AUACAS) and is open to current students in good standing at — or graduates of — accredited medical schools. It's the only program of its kind that packages USMLE prep, U.S. clinical observership, and Match application coaching into a single, structured pathway — with detailed support from very experienced faculty experienced in preparing students for Pathway to Residency.
Three ways in.
Choose the entry point that matches your USMLE progress. Every path leads to the same destination — a competitive U.S. residency application.
Have not yet passed Step 1
- Audit AUA's MED5 / MED6 term on our Antigua campus.
- Achieve a qualifying CBSE score.
- Enter the EED Step 1 prep program.
- Sit and pass USMLE Step 1.
- Proceed to Pre-Step 2.
Passed Step 1, not yet Step 2
- Detailed Step 2 preparation with faculty guidance, supported by tools like AMBOSS and CCSE.
- 12–16 weeks of clinical observership at AUA-affiliated U.S. teaching hospitals.
- Residency application advising alongside:
- Personal statement & CV
- Specialty advice
- Mock interviews
- Match application guidance
Passed both Step 1 & Step 2
- Detailed Residency Match Guidance from experienced faculty.
- 12–16 weeks of clinical observership at AUA-affiliated U.S. teaching hospitals.
- Full residency application advising:
- Personal statement & CV
- Specialty advice
- Mock interviews
Weeks inside a U.S. teaching hospital.
The observership is where Pathway to Residency (P2R) candidates gain the U.S. clinical exposure that separates a strong Match application from an average one.
Observe care delivery in inpatient and outpatient settings.
Watch physician–patient–family interactions in the U.S. system, including history taking, physical exam, and EMR documentation.
See how physicians, residents, and nursing staff interact as a team.
Role model professional behaviors in real clinical settings.
Interact with U.S. physicians, staff, residents, and patients.
Gain experience interpreting radiology exams and basic lab data (blood, urine, serum).
Learn from teaching rounds, Grand Rounds, and departmental conferences — sharpen medical English.
Insight on the Match process, personal statements, and interview technique.
Strengthen your CV with genuine U.S. health system experience.
Earn a Certificate of Attendance — and, where merited, Letters of Recommendation.
Obtain school credit for core and elective rotations abroad.
Get direct exposure to residency directors and current residents.
Built for a global cohort.
Pathway to Residency (P2R) actively recruits from major IMG markets. Whichever region you're joining from, we've structured admissions and observership placement to fit.
Who can apply.
Pathway to Residency (P2R) is open to current students in good standing and graduates of accredited medical schools. Complete your application with the following:
- ✓Enrolled in good standing — or graduate of — an accredited medical school
- ✓Completed application form and application fee (~$150; may be rolled into program cost)
- ✓Curriculum vitae
- ✓Personal statement
- ✓Copy of medical school transcript or diploma
- ✓Proof of English proficiency
- ✓Appropriate immunizations (e.g., MMR, COVID, Flu)
- ✓Valid passport and visa (B1/B2 for non-visa-exempt applicants)
- ✓ECFMG certification
- ✓USMLE score where relevant
Ready to talk?
Admissions is happy to walk you through which entry point fits your situation and how to assemble your application package.
Start Your ApplicationMeet your admissions committee.
Completed applications are reviewed by AUA's Pathway to Residency (P2R) Admissions Committee.
See AUA before you apply.
Explore the Antigua campus, our U.S. teaching hospital affiliations, and hear from alumni who've been through the Match.
The Antigua Campus
Photo & video tour of the campus where Pathway to Residency (P2R) Pre-Step 1 candidates attend MED5/MED6.
Our Teaching Hospitals
Overview of AUA-affiliated U.S. teaching hospitals where Pathway to Residency (P2R) observerships take place.
Alumni Interviews
AUA graduates now practicing across the United States.
Frequently asked questions.
The specifics IMGs and international medical students most often want to know about Pathway to Residency (P2R). If you have a question that isn't here, use the form below and we'll answer directly.
What is Pathway to Residency (P2R)?
Who is eligible for Pathway to Residency (P2R)?
What are the three entry points of Pathway to Residency (P2R)?
Pre-Step 2 is for candidates who have passed Step 1 but not Step 2 — faculty-led Step 2 prep supported by AMBOSS and CCSE, 12–16 weeks of U.S. clinical observership, and full application advising.
Pre-Match is for candidates who have passed both Step 1 and Step 2 — Detailed Residency Match Guidance, 12–16 weeks of observership, and full application advising.