Application and Interview
Applicants may apply for the fellowship after completing a four-year psychiatric residency. Applicants must be a US Citizen, hold a J-1 Visa, or Green Card to be eligible to enter this program. We accept applications year-round. Once a completed application with letters and transcripts is received, candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview.
Please contact the Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Program for assistance in the application process.
Details regarding the forensic psychiatry fellowship application timeline can be found on the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law website. Applications for the 2026-2027 fellowship year should be submitted through Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). In addition, the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) will be used.
The current timeline for the application process is:
* July 2, 2025 - Applicants may apply to forensic psychiatry fellowships via ERAS.
* July 16, 2025 - Forensic psychiatry fellowship programs begin to review applications on the ERAS platform.
* Starting July 16, 2025 - Forensic psychiatry fellowship programs interview applicants.
The timeline for the NRMP match process is tentative at this time, however, the following guidelines have been released by the Association of Directors of Forensic Psychiatry Fellowships.
* August 6, 2025 - Match Registration opens.
* September 3, 2025 - Ranking opens.
* September 17, 2025 - Quota Change and Withdrawal deadline.
* October 8, 2025 - Rank Order List Certification deadline.
* October 22, 2025 - Match Day. Unfilled/Unmatched Lists available.
The following is a link to ERAS with directions on how to complete fellowship applications in ERAS.
Please include the following in your application, either within ERAS or emailed directly to Dr. Abascal (for supplementary material)
- Copies of USMLE, NBME, Clinical Skills Assessment Examination or FLEX certificates
- Successful completion of all three USMLE exams is required before an interview will be scheduled.
- Copy of the Standard ECFMG certificate (for International Medical Graduates)
- Medical School Dean’s letter
- Medical School Transcript
- Curriculum Vitae
- Three letters of recommendation (including one from your training director)
- A personal statement detailing your interest in forensic psychiatry. This may include additional qualifications, personal interests, professional interests, etc.
- One writing samples (redacted reports or clinical writing)
Please use the ERAS writing sample guide for directions on how to upload the writing samples and personal statement. These can also be emailed directly to Dr. Abascal.