Brown Plastic Surgery is using the Plastic Surgery Common Application (PSCA) in addition to ERAS for this year's application cycle.  The PSCA is a free, plastic surgery-specific application form that was developed to decrease costs for applicants and streamline the application process.  The PSCA is a pilot program that may replace ERAS in future application cycles.

Please plan to submit BOTH the ERAS and PSCA for our program.  The PSCA is now open, and all application materials will be transmitted to participating programs on October 21, 2020, in parallel with ERAS. 

Plastic Surgery Common Application

ERAS

This year, the PSCA will be used as a supplemental application for the following programs:  Albany Medical Center, Brown University, Emory University School of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, MedStar Health/Georgetown University Hospital, Ohio State University, Oregon Health and Science University, Rush University, Southern Illinois University , University of California (Irvine), University of Kansas School of Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, University of Rochester, University of South Florida, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Yale-New Haven Medical Center

1. What are the important dates for the PSCA?  The PSCA will open on September 14. All applications submitted prior to October 21 will be transmitted to programs at 9:00 AM EST on October 21. Any application submitted afterwards will be transmitted to programs within 1 week of submission. The PSCA will close at 11:59 PM EST on December 1.
2. Can I save the PSCA and return later?  Yes, there is a function to save using a return code. If you are unable to access your application for any reason, please reach out for assistance (contact information below).
3. Will programs still review my application if I only apply using ERAS?  With the exception of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, all participating programs will also accept ERAS this cycle. We ask, however, that you also fill out the PSCA to accurately pilot this reform.
4. How do I submit Letters of Recommendation using the PSCA?  You will be asked to provide email addresses for up to 3 letter writers. Upon submission, they will automatically receive a link to upload your letter, as well as fill out the ACAPS Standardized Recommendation Form electronically. They will receive weekly reminders to upload your letter, and you will receive a confirmation email once it has been uploaded.
5. How do I upload my Dean’s Letter using the PSCA?  Similar to letters of recommendation, you will be asked to provide an email for your Medical Student Affairs office, and they will automatically receive an email with a link to upload. You will receive a confirmation email once it has been uploaded.
6. How are my scores and grades verified?  You will be asked to upload PDF copies of your score reports and transcripts in addition to entering them manually. As with many systems in medicine, this process relies on trust. If you are found to have falsified your credentials in any way, we reserve the right to disclose the violation to all program directors.

The applicant must have received an MD or DO degree from an institution accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Graduates of schools of medicine from countries other than the United States or Canada must present evidence of final certification by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).