When Do ERAS Interviews Start? 2026–2027 Guide

Table of contents

Key Dates (Fast Facts)

How Invites Work

Most programs begin sending interview invitations after Sept. 23, 2026—once faculty can start file review. Expect multiple “waves” of invites, often tied to internal review meetings (weekly or biweekly). Some specialties coordinate shared release dates to reduce spam, while others let each program decide.

• Common drop times: weekday late afternoons (ET) and just after review meetings.
• Hold lists & trickle invites: many programs send a first round, then additional invites as people decline or dates open.
• Scheduling portals: Thalamus and ERAS®/ResidencyCAS are widely used; log in fast when scheduling opens. ([Students & Residents][2])

Create email filters (subject contains “interview” OR “invite”) and set a notification on your phone for ERAS® and scheduling portals. AAMC/ERAS® confirms programs may begin reviewing applications on Sept. 23, 2026; many invites follow after programs begin file review. ([Students & Residents][1])

Specialty-Specific Patterns (2026–2027)

Below are common specialty-specific patterns. Do not rely on prior-cycle release dates for the 2026–2027 cycle; always confirm exact dates with your target programs and specialty organizations.

Emergency Medicine (EM)

• Program-specific release dates: CORD has not set a universal interview release date for 2026–2027. Programs should publish their initial release date, send offers after 8:00 p.m. ET, and give applicants at least 48 hours to respond. Confirm the date with each program. ([CORD][5])

Orthopaedic Surgery

• Universal Interview Offer Day: Participating programs release offers on Monday, November 16, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET. A 24-hour scheduling moratorium follows; applicants may begin accepting offers on November 17 at 12:00 p.m. ET and have until November 19 at 12:00 p.m. ET to respond. ([American Orthopaedic Association][6])

Dermatology

• Coordinated invitation rounds: Participating programs release interview invitations on November 2, November 16, and November 30, 2026. Scheduling begins two days after each round, and applicants must respond by November 6, November 20, and December 4, respectively. ([Dermatology Professors][7])

Otolaryngology (ENT)

• Common Interview Offer Date: Programs release offers on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Applicants may begin accepting and scheduling interviews on Monday, November 9 at 12:00 p.m. ET. ([SUO/AADO/OPDO][8])

General Medicine/Primary Care (IM, FM, Peds) & Psychiatry

• Pediatrics: Programs should extend interview invitations no earlier than Monday, October 5, 2026. ([Pediatrics guidance][14])
• Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Psychiatry: Interview invitation dates are program-specific. Check each program's published timeline.

Bottom line: If your specialty has a coordinated release date, be ready at the exact time; if not, plan for October–January.

What to Do the Week Invites Start Hitting - TOP 5 TIPS

1. Build smart inbox filters (Gmail/Outlook): subject:(interview OR invite) OR ("Thalamus" OR "ERAS®" OR "ResidencyCAS") → star + push notify.
2. Pre-block “soft holds” on your calendar (2–3 half-days per week in Nov/Dec).
3. Create a 1-page program sheet (mission, tracks, case mix, faculty) to speed prep. AMA + ACS have strong prep checklists. ([American Medical Association][9])
4. Tech check for virtual interviews: quiet space; eye-level camera; neutral background. AAMC has a dedicated virtual interview guide. ([Students & Residents][10])
5. Practice out loud—don’t “save it for the real thing.”

Are Interviews Virtual or In-Person This Year?

• Most specialties remain virtual or hybrid, and the AAMC continues to publish guidance encouraging virtual formats for equity, cost, and environmental reasons—final format is program-specific. Check the invite details. ([Students & Residents][2])
• Virtual excellence essentials: stable connection, good audio, and practiced delivery. The AAMC’s applicant guide covers gear and environment tips. ([Students & Residents][10])
• For surgical programs, the ACS provides practical interview insights and question frameworks to help you assess fit when visits are limited. ([ACS][11])

Specialty Snapshot Table

Interview Prep That Makes the Difference

What programs notice most is poise + specificity. Use these resources to tighten both:

• AAMC: Applicant interview hub + virtual interview guide. ([Students & Residents][12])
• AMA: Interview strategy, questions to ask, and post-interview actions. ([American Medical Association][13])
• ACS: What to ask, how to evaluate programs in surgery-heavy fields, and general prep. ([ACS][11])

Practice With ResidencyAI

The first interview invites can feel overwhelming, but consistent practice will help you build confidence in time for your first interview. ResidencyAI will act as your personal interview coach, available 24/7, to help you practice and refine your answers.

Ready to practice your interview skills?

Try AI-powered mock interviews and get instant, actionable feedback.

Start practicing - it’s free

Instant AI Feedback - After each answer, ResidencyAI provides personalised detailed feedback for each of your answers.

Anytime Access - Practice at midnight or between rounds; no need to coordinate with friends or faculty.

Why It Works

• Personalized analytics for every answer - overalll feedback, strengths, areas for improvements.
• Progress tracking to track your progress in getting interview ready in time for your first interview.
• 24/7 availability for stress-free, on-demand practice - no scheduling, just practice anytime you want.
• Affordable price compared to other services

Remember that while practicing with a friend or in front of the mirror can build confidence, ResidencyAI will help you practice a variety of interview types, as well as give you feedback on your answers that will help you improve! When the interview day comes, you want to feel like you’ve been there, done that.

FAQs (2026–2027)

When do ERAS® interview invitations typically start? Most specialties start sending invites in October, shortly after programs may begin reviewing on Sept. 23, 2026. Expect additional “waves” through November and December. (Students & Residents)

What days/times do invites usually drop? Commonly weekday afternoons/evenings (ET), often after review meetings. If your specialty has a coordinated date and time, be ready at the exact minute after confirming it with the official specialty source.

How long does the interview season run? October–January, with December–January the busiest; some programs interview into early February. (Students & Residents)

Do different specialties start on different dates? Yes—some specialties publish coordinated interview release practices; others are rolling. Monitor specialty organizations and individual program instructions for official 2026–2027 dates.

How fast should I respond to an invite? Respond within the window stated by the program. NRMP policy requires programs to give applicants at least 48 hours to accept or reject an interview invitation; coordinated specialty processes may specify a longer or more structured response window. (NRMP interview policy)

Are interviews virtual or in-person this year? Program-specific, but AAMC continues to recommend virtual formats; read your invite for format and tech requirements. (Students & Residents)

What happens after interviews? You must certify your Rank Order List by March 3, 2027 at 9:00 p.m. ET, then receive results during Match Week, March 15–19, 2027. (NRMP)

Read Also

1. The Ultimate Guide to Residency Interview Preparation for Match 2027
2. Top 10 Residency Interview Questions and How to Ace Them
3. How to Answer "Tell Me About Yourself"
4. How to Excel in Behavioral Experience Questions