ERAS Medical Residency Headshots: Requirements and Pro Tips for Success
ERAS® Headshot Photos for Medical Residency Applicants
Technical Requirements:
According to ERAS® your photo file needs to be no larger than 150kb, with dimensions of 2.5 inches x 3.5 inches, and a resolution of 150dpi.
It's essential that the image is a recent, full-color photograph snapped within the last six months. The head and shoulders should be in the frame with a light gray or plain white or and uploaded in JPEG format.
Why is it important to get your ERAS® photo correct?
ERAS® Headshot for Medical Residency Applicant
When Amelia Mangan, a dedicated 4th-year medical student at Saint Louis University, approached me for assistance with her ERAS® headshots, she recognized the importance of a successful headshot in giving her an edge with her Plastic Surgery residency application.
She was explicitly told that if there were two equally qualified candidates, the quality of the headshot would be the determining factor in selecting the winning candidate.
Understanding that her headshot could have considerable influence over the evaluation of her applications, she sought out professional assistance to get the highest quality results.
To set herself apart from the competition, she aimed for a headshot that not only captured her unique personality but also radiated professionalism and poise.
When Is the Best Time to Take your Medical Residency Headshot?
Residency programs review applications in October, it’s best that you take your ERAS® photos well in advance of the deadline.
Enlisting Professional Help
To craft a successful ERAS® headshot, it’s important to enlist the help of a professional photographer. Look for a headshot photographer with the experience, equipment and skills needed to guarantee a high-quality image that's perfectly lit and in sharp focus. Come to their studio dressed professionally with a warm and inviting smile, and you will be sure to leave a positive impression on residency program directors.
If you are in the St. Louis area, contact Henry David Photography to schedule your ERAS® headshot session.
Should I have my ERAS® photo retouched?
Absolutely. Retouching is crucial to any successful headshot, as long as it is not overdone. ERAS® encourages that your headshot photo be professionally retouched, as it shows that you take your presentation seriously. Editing and retouching refines your presentation by addressing common touch-ups, including but not limited to: blemish removal, skin smoothing, removing flyaway hairs, color correction, teeth whitening, and more.
