Eras Photo Examples

If you choose to do-it-yourself: Make sure you look as nice as you would if you were going to the photo studio to pay a pro. Guys, put on a collared shirt +/- jacket. Ladies, either the collared shirt + suit jacket, or a nice conservative sweater, or similar. Fix your hair. Ladies, put on some makeup if you usually wear it. Choose a blank wall or other neutral background to stand in front of, and have a friend snap several shots from the mid-chest/shoulders and up.

ERAS Headshots Requirements for Medical Students

As a medical student, one of the most important steps in your journey towards residency is the ERAS application process. ERAS, or the Electronic Residency Application Service, requires you to submit a number of documents and materials, including your CV, personal statement, and headshot. In this article, we’ll focus specifically on ERAS headshots, outlining what they are, what requirements are necessary, and some tips and guidelines for how to create the perfect shot.

What are ERAS Headshots?

An ERAS headshot is a professional photograph of yourself that is used for your residency application. The photo should be recent, high quality, and show your face clearly. ERAS headshots are typically taken in a studio or by a professional photographer. They are used by residency programs to help identify and remember applicants throughout the selection process.

Here are some examples of good ERAS headshots:

• A head and shoulder shot
• Plain white or off-white background
• Well-lit and in focus
• Professional attire
• Confident smile

Requirements for ERAS Headshots

The ERAS headshot requirements are quite specific, and it is important to make sure you meet them to ensure that your application is not rejected. The requirements include:

• The photo must be at least 2×2 inches and no larger than 2.5×3 inches and have a resolution of at least 150 dpi
• The photo must be a color, passport-style photo.
• The photo must be taken within the past six months.
• The photo must be a head and shoulder shot.
• The photo must be taken against a plain white or off-white background.
• The photo must be in JPEG format.

What to Wear for ERAS Headshots

When selecting an outfit for your ERAS headshot, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a professional photo that will be seen by residency programs. You should dress in professional attire that is appropriate for the medical field. This could include a suit or dress shirt and pants. Avoid wearing clothing with distracting patterns or colors, and make sure that your outfit is clean and pressed.

Men

• White or light blue shirt
• Semi spread or spread collar (no cutaways or button downs)
• Solid block tie (blue with subtle pattern – avoid elaborate knots, a half windsor is fine)
• Navy or charcoal suit

Let the collar shape be dictated by your face. Maybe consider shaving if you’re gunning for an old-school surgery residency (they can be funny about that).

Women

• White or light blue shirt
• Navy or charcoal suit
• Hair down
• Limited jewelry

The business casual of clinical rotations is probably too informal for a photo of this nature. And definitely avoid anything potentially revealing or low-cut. That could make the wrong impression!

Tips and Guidelines for ERAS Headshots

Here are a few tips and guidelines to keep in mind when preparing for your ERAS headshot:

1. Schedule your photoshoot well in advance to ensure that you have enough time to get your photo taken and edited.
2. Choose a professional photographer who has experience taking headshots for medical professionals.
3. Consider your facial expressions and body language. You want to appear confident and approachable.
4. Take the time to prepare for the photoshoot. Get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy meal, and practice good hygiene.
5. Bring several outfit options to the photoshoot so that you can choose the best one.

How Much Do Medical Residency Headshots Cost?

Pricing for ERAS headshots can vary depending on several factors such as location, photographer’s experience, and the number of photos you need. On average, the cost can range anywhere from $100 to $500. While it may seem like a lot, keep in mind that a professional headshot is an investment in your future career as a medical professional.

It’s important to choose a photographer who has experience taking headshots for ERAS applications to ensure that you meet all the specific requirements and guidelines. You don’t want to risk having your application rejected due to a poor-quality photo.

In the end, the cost of a professional headshot is worth it to present yourself in the best possible light and make a great first impression on potential residency programs.

In conclusion, your ERAS headshot is an essential part of your residency application. Make sure you meet the specific requirements and guidelines, wear professional attire, and choose a plain white or off-white background. Find a professional photographer, follow our tips and guidelines, and submit your best photo to make a great first impression. Good luck!

ERAS PHOTO: professional or self-taken?

How important is it to have the ERAS photo professionally taken versus taken by yourself?

I tried taking one myself, and I think it looks fairly professional, however, it probably will not look as professional as those who have had it professionally taken.

Is this going to hurt first impressions in any way? My concern is that if every other applicant has it professionally taken, then mine might appear “lesser” and thus less competitive. I’m not sure if this is a valid concern and if it is worth yet another substantial cost to get the photo professionally taken, but if the general consensus is “yes,” then I will do it.

calespine

Full Member

How important is it to have the ERAS photo professionally taken versus taken by yourself?

I tried taking one myself, and I think it looks fairly professional, however, it probably will not look as professional as those who have had it professionally taken.

Is this going to hurt first impressions in any way? My concern is that if every other applicant has it professionally taken, then mine might appear “lesser” and thus less competitive. I’m not sure if this is a valid concern and if it is worth yet another substantial cost to get the photo professionally taken, but if the general consensus is “yes,” then I will do it.

It probably won’t make a big difference, but everyone has told me to pay the few extra bucks and get a professional photo. I know a lot of programs use our photos when ranking to remind them who we are, and some programs also use our photos as our “resident” photo on their websites if we go there.

hippiedoc13

Full Member

I don’t believe it’s necessary to pay for professional photos, but it wouldn’t be wrong to do so.

Given that almost everyone now has a digital camera and the capability to print high-quality photo prints on photo paper, I really think it is fine to do-it-yourself. However, if you choose to go this route, you still need to look professional in your photo. You should NOT be using your vacation photos or something like that.

If you choose to do-it-yourself: Make sure you look as nice as you would if you were going to the photo studio to pay a pro. Guys, put on a collared shirt +/- jacket. Ladies, either the collared shirt + suit jacket, or a nice conservative sweater, or similar. Fix your hair. Ladies, put on some makeup if you usually wear it. Choose a blank wall or other neutral background to stand in front of, and have a friend snap several shots from the mid-chest/shoulders and up.

Your other option is to go get a passport-type photo (again dressed professionally, at least from the waist up), which is still less expensive than a professional photo studio.

Agree w/ calespine, that these photos are often used at rank meetings to put the face w/ the name. Some programs or hospitals use it to put together a composite of all the incoming interns, and post it all over the place. Mine showed up on our program website w/ my bio. glad it was a flattering shot.