• Immunization Records including: PPD/TB test results, influenza vaccine (Nov–Mar), Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, TDap
• Copy of personal health insurance card (no Harris Health Gold Card or Texas Women’s Well Woman Insurance)
• Copy of driver’s license or passport
• Background check results or attestation letter
• Drug screen results or attestation letter

The attestation letter must come from your institution’s student affairs office stating your background check and drug screen are clear. Residents can obtain one from the GME office.

• Observation for 5 consecutive days or less – free of charge
• Observation over 5 days up to 2 months – $300 fee
• Required documents indicated by a red dot must be uploaded
• Application must be completed 4 weeks prior to rotation start date

You can check your application status by logging into MERLIN. Your application will remain “in process” until approved. Once approved, you’ll receive a credentialing letter via email.

To ensure timely processing:

• Submit all required documents at least 3–4 weeks before your start date
• Applications are processed by start date, not submission date
• Green Dot = Approved
• Yellow Dot = Pending/Not Approved
• Red Dot = No Document Uploaded

Use the "Account Recovery" button on the login page. If you still need help, contact merlinsupport@houstonmethodist.org.

Your password must not include your username or email (or any part of it). If your password meets all listed criteria but still fails, contact merlinsupport@houstonmethodist.org.

No. For confidentiality, paper, faxed, or emailed copies are not accepted. All documents must be uploaded directly to the MERLIN application.

Follow these guidelines:

• Each file must be under 12MB
• Upload one file at a time
• Remove spaces and special characters from filenames

Visit the Houston Methodist Wellness Center at 6445 Main Street, 23rd floor. Call 713.441.5978 for an appointment. Cost is $36. Results must be sent to your Credentialing Coordinator.

If going elsewhere, request a 5–10 panel urine drug screen and upload results to MERLIN.

Visit www.castlebranch.com and use package code “et56”.

• Domestic only – $99
• International background checks – Additional cost

Upload the results to MERLIN once received.

Visit your primary care provider, local pharmacy, or schedule an appointment at the Houston Methodist Wellness Center (6445 Main Street, 23rd floor, 713.441.5978).

Visit the U.S. Department of State’s Visa website: travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html.

Please contact your preceptor for orientation details.