If you want a career as an internist, here is how competitive the medical specialty is to match into an internal medicine residency. Internal medicine is the branch of medicine that involves physicians who provide long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common and complex illnesses in adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Internists are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, infections, and diseases affecting the heart, blood, kidneys, joints, and digestive, respiratory and vascular systems.
Statistics on the Internal Medicine Match
As of the most recent NRMP data, internal medicine had a total of 11,598 applicants and 9,809 spots. This equates to 1.18 applicants per position. Of the 3,689 U.S. MD seniors who applied, 73 did not match.
| Total Positions | Total Number of Applicants | Number of Applicants per Position |
| 9,809 | 11,598 | 1.18 |
Osteopathic (DO) Students Matching into Internal Medicine
The total number of DO Senior Applicants was 1,596. Of those, 1,503 matched, for a 94.17% match percentage. This makes internal medicine a Very Friendly field for osteopathic students.
| Total DO Applicants | Matched DO Applicants | DO Match Percentage | |
| 1,596 | 1,503 | 94.17% |
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) Matching intoInternal Medicine
Because there are only 0.38 U.S. MD applicants per 1 program spot, internal medicine is considered to be Very Friendly for IMGs students.
Honors, Research and Awards for Internal Medicine Residency Candidates
The average matched U.S. applicant had 7.3 volunteer experiences and 3.3 work experiences. They had 3.3 research experiences and 6.2 abstracts, presentations and publications. That makes this specialty on where the number of publications needed is Medium.
| Research Experiences | Abstracts, Presentations and Publications | Work Experiences | Volunteer Experiences |
| 3.3 | 6.2 | 3.3 | 7.3 |
Average Step 2 Scores for Internal Medicine
The mean USMLE Step 2 CK score was 249. The overall competitiveness level of internal medicine is Low for a U.S. senior.
How long is a residency in internal medicine? What is the lifestyle like for an internal medicine resident?
Compared to other residencies, internal medicine has a Short training length. As far as lifestyle, internists generally have a Medium stress lifestyle. Of course, lifestyle is very subjective and if you love what you do, it does not matter! And if you hate what you do, it can still be rough no matter what. In medicine, you should find the specialty that makes you enjoy your everyday interactions with patients, staff and colleagues.
What is the average salary for an internist?
The average salary post-graduation from an internal medicine residency is $251,000, provided one does not go on to sub-specialty training which can change the salary substantially. Academic versus private practice as well as location also play a large role in physician compensation.
What are fellowships one can do from an internal medicine residency?
Following the successful completion of general internal medicine residency, some physicians may choose to continue their graduate medical education with subspecialty training. Board-certified subspecialists complete additional training and qualifying examinations beyond those required for board certification in internal medicine. Currently, the American Board of Internal Medicine certifies the following fellowships:
What are the best internal medicine residencies in the country?
The best residency for internal medicine, or any specialty, is very driven by personal preference and situation. How close you are to family, loved ones, the type of training environment, the opportunities available are all things to take into consideration above and beyond name recognition of a program. However, there are some highly regarded names in the world of internal medicine including:
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- Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore)
- Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston)
- University of California San Francisco
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston)
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester, Minn.)
- Duke University Hospital (Durham, N.C.)
- Washington University School of Medicine; Barnes-Jewish Hospital; St. Louis Children’s Hospital (St. Louis)
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas)
- NewYork-Presbyterian/ Columbia University Irving Medical Center (New York City)
- Michigan Medicine (Ann Arbor)
- University of Washington (Seattle)
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville, Tenn.)
- Stanford (Calif.) Health Care
Much of the data above is available from the AAMC Charting the Outcomes report.
FAQ: What Else Can I Learn About Internal Medicine Residency?
Q: What makes internal medicine an appealing specialty?
A: Internal medicine is appealing for its focus on complex problem-solving, patient-centered care, and the opportunity to develop long-term relationships with adult patients. Internists are trained to manage a broad spectrum of diseases, making them versatile and highly skilled physicians. The specialty also offers numerous subspecialty opportunities.
Q: How many internal medicine residency positions are available each year?
A: Internal medicine offers the most residency positions annually, with over 8,000 slots in the United States. This makes it a highly accessible specialty, though competitive programs still look for strong academic performance, clinical skills, and research experience.
Q: Do I need research experience to match into internal medicine?
A: Research experience is not mandatory but is highly valued, particularly for applicants targeting academic or competitive programs. Research in areas like cardiology, oncology, or infectious diseases demonstrates a commitment to advancing medical knowledge and can strengthen your application.
Q: How important are away rotations for matching into internal medicine?
A: Away rotations are not essential for most internal medicine programs but can be helpful if you are targeting a specific institution. They allow you to experience the program’s culture, work with faculty, and secure strong letters of recommendation.
Q: What should I include in my personal statement for internal medicine?
A: Your personal statement should highlight your passion for internal medicine, your ability to manage complex cases, and your interest in building long-term patient relationships. Discuss clinical experiences that inspired your interest and emphasize qualities like critical thinking, empathy, and dedication to patient care.
Q: What types of conditions do internists treat?
A: Internists treat a wide range of conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. They also manage multiple comorbidities in complex patients and focus on preventive care and early detection of illnesses.
Q: What procedures do internists typically perform?
A: Internists perform procedures such as central line placement, lumbar punctures, joint injections, thoracentesis, and paracentesis. While they primarily focus on diagnosis and medical management, some internists perform more advanced procedures depending on their training and practice setting.
Q: Are there opportunities for internists to focus on research?
A: Yes, internal medicine offers abundant research opportunities in areas such as cardiovascular disease, oncology, endocrinology, and infectious diseases. Internists often conduct clinical trials, study health outcomes, and contribute to evidence-based practices.
Q: What subspecialties are available within internal medicine?
A: Internal medicine offers numerous subspecialties, including:
– Cardiology: Managing heart diseases.
– Gastroenterology: Treating digestive system disorders.
– Hematology/Oncology: Focusing on blood disorders and cancer.
– Infectious Diseases: Managing complex infections.
– Nephrology: Treating kidney diseases.
– Rheumatology: Managing autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases.
– Pulmonology: Focusing on lung and respiratory conditions.
Q: What does the lifestyle of an internist typically look like?
A: The lifestyle of an internist varies depending on the practice setting. Outpatient internists often work regular office hours with predictable schedules, while hospitalists or those in academic medicine may have longer or less structured hours. The flexibility in practice options allows internists to tailor their careers to their preferred work-life balance.
Q: What innovations are shaping the future of internal medicine?
A: Innovations in internal medicine include advancements in telemedicine, precision medicine, and artificial intelligence for diagnostics. Additionally, breakthroughs in immunotherapy, biologics, and gene editing are transforming the management of chronic and complex diseases.
Q: How does internal medicine intersect with other specialties?
A: Internists work closely with specialists like cardiologists, endocrinologists, and oncologists to manage complex cases and provide coordinated care. They often serve as the primary point of contact for patients, ensuring continuity of care and integration of specialty treatments.
Q: Are there fellowship opportunities after completing an internal medicine residency?
A: Yes, fellowship opportunities in internal medicine are extensive and include cardiology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, hematology/oncology, nephrology, and more. Fellowships allow internists to develop expertise in specific areas and often lead to specialized career paths.
Q: What role do internists play in preventive care?
A: Internists play a critical role in preventive care by conducting routine screenings, managing risk factors for chronic diseases, and promoting lifestyle modifications. Their focus on early intervention helps reduce the long-term impact of illnesses and improves patient outcomes.
Q: What are the career opportunities for internists?
A: Internists have diverse career opportunities, including outpatient primary care, hospital medicine, academic medicine, or subspecialty practice. They can also work in public health, global health, or administrative roles, providing flexibility in career paths.
Q: How do internists approach complex cases with multiple comorbidities?
A: Internists excel at managing patients with multiple comorbidities by prioritizing problems, coordinating with specialists, and focusing on holistic care. They use evidence-based practices to balance treatments and improve quality of life for complex patients.
Q: How do I find shadowing opportunities with an internist?
A: Contact internal medicine departments at hospitals or academic centers. Networking through medical school advisors, mentors, or internal medicine interest groups can also help you connect with physicians open to shadowing opportunities.
Q: What professional organizations can I join as an internal medicine student?
A: Students interested in internal medicine can join organizations such as the American College of Physicians (ACP), Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM), and American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). These organizations provide mentorship, networking, and access to educational resources.
Q: How early should I start preparing for a career in internal medicine?
A: Begin early in medical school by excelling in core clinical rotations, joining internal medicine interest groups, and seeking mentorship. Engaging in research and volunteering in primary care settings can also help build a strong foundation for residency.
Did You Know?
- Internal medicine is the foundation of modern healthcare:
Internal medicine emerged as a distinct specialty in the late 19th century, focusing on the scientific study of diseases in adults. Today, it serves as the backbone of patient care, addressing complex medical conditions and providing comprehensive treatment for a wide range of diseases.
- Internists are experts in diagnosing complex cases:
Often referred to as the “doctor’s doctor,” internists are known for their ability to diagnose and manage challenging medical conditions. Their expertise spans multiple organ systems, making them indispensable in solving diagnostic puzzles and coordinating care for patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Internal medicine offers the most subspecialty options:
Internal medicine provides a pathway to over 20 subspecialties, including cardiology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, nephrology, and oncology. This diversity allows physicians to tailor their careers to specific areas of interest while maintaining a strong foundation in adult medicine.
Explore Other Specialties:
| Specialty | Average Step 2 Score (Matched) |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiology | 246 |
| Child Neurology | 246 |
| Dermatology | 256 |
| Diagnostic Radiology | 249 |
| Emergency Medicine | 247 |
| Family Medicine | 238 |
| General Surgery | 249 |
| Internal Medicine | 248 |
| Internal Medicine/Pediatrics | 250 |
| Interventional Radiology | 255 |
| Neurological Surgery | 252 |
| Neurology | 245 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology | 248 |
| Orthopaedic Surgery | 255 |
| Otolaryngology | 256 |
| Pathology | 242 |
| Pediatrics | 245 |
| Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation | 241 |
| Plastic Surgery | 256 |
| Psychiatry | 241 |
| Radiation Oncology | 250 |
| Vascular Surgery | 247 |
