Graduating from medical school is no doubt a big milestone in a dreamer’s pursuit to become a doctor; however, it is not the last stage. After medical school, graduates must apply and enter a residency program where they will specialize in a particular field in medicine. This is where they apply all their knowledge from medical school and train to become fully board-certified doctors in their respective specialty. Arguably the most important decision graduates face is what type of residency they should enter because this choice will have an enduring impact on their medical career. Below is a compiled list of the ten most popular residencies. The data was gathered from a survey done by NRMP.
- Residency: Internal Medicine
Number of applicants from US medical school graduates in 2018: 10,032
Description: Internal medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention and treatment of a variety of adult diseases. Residency for internal medicine typically lasts three years. Doctors who specialize in internal medicine are called internists. - Residency: Family Medicine
Number of applicants from US medical school graduates in 2018: 4,402
Description: Doctors who specialize in family medicine are often considered primary health care providers due to the nature of their work. They are trained in providing comprehensive healthcare to people of all ages and make referrals to see specialists if needed. The residency program for family medicine is typically three years. - Residency: Pediatrics
Number of applicants from US medical school graduates in 2018: 3,059
Description: Pediatrics is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases related to infants, children, and adolescents. To become a pediatrician, one must complete a pediatrics residency that typically lasts three years. - Residency: Emergency Medicine
Number of applicants from US medical school graduates in 2018: 2,693
Description: Doctors who specialize in emergency medicine are trained to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases in an emergency setting. They work in conjunction with nurses, paramedics, and other healthcare professionals to provide emergency care. The residency for emergency medicine lasts about three years. - Residency: Psychiatry
Number of applicants from US medical school graduates in 2018: 2,383
Description: Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that deals with mental conditions. Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat mental disorders. The difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is that the former are trained to treat mental illnesses with medicine if necessary. The residency length to become a psychiatrist is usually about four years. - Residency: Anesthesiology
Number of applicants from US medical school graduates in 2018: 2,004
Description: Anesthesiologists are specialized doctors who provide the necessary healthcare for patients before and after a surgical or medical procedure. They are responsible for administering anesthesia and monitoring the patient for any complications. Anesthesiology residency typically lasts about four years. - Residency: General Surgery
Number of applicants from US medical school graduates in 2018: 1,955
Description: General Surgery is a branch of medicine that treats diseases through surgical methods. General surgeons are trained to perform surgery on a variety of diseases related to different areas of the body. Residency for general surgery usually lasts five or more years. - Residency: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Number of applicants from US medical school graduates in 2018: 1,745
Description: Doctors who specialize in obstetrics and gynecology are referred to as an obstetrician and gynecologist, or OB/GYN for short. OB/GYNs are trained professionals who deal with medical issues related to the female reproductive organs, in both pregnant and non-pregnant stages. The residency for OB/GYN lasts approximately four years. - Residency: Diagnostic Radiology
Number of applicants from US medical school graduates in 2018: 1,289
Description: Physicians who specialize in diagnostic radiology are trained to diagnose and treat diseases using medical imaging systems. The residency length for diagnostic radiology is about four years. - Residency: Neurology
Number of applicants from US medical school graduates in 2018: 1,070
Description: Neurologists specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system. The residency length for neurology typically lasts four years.
