As you work your way through medical school, you will begin considering the area of medicine you feel most drawn to practicing as a doctor. There are several medical specializations and by the time you enter your third year of your Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, you should already have a solid notion of the kind of residencies you want to apply for.
After completing the four-year MD program, you will then work as a hospital resident to gain knowledge and training in a specialized field of medicine for three to seven years. This period of training is known as residency. During this residency period, you will have the opportunity to provide direct care and work with actual patients under the guidance of a licensed doctor.
To become a doctor, you must fulfill the med school requirements for admission to the MD program. If you have already taken a significant step toward fulfilling the medical school admission requirements, you may be ready to narrow your options down already. Wondering what the most popular types of residencies among medical school graduates are?
The top medical residencies for MD graduates
There are many types of medical residencies, and each type of residency focuses on a specific area of medicine. Some of the most popular types of medical residencies include:
- Internal Medicine Residency
This type of residency is designed for individuals who want to specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases in adults. Internal medicine residents learn to evaluate and manage a broad range of medical conditions, such as chronic illnesses, infectious diseases, and acute illnesses.
- Family Medicine Residency
This type of residency is tailor-made for those who want to provide comprehensive primary care to patients of all ages. Family medicine residents learn to manage various medical conditions, including chronic illnesses, acute illnesses, and preventative care.
- Pediatrics Residency
In pediatrics residency, you will specialize in the medical care of children. Pediatric residents learn to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions that affect children, such as infectious diseases, chronic illnesses, and acute illnesses.
- Surgery Residency
This type of residency is for individuals who want to specialize in surgical care. Surgery residents learn to perform a wide range of surgical procedures, including minimally invasive surgery, complex procedures, and emergency surgery.
- Obstetrician/Gynecologist Residency
As an Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN), you will specialize in women’s medical care, including obstetrics and gynecology. OB/GYN residents learn to manage various medical conditions that affect women, as well as pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecological disorders.
- Psychiatry Residency
A psychiatry residency is tailored for medical graduates who want to specialize in diagnosing and treating mental illness. Psychiatry residents learn to evaluate and treat different mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and psychotic disorders.
Aside from these top medical residencies, medical graduates also often opt for radiology, anesthesiology, dermatology, and emergency medicine. Overall, medical residencies are crafted to provide graduates with the advanced training and clinical experience they need to become proficient in a specific area of medicine.
