This AMA resource is designed to provide tips and guidance for medical students preparing to research residency programs.
Who should read: Students in their first through third years of medical school, especially those preparing to apply for residency.
Why it matters: Choosing a residency program is a pivotal step in shaping your medical career. Medical students can rely on guidance from experts and mentors, and utilize valuable AMA resources to carefully evaluate options and make an informed decision.
Choosing the best residency program for you
Residency is a critical phase in a physician’s training that bridges medical school and practice, but knowing what program is right for you can feel like a challenge. Navigating this important decision requires careful self-assessment and access to reliable information.
You can begin gathering specialty information long before you apply from FREIDA™, the AMA Residency & Fellowship Database®. Medical students can search for details about training programs, key application deadlines and specialty training statistics, which provide a helpful overview of residency programs based on trends across all programs in a specialty.
For medical students applying to obstetrics and gynecology, the Alignment Check Index allows ob-gyn residency applicants to compare their experiences and characteristics to the domains that residency programs consider in their own assessment of their program’s values and interests.
Learn more tips on how to successfully plan your path to residency with the AMA Road to Residency Guide.
Here’s a look at some of the key questions that might arise as medical students conduct research of residency programs.
- What are my top priorities in a residency program?
Narrowing down the type of program you want to work in is about researching your options and understanding your own wants and needs. First identify your personal and professional career ambitions. Then, when you have more context for your career path, you begin a deeper dive.
Top considerations may generally include a mix of factors such as desired geographic location, reputation of program, quality of residents in the program and overall fit. As an applicant, you are going to be measuring where you fit best throughout the entire Match process.
It’s important to reflect on your ideal work-life balance. The FREIDA average work-hours filter can give you an idea of how likely it is to get your desired schedule. In addition, you can budget for medical residency application costs and interviews with FREIDA's easy-to-use calculator.
- What kind of training environment will best help me reach my long-term career goals?
There won’t be a “one-size-fits-all” residency, so this will depend on your desired career path. Have an idea of the type of setting you’d like to transition to after residency, for instance private practice versus health system, administration or purely clinical.
You can then choose programs with training environments that support these goals. If you’re aiming for academic medicine, for example, you’ll want to prioritize research or fellowships with strong academic pipelines. If you’re drawn toward leadership, consider aiming for a chief resident role or committee work.
- What gaps in my understanding do I need to clarify during the residency interview?
Residency program interviews offer you the opportunity to detail your unique skills and experiences. Ahead of your interviews, know the potential for any red flags. If you do decide to address any gaps in your training, whether academic or personal, demonstrate how you’ve shown growth and the remedial steps taken.
When determining your strategy, mentors within the specialty you are applying to can be helpful, as can speaking with residents who were former peers at your medical school. Beyond that, all medical schools have staff members who are experts in the Match process. The AMA guide to interviewing with residency programs offers additional tips to distinguish yourself during residency interviews.
- How strong and supportive are the program’s training and faculty?
Research each program to see what values and training priorities they highlight, such as research, structure and support, or other areas of focus. Review the faculty and resident profiles to learn more about their specialties, practice and research interests. This can help you determine if you envision yourself as part of this community.
Connect with current or past residents or mentors within the specialty you are applying to gain deeper insight into their experiences. Residency open houses, if available, offer medical students another way to ask questions and determine their fit with a program.
- How does this program help residents succeed and grow professionally?
Residency programs may offer structured mentorship, tailored coaching or leadership opportunities and career development resources to support your professional growth. You should be able to find this information during a review of the program’s materials or curriculum. Solicit opinions from your mentors or those who have been through the residency program.
- What research or scholarly opportunities are available to me?
For resident physicians seeking fellowships or academic jobs, research is key to career development. Research and scholarly opportunities vary by institution, location and area of interest, so you should inquire with the program about available research tracks, projects, funding and faculty involvement.
- Where do trainees typically go after residency (fellowships, careers)?
Review program outcomes and fellowship match rates to see where physicians head post-residency. Understanding a program’s clinical and academic orientation is another key factor to consider. You can use your professional network and interview opportunities to gather further information about post-residency career focus areas to help you assess whether the program aligns with your goals.
Check out FREIDA’s Specialty Guide, which includes important training information such as trainees’ career plans and specialty statistics.
- What is the culture like among residents and faculty?
Gaining a true understanding of a program often means looking beyond basic resources or a cursory online search. Seek out conversations with current residents or those who have recently completed residency to provide perspectives and information on the program culture. This kind of firsthand insight is especially helpful if you lack established connections to the program or the area.
- Would I feel supported and able to thrive here?
A strong support system is key to your well-being as a resident and will require self-reflection and planning. Research the wellness resources available within the program, such as community building or social events, mentorship and mental health support. Seek out candid insights from current residents in the program of interest as well as the opinions of experienced mentors.
Establish a plan for staying in touch with your support system. The connection to your community during residency can enhance your overall well-being.
