AMA Series

Preparing for Match Day & beyond

Figure looking at a winding road

AMA Road to Residency Guide
Person looking up at question marks

Understand residency match slang with this glossary
FREIDA logo

FREIDA™, the AMA Residency & Fellowship Database®
Cartoon image of a smartphone with an email notification on it.

AMA medical student membership, discounts & benefits
Clear Search
Microscope
·
5 Min Read

Does medical student research outweigh other experiences in the Match?

As physician residency applicants aim to stand out, there has been an uptick in research and decline in other medical student extracurriculars. 

series
Prep for Residency
The Road to Residency
A laptop and a cup of tea sit together
·
4 Min Read

Do’s, don’ts for writing a physician residency personal statement

Writing your residency application personal statement? Learn what program directors say makes one effective, and what could cost you an interview spot.

series
Prep for Residency
The Road to Residency
Person sits at a desk in a laboratory
·
7 Min Read

Which specialties value research output the most for Match?

Medical student research experience among residency applicants is common, but not always decisive. Learn about the physician specialties where it matters most.

series
Prep for Residency
The Road to Residency
Arrows pointing toward a sticky note
·
4 Min Read

Tips to assess physician residency program fit before applying

Program directors offer guidance on finding the right fit for your GME training by reflecting on goals, doing research and asking key questions.

series
Prep for Residency
The Road to Residency
Stethoscope next to a line of checkboxes
·
4 Min Read

Applying to more than 1 medical specialty? What you should know

From process to potential pitfalls, when applying to multiple specialties in your physician residency program search, there’s much to keep tabs on.

series
Specialty Profiles
The Road to Residency
Hands on a laptop
·
6 Min Read

Finding the best people to write residency letters of recommendation

Who should write your letters of recommendation for residency applications and what do they need from you? Physician experts offer insight.

series
Prep for Residency
The Road to Residency
Figure climbs a rope
·
6 Min Read

Didn't match? How to come back stronger next residency-selection cycle

One failed Match should not define your career. Bounce back with expert advice on reapplying to physician residency programs.

series
Prep for Residency
The Road to Residency
Blocks imprinted with figures wearing a tie
·
8 Min Read

Step 2 scores decoded: What they mean for your Match prospects

How might your score on the USMLE Step 2 CK affect your residency-application approach? Dive into the NRMP data for MDs, DOs and IMGs.

series
USMLE® Step 1 & 2
The Road to Residency
Row of figures with one's arms outstretched
·
5 Min Read

4 tips for residency applicants to wisely use program signals

At least 27 physician specialties use program signals. What does the data show about the feature’s most effective use cases in residency selection?

series
Prep for Residency
The Road to Residency