AMA Series

Preparing for Match Day & beyond

Figure looking at a winding road

AMA Road to Residency Guide
Figure stands near a sign with multiple directions, question mark above head

Picking a residency
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
Young adult in a virtual interview
·
6 Min Read

As residency interviews get underway, keep these 5 tips in mind

The things you think are important might be tedious to residency interviewers. Residency program directors get candid about what they’re looking for.

series
Prep for Residency
The Road to Residency
Figure runs along a road the shape of an infinity symbol
·
4 Min Read

Pros, cons of staying at home program for physician residency

About one in four medical students stay at their home program for residency. Find out why it may—or may not—be right for you.

series
Prep for Residency
The Road to Residency
Pushpins on a calendar
·
7 Min Read

When should you expect physician residency interview invites?

Here is what residency applicants should know about that question, along with key deadlines and managing a physician residency-interview schedule.

series
Prep for Residency
The Road to Residency
List and a pen
·
5 Min Read

Before you hit submit in MyERAS, do these final application checks

Whether you are using MyERAS or ResidencyCAS, program directors urge you to avoid these mistakes when submitting your residency applications. 

series
Prep for Residency
The Road to Residency
Figure at a finish line
·
4 Min Read

How to pick standout experiences for physician residency applications

Improve your Match chances by listing experiences that reflect passion, depth and skills you can highlight in residency interviews.

series
Prep for Residency
The Road to Residency
Figures pushing large blocks
·
8 Min Read

How to prep for a competitive physician specialty in preclinical years

Learn the steps first- and second-year medical students can take to boost their chances of matching in a sought-after specialty down the road. 

series
Prep for Residency
The Road to Residency
Laptop, pencil, magnifying glass and form
·
5 Min Read

Residency Match: 4 tips for writing a standout personal statement

A compelling personal statement can be a key factor in landing a physician residency interview. Here’s how to craft a narrative that resonates.

series
Prep for Residency
The Road to Residency
2025 AMA Annual Meeting education session
·
5 Min Read

For GME personal statements, rely on emotional intelligence not AI

When writing your personal statement, veteran residency program directors said that authenticity will trump AI every time. ChatGPT agrees.

series
Prep for Residency
The Road to Residency
Figures stand on a sports-inspired game planning chart, with X and O shapes and curved overlapping arrows
·
5 Min Read

Specialty guides help demystify the residency-application process

New guides from the AMA, AAMC and program directors spell out the details of an increasingly complex process to get everyone on the same page.

series
Prep for Residency
The Road to Residency