After completing medical school, students apply for residency programs through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Residency training length varies depending on the chosen specialty.

• Primary Care Residencies (3-4 years): Internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics.
• Surgical Residencies (5-7 years): General surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery.
• Highly Competitive Fields: Dermatology, radiology, and cardiology require extra training.

During residency, doctors work long hours, sometimes 80+ hours per week, handling real patient care responsibilities. They also take USMLE Step 3, the final step to obtaining a medical license.