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.
For those who wish to specialize further, fellowships provide advanced training in areas like:
- Cardiology (Heart diseases)
- Gastroenterology (Digestive system)
- Oncology (Cancer treatment)
- Neurosurgery (Brain & spine surgery)
This stage allows doctors to become experts in their chosen field and pursue high-level positions in hospitals or private practice.