As you look to the future after medical school, you may be wondering, how long is residency? For most, residencies last three to four years, while others can stretch up to seven years or longer, depending on your chosen specialty.
For instance, if you have a goal of becoming a family physician, you’re looking at about three years of dedicated training. But if you’ve got your eyes set on surgery or another competitive specialty, prepare for a longer haul of up to seven years!
It’s understandable to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety about what lies ahead. (I know because I’m right there with you!) So, I’ll cover what you need to know about residency, from a breakdown of residency lengths for certain specialties to additional factors to help you prepare for this next chapter in your medical journey!
This post is all about about answering how long is residency.
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Find Out How Long is Residency
What is Residency? When does it happen?
Residency is when newly graduated doctors begin working in a healthcare setting under the supervision of a more experienced doctor. Generally, residents (often called interns for the first year) will see patients directly and perform the duties of a doctor. While supervised, residency represents the first opportunity to officially practice medicine.
When is Residency?
Residency typically begins immediately after graduating from medical school, though it isn’t required. For many new doctors, it will be a transitional phase between their education and the rest of their careers. Often, fourth-year medical students will spend significant time considering the many factors that go into which residency track they plan to follow.
What is Match Day
One of the most thrilling days in a medical student’s journey is Match Day! On this day, which occurs every year on the third Friday of March, graduating medical students find out where they’ll be starting their residency journey.
Unlike applying for a job where you send in your resume, medical students participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) to secure a residency. Using a computer algorithm, the NRMP matches graduating medical students with programs around the country. The mathematical algorithm takes into account both the student’s top-ranked choices and each program’s list of students they prefer. As a result, only students and programs that have mutually ranked each other can be matched.
How Long is Residency for Different Specialties?
Your specialty often directly determines the length of your residency program. Different specialties have different residency lengths due to varying training requirements. Some programs may integrate subspecialty training or offer additional years of experience. Here are several common residency timeframes based on different specialties.
- Internal Medicine: 3 years.
- Family Medicine: 3 – 5 years.
- Pediatrics: 3 years.
- Emergency medicine: 3 – 5 years.
- Obstetrics and Gynecology: 4 years.
- Anesthesiology: 4 years.
- Psychiatry: 4 years.
- Radiology: 4 – 5 years.
- General Surgery: 5 years.
- Cardiovascular Disease: 3 years.
- Ophthalmology: 3 – 4 years.
- Orthopedic Surgery: 5 years.
Note, the above list only shares some of the most widely taken specialties according to data from AAMC (2021). What’s more, residency programs might vary in length, even within a specialty for a couple reasons: Some programs might offer longer timeframes in order to provide extra experience. Also, subspecialties may require an initial residency in the broader specialty field, and then a fellowship or residency specifically within the subspecialty.
Why Are Some Residencies Longer Than Others?
So, why does it seem like some residencies drag on while others wrap up relatively quickly? It really boils down to what each specialty requires based on the following factors.
- The specialty’s complexity
- The addition of subspecialties
- Or, if the specialty requires extra experience
Different specialties have unique training needs based on the intricacies of the work involved. For instance, Radiology residencies tend to be on the longer side because there’s so much ground to cover. Radiologists are tech-savvy folks who need to master various imaging systems, each employing different radiation types, both ionizing and non-ionizing. They also need to develop a keen eye for interpreting those images in relation to various diseases.
Subspecialties add another layer of training. Doctors wishing to specialize in Hematology, for example, must first complete a residency in internal medicine. After that, they venture into an additional fellowship to expand their knowledge of hematology specifically.
Finally, some residency programs believe that an extra year or two of experience can benefit their residents. They may extend the training to ensure that their doctors leave with a more robust skill set to provide the best possible care for future patients.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Residency
Of course, you should select a specialty that you are excited about and that fits into the lifestyle you are striving for as a future physician. And yes, you might also want to look at the earning potential and career opportunities that come with different specialties and residency programs.
Yet, when you are researching potential specialties, making your pro and con lists, talking to physicians about their own experience – don’t miss to also think about your timeline and how the length of the residency for a certain specialty impacts your life after graduating from medical school.
Did you plan to start a family soon? Are you looking to earn a higher salary after finishing just a few hours of residency or are in for the long game? Are you ready to live for 5 years in a different location based on your residency match or do you want to cut that time shorter?
Although you might be willing to compromise on a few things for the specialty you are all fired up for, sometimes the residency duration might be a deal breaker for you based on your plans for those years. So make sure you consider the length of your residency when choosing the medical specialty you are going to pursue.
What About Fellowships?
Fellowships are specialized training programs that you can pursue after completing your residency. If you have a passion for a specific area of medicine and want to become an expert, pursuing a fellowship could be a great option.
For instance, if you completed a residency in internal medicine, you can take your expertise to the next level by completing a fellowship in hematology, where you’ll gain focused training on blood disorders and diseases.
Now, whether or not you need to complete a fellowship depends on the career path you’ve chosen. Some fields absolutely require it, especially if you want to work in a subspecialty. For example, if you dream of becoming a cardiologist, you’ll need to go through a fellowship after your internal medicine residency. On the other hand, if your goals lead you to a more general practice, you might find that a residency is all you need to be fully equipped for your career.
Fellowships can vary in length, typically lasting one to three years, depending on the specialty. So, if you’re considering a fellowship, you’ll want to factor in that additional time commitment.
Integrated Programs
Some programs integrate training that would normally fall under both residency and fellowships. These integrated programs may require only one application process, setting new doctors on a consolidated track toward their sub-specialty goals.
10 Factors to Select Residency Programs
How do you decide which residency programs to rank at the top of your list? It’s a big step in your medical journey, and choosing the right residency program can significantly impact your career. So, if you’re feeling a mix of excitement and a little anxiety, let’s look at the top considerations that can help make the choice a little easier.
How Well It Aligns with Your Personal Goals and Learning Style
Every physician is different, and you want to be in a place where you feel you can thrive. Ask yourself: What are my career aspirations? Do I want to specialize in a particular area? Does the program support my growth in that direction? Finding a residency that resonates with your values and vision can make all the difference in your experience.
Interview Experience
Your interview experience can give you a lot of insight into the program’s culture. How did the interview day feel? Did you feel welcomed and supported? Were the residents and faculty approachable? Trust your gut feeling. If something felt off, it might be worth considering another program that resonates more positively with you.
Location of the Residency Program
Are you drawn to a city, a serene rural area, or perhaps a specific climate? Living in a location you love can enhance your residency experience. Also, think about where you want to settle down after your residency. Demonstrating a commitment to a particular area during your training can help you build networks and open doors for future opportunities in that community.
Work/Life Balance
Yes, residency is challenging, but it shouldn’t completely consume your life. Look for programs that prioritize resident wellness and offer support systems to help you manage your responsibilities. A program that allows you to recharge ensures that you can be your best self for your patients.
Family and Life Plans
As eager as you may be to plunge into your specialty, think about how this residency fits into your bigger life picture. If you’re in a relationship, is your partner on board with the location? Are you planning to start a family soon? Already have one and don’t want to keep uprooting them?
Map out how your choice of residency will align with your personal life during the next couple of years. If you’re planning to have kids during residency, you’ll want a location with good schools, safe neighborhoods, and outdoor spaces. Plus, consider how far you want to be from your parents and loved ones. Proximity can mean a lot, especially if you’re hoping for some free babysitting help from family!
Quality of Residents
If the residents are supportive, engaged, and passionate about their work, that environment will inspire you as well. You’ll want to feel a sense of camaraderie and motivation among your peers. Plus, a strong cohort can make those long hours feel a little more bearable. After all, you’ll be in this together!
Community Engagement
Some residency programs place a hefty emphasis on serving the local community, which can be incredibly rewarding. Participating in community initiatives during your training not only enhances your medical education but also gives you a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. Plus, working closely with a diverse population can expand your perspective and prepare you better for real-world practice.
The Size of the Program
In smaller programs, you may find yourself on call more often, which can add stress to an already demanding time. However, being part of a tight-knit group can foster strong relationships and offer more one-on-one learning opportunities with attendings. However, larger programs typically mean a more diverse rotation structure, which can broaden your training and networking opportunities, which are especially valuable for landing high-level fellowships or academic positions.
Financial Factors
Yes, you’ll be earning a salary during residency, but it’s often a fraction of what you could be making once you step into the full doctor role after training. Keep in mind potential relocation costs and other anticipated expenses.
Everyday Factors
While they may seem trivial, things like commute time, the quirks of each program, or your go-to lunch spot can have a big impact on your well-being. Imagining your daily routine can help you gauge which program better fits your lifestyle.
How Long Does Residency Last? The Bottom Line on Breaking It Down
The road to becoming a doctor often feels like it goes on and on for miles. However, by the time you receive your residency, you’ve entered the final stretches. You’re about to soar over the last big hurdle before you can finally practice as a doctor without anyone looking over your shoulder.
Residency programs provide the hands-on training you need to specialize and shine in your medical career. The duration of these programs can vary quite a bit, generally ranging from three to seven years.
As you consider your plans for residency, remember to select choices that offer the right fit for you. After all, the years you put in completing your residency should set you up for happiness and success in your medical career.
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