*Based on average Step 1 Scores for residents matching in 2018; Only the specialities with available data where included.

****IMPORTANT****:  Please note that board scores are not the only criterial fo matching in a specialty.  Matching in a specialty requires much more then just great scores.  You have to be a complete, well-rounded applicant. Here's a link to my recommendations to  "Be the Best Candidate!"     Notice that both Plastic Surgery and EM had relatively low average board scores but we know they are very competitive.  This means that those students who matched had clinical experience, research, publication, connections, other degrees, etc.  Scores alone may not be enough for the more competitive specialties.

"Han Solo got it right!   Don't let anything stop you!!!!!"    -  Obiwan Barone

The 12 Most Popular Specialties for IMG's in the 2017 Match

Read more: The Most Popular Specialties for IMGs

Read more: Physician Compensation by Specialty

What are the most popular specialties for women and for men?

Here's a breakdown of the speciaties with the highest percentage of female and male residents!

Data Source:  Association of American Medical Colleges  AAMC 2015 Report on residents

Here's more information on Fellowships:

• Considering an Allergy/Immunology Fellowship?
• Considering a Cardiology Fellowship?
• Considering an Endocrinology Fellowship?
• Considering a Gastroenterology Fellowship?
• Considering a Medical Genetics Fellowship?
• Considering a Hematology Fellowship?
• Considering an Infectious Disease Fellowship?
• Considering a Medical Oncology Fellowship?
• Considering a Nephrology Fellowship?
• Considering a Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Fellowship?
• Considering a Rheumatology Fellowship?
• Considering a Sports Medicine Fellowship?

Here's some data from 2015...

Test Scores and Experience of active First-Year Residents (2014-2015)

Data is only of graduates of U.S. and Canadian medical schools.

Note: Data is only of graduates of U.S. and Canadian medical schools.

Data Source: aamc.org

Here's more information on Fellowships:

• Considering an Allergy/Immunology Fellowship?
• Considering a Cardiology Fellowship?
• Considering an Endocrinology Fellowship?
• Considering a Gastroenterology Fellowship?
• Considering a Medical Genetics Fellowship?
• Considering a Hematology Fellowship?
• Considering an Infectious Disease Fellowship?
• Considering a Medical Oncology Fellowship?
• Considering a Nephrology Fellowship?
• Considering a Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Fellowship?
• Considering a Rheumatology Fellowship?
• Considering a Sports Medicine Fellowship?

Here's some data from 2015...

Which Specialty is Most Likely to be Sued?

Considering an Allergy/Immunology Fellowship?

• Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine and/or Pediatrics
• Allergy/Immunology fellowships are at least two years in length
• In the 2014 Match, 123 out of 179 applicants matched = 69% Match Rate
• In the 2017 Match, 128 out of 173 applicants matched = 74% Match Rate

More Information:

• A Rewarding Career in Allergy/Immunology
• Videos from Practicing Docs: Why did I choose Allergy/Immunology?
• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology  www.aaaai.org

Here's some resources to look at:

• Medical Student Guide to Anesthesiology-
• Optimize Your Match Series
• American Society of Anesthesiologists - Become a student member!!!
• Factors affecting admission to Anesthesiology residency

What's it like to be an Anesthesiologist?

• A day in the life of an Anesthesiologist

Considering a Cardiology Fellowship?

• Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine
• Cardiovascular Disease fellowships are three years in length with one year devoted to research
• In the 2014 Match, 797 out of 1,106 total applicants matched = 72% Match Rate.
• In the 2017 Match, 855 out of 1,147 total applicants matched = 75% Match Rate.
• Average Yearly Compensation $357,000
• Overall Satisfaction with specialty: 45%
• Would choose the same specialty again: 54%

More Information:

• American College of Cardiology at www.acc.org
• Cardiology Top 5 List

Data Sources:

1. NRMP Charting Outcomes in the Match Specialties Matching Service, Appointment Year 2011 : Characteristics of Applicants Who Matched in Their Preferred Specialty
2. Medscape Physician Compensation Report: 2013

Important Links:

• Advice for medical students interested in Dermatology: Perspectives from fourth year students who matched
• Exclusive Series: A Student’s Guide to Matching into Dermatology Part 1
• Exclusive Series: A Student’s Guide to Matching into Dermatology Part 2
• How to match into Dermatology for DO Students

Emergency Medicine is very competitive so make sure to be prepared:

• ACEING YOUR EMERGENCY MEDICINE INTERVIEWS  - From an EM residency director!
• Residency Interview Guide 
• IMG Emergency Medicine Application Guide

****** Special Requirement for EM ******

STANDARDIZED LETTER OF EVALUATION (SLOE) LETTER

"I learned way too late the importance of the SLOE letter. The Standard Letter of Evaluation that only specific EM physicians have the ability to write. Let the students know to get these EARLY in the year! Around April and May if possible, so that they will be ready in Sept. Peace be the journey." - Applicant to EM 2016

OFFICIAL CORD STANDARDIZED LETTER OF EVALUATION (SLOE)

• An evaluation of an applicant by an Emergency Medicine Faculty from an Emergency Medicine Residency Program.
• Developed to provide a global perspective on an applicant’s candidacy for training by providing meaningful comparisons to peers applying for training in emergency medicine.
• Provides an overall perspective on what an individual candidate offers to a training program. 
• Can give insight into the Maturity, professionalism, leadership, compassion, initiative, enthusiasm that an applicant possess.

Here is what the letter looks like:  PDF

Here's a students perspective : "The SLOE is a 'supped-up' LOR. It allows the attending physicians to rank the student amongst other students who have completed in their EM rotation. The SLOE (pronounced slow-ee) can only be written by doctors who are members of CORD (Council of EM Residency Directors). Most the time, these CORD members are EM program directors at big trauma centers which have a residency. So when looking to do rotations and external rotations, pick the ones with the EM residencies! (Not the little podunk urgent cares) Because if there is no residency, 99% of the time there is no one to write the SLOE. This is why only 87 US-IMGs matched to EM in 2016. Because it is so hard to land these residency-associated EM rotations. By the time I finished my "core" 3rd year electives, it was too late to book an external rotation in EM. The spots fill so fast. The best advice I have, would be to get into contact with hospitals months ahead of time (Feb-March) so that when the hospitals accept rotation applications in Apr/May, you can book one for when you finish 3rd year cores. I wish, I wish! I could do it all again. My application is strong, but it just doesn't have that cherry sloe on top. Some programs even list on their website that they require at least 1 sloe. Anyways, hope this helped!"

Success Story : IMG Matching in EM

• The Long Road to an Emergency Medicine Residency

Considering an Endocrinology Fellowship?

• Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine
• Endocrinology fellowships are either a two-year clinical curriculum or a three-year combined clinical and research
• In the 2014 Match, 238 out of 306 total applicants matched = 78% Match Rate.
• In the 2017 Match, 270 out of 342 total applicants matched = 79% Match Rate.
• Average Yearly Compensation $178,000
• Overall Satisfaction with specialty: 47%
• Would choose the same specialty again: 45%

More Information:

• Endocrine Society - Clinical Practice Guidelines
• Endocrinology Top 5 List

Data Sources:

1. NRMP Charting Outcomes in the Match Specialties Matching Service, Appointment Year 2011 : Characteristics of Applicants Who Matched in Their Preferred Specialty
2. Medscape Physician Compensation Report: 2013

Here's some helpful info for preparing yourself for the Match:

• Strolling thru the Match
• Choosing a Family Medicine Residency Program
• FAQ about Family Medicine 

Considering a Gastroenterology Fellowship?

• Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine
• Gastroenterology fellowships are three years in length
• In the 2014 Match, 452 out of 703 total applicants matched = 64% Match Rate.
• In the 2017 Match, 493 out of 742 total applicants matched = 66% Match Rate.
• Average Yearly Compensation $342,000
• Overall Satisfaction with specialty: 50%
• Would choose the same specialty again: 58%

More Information:

• Applying to a GI Fellowship:  What you need to know!
• Guide for Applicants 
• Find a GI Fellowship Program: Search
• Gastroenterology Top 5 List
• American Gastroenterological Association at www.gastro.org
• American College of Gastroenterology at www.gi.org
• American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases at www.aasld.org
• American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy at www.asge.org

Data Sources:

1. NRMP Charting Outcomes in the Match Specialties Matching Service, Appointment Year 2011 : Characteristics of Applicants Who Matched in Their Preferred Specialty
2. Medscape Physician Compensation Report: 2013

Considering a Medical Genetics Fellowship?

• Applicants must have completed at least two years in an ACGME-accredited residency
• Medical Genetics fellowships are two years in length; training may be combined into a four-year program for those applicants with no prior residency training
• In the 2014 Match, 23 out of 25 total applicants matched = 92% Match Rate
• In the 2014 Match, 30 out of 34 total applicants matched = 88% Match Rate

More Information:

• American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics at http://www.acmg.net
• Is Genetics for me? 
• GME in Medical Genetics 

Considering a Geriatrics Fellowship?

• Most applicants have completed a residency in Internal Medicine; some applicants have completed a residency in Family Medicine
• Geriatric Medicine fellowships are at least one year in length
• In the 2014 Match, 125 out of 132 total applicants matched = 95% Match Rate.
• In the 2017 Match, 179 out of 206 total applicants matched = 87% Match Rate.

Here are some important links for Medications and the elderly:

• AGS Beers Criteria Pocket Card
• 10 Medications that Older Adults should avoid or use with caution
• Geriatrics Top 10 List
• American Geriatrics Society  www.americangeriatrics.org

Considering a Hematology Fellowship?

• Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine
• Hematology fellowships are two years in length
• Hematology/Medical Oncology fellowships are three years in length
• In the 2014 Match, 502 out of 689 total applicants matched = 73% Match Rate.
• In the 2017 Match, 544 out of 729 total applicants matched = 75% Match Rate.

More Information:

• American Society of Hematology at www.hematology.org
• Choose Hematology
• Hematology Top 5 List
• Hematology Teaching Cases

Data Source: NRMP Charting Outcomes in the Match Specialties Matching Service, Appointment Year 2011 : Characteristics of Applicants Who Matched in Their Preferred Specialty

Considering an Infectious Disease Fellowship?

• Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine
• Infectious Diseases fellowships are two years in length
• In the 2014 Match, 254 out of 276 total applicants matched = 92% Match Rate.
• In the 2017 Match, 312 out of 335 total applicants matched = 93% Match Rate.
• Average Yearly Compensation $170,000
• Overall Satisfaction with specialty: 53%
• Would choose the same specialty again: 54%

More Information:

• Infectious Diseases Society of America at www.idsociety.org

Data Sources:

1. NRMP Charting Outcomes in the Match Specialties Matching Service, Appointment Year 2011 : Characteristics of Applicants Who Matched in Their Preferred Specialty
2. Medscape Physician Compensation Report: 2013

Important links to check out:

• Applying for Internal Medicine - Info from ACP
• Preparing your Application

Learn more about combined Med / Ped residency here: National Med/Ped Residents Association

Considering a Medical Oncology Fellowship?

• Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine
• Medical Oncology fellowships are two years in length
• In the 2014 Match, 27 out of 116 total applicants matched = 23% Match Rate.
• In the 2014 Match, 8 out of 46 total applicants matched = 17% Match Rate.
• Average Yearly Compensation $278,000
• Overall Satisfaction with specialty: 53%
• Would choose the same specialty again: 57%

More Information:

• American Society of Clinical Oncology  www.asco.org
• Resources for Residents
• A day in the life of an academic Oncologist
• A day in the life of a community practice Oncologist
• Oncology Fellows’ Career Plans, Expectations, and Well-Being: Do Fellows Know What They Are Getting Into?  Abstract   Podcast
• Oncology Choose Wisely Top 5 List

Data Source: Medscape Physician Compensation Report: 2013

Considering a Nephrology Fellowship?

• Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine
• Nephrology fellowships are two years in length with additional years for research available
• In the 2014 Match, 306 out of 323 applicants matched = 95% Match Rate.
• In the 2017 Match, 284 out of 308 applicants matched = 92% Match Rate.
• Average Yearly Compensation $263,000
• Overall Satisfaction with specialty: 43%
• Would Choose the same specialty again: 39%

More Information:

• American Society of Nephrology atwww.asn-online.org
• NephrologyTop 5 List

Data Sources:

1. NRMP Charting Outcomes in the Match Specialties Matching Service, Appointment Year 2011 : Characteristics of Applicants Who Matched in Their Preferred Specialty
2. Medscape Physician Compensation Report: 2013

Check out these links:

• Guide to Applying to a Neurology Residency Program
• Medical Student Neurology Educational Resources

Video: Residency Application & Interviews- American Academy of Neurology

Q:  What book should I use to be the best in Neurology?

Know this book by heart!!!!

 Video:  TedTalk....  A Neuroanotomist talks about insights from her Stroke!

• So you want to be a Neurosurgeon? ​
• AANS Medical Student Resources 
• NeurosurgeryMatch.org
• Neurosurgeon online

Here's some interesting information to consider:

• GUIDELINES FOR PURSUINGA RESIDENCY IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
• An IMG success story from the Match: "My Dream is to Catch Babies!"

Looking for a residency opening in OB/GYN?

Keep checking the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists's (ACOG) Clearinghouse Hotline for Ob-Gyn residency positions.

Good Luck!

 Links:

• Ophthalmology Residency 101: The Basics
• Advice for Matching in DO Ophthalmology

Remember that Ophthalmology is a separate match!!!   For more info go to SFmatch.org

Here's more information on Fellowships:

• Considering an Allergy/Immunology Fellowship?
• Considering a Cardiology Fellowship?
• Considering an Endocrinology Fellowship?
• Considering a Gastroenterology Fellowship?
• Considering a Medical Genetics Fellowship?
• Considering a Hematology Fellowship?
• Considering an Infectious Disease Fellowship?
• Considering a Medical Oncology Fellowship?
• Considering a Nephrology Fellowship?
• Considering a Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Fellowship?
• Considering a Rheumatology Fellowship?
• Considering a Sports Medicine Fellowship?

Here's some data from 2015...

Here's more information on Fellowships:

• Considering an Allergy/Immunology Fellowship?
• Considering a Cardiology Fellowship?
• Considering an Endocrinology Fellowship?
• Considering a Gastroenterology Fellowship?
• Considering a Medical Genetics Fellowship?
• Considering a Hematology Fellowship?
• Considering an Infectious Disease Fellowship?
• Considering a Medical Oncology Fellowship?
• Considering a Nephrology Fellowship?
• Considering a Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Fellowship?
• Considering a Rheumatology Fellowship?
• Considering a Sports Medicine Fellowship?

Here's some data from 2015...

 Important Links:

• How to obtain an Orthopaedic Residency
• A D.O.'s Journey to Get an Orthopedic Surgery Residency

Considering a Otolaryngology (ENT) Residency?

• ENT Career Information
• Otomatch.com
• American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Here's are some links to check out:

• Insider’s Guide: Top 8 Things to Look for When Selecting a Pathology Residency Training Program 
• Pathology: A career In Medicine
• Pathology as a career!
• Why choose Pathology?
• Pathologytraining.org
• A Guide for Informed Evaluation of Pathology Residency Programs

Here are some useful sites to look for Job openings in Pathology:

• Pathology Outlines Job Listing
• Pathology Jobs Today
• College of American Pathologists (CAP)
• JAMA Career Center

Here's some good info about getting a Peds Residency:

• Preparing for Pediatrics Residency Training 
• Shadowing a Pediatrician Dr. Berkowitz
• Shadowing a Pediatrician Dr. Meade

Q: What books should I use on my pediatrics rotations to prepare for my Shelf exams?

Most students recommend using one of the following:

Q: When I match in Pediatrics, what books should I use to get ready to start my residency?

Most students recommend using one of the following:

Important Links: 

• A Roadmap for Applying to a PM&R Residency Program
• A Step-by-Step guide to applying for a PM&R Residency

Here's an interesting resource; Download the pdf and know it cold!!! :

Plastic Surgery Essentials For Students

Here's some important information to help in your preparation for the match:

• Tips for applying from Zen Psychiatry
• How to rock your Psych interviews
• General Psychiatry Residency Application Process Guidlines
• A Guide to Applying for Psychiatry Residency
• Shadowing a Psychiatrist

Looking for a Psychiatry Residency opening?

Check out the websites for:

• American Psychiatry Association Clearinghouse
• American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training

Considering a Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Fellowship?

• Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine
• Pulmonary Disease fellowships are two or three years in length
• In the 2014 Match, 486 out of 753 applicants matched = 65% Match Rate
• In the 2017 Match, 524 out of 742 applicants matched = 70% Match Rate
• Average Yearly Compensation = $263,000
• Overall Satisfaction with specialty: 44%
• Would Choose the same specialty again: 39%

More Information:

Association of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Program Directors atwww.apccmpd.org

Here's an informative look at what needs to be done to get into Radiology:

• 2016 AMSER Guide to Applying for Radiology Residency
• Interview Tips

Here's a listing of current Radiology Residency Vacancies:

Association of Radiology Program Directors: Available Positions

Success Stories of IMGs matching in Radiology:

• Networking to Match in Radiology
• The Path to Our Destiny
• Rubbin Elbows
• There's No Going Back

Considering a Rheumatology Fellowship?

• Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine
• Rheumatology fellowships are two years in length
• In the 2014 Match, 189 out of 230 applicants matched = 82% Match Rate.
• In the 2017 Match, 210 out of 332 applicants matched = 63% Match Rate.
• Average Yearly Compensation $186,000
• Overall Satisfaction with specialty: 47%
• Would choose the same specialty again: 49%

More Information:

• American College of Rheumatology at www.rheumatology.org
• Great Educational Modules
• Rheumatology Image Bank
• Choose Rhematology
• Rheumatology Top 5 List

Data Sources:

1. NRMP Charting Outcomes in the Match Specialties Matching Service, Appointment Year 2011 : Characteristics of Applicants Who Matched in Their Preferred Specialty
2. Medscape Physician Compensation Report: 2013

Considering a Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship?

• Applicants must have completed a residency in Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Primary Care Sports Medicine fellowships are one-year in length
• In the 2014 Match, 197 out of 286 applicants matched = 69% Match Rate
• In the 2017 Match, 243 out of 322 applicants matched = 75% Match Rate

More Information:

• Is a Career in Sports Medicine for you?
• Applying to Sports Medicine
• Sports Medicine Top 5 List
• American Medical Society for Sports Medicine at www.amssm.org

Here's a "must read" for any student considering doing a surgery residency in the US:

Essentials of Matching in General Surgery    - It's a quick summary of important information about matching in surgery which was compiled from 140 Surgical Residency Program Directors and Residency Coordinators!!!  You can't get better info then that!!!!       

Essentials for Medical students in Surgery

Online guide for Choosing a Surgical Residency

How to select the best Surgery Residency program?

​ 

Looking for a residency position in Surgery?

Check out the open training positions on the Association of Program Directors in Surgery website.

Good Luck!

Sorry, not much data available for urology.  They have their own match.

Top 3 Selection Criteria used by Urology Residency Directors

According to a 2015 survey of urology residency program directors,  the most important factors during the residency selection process are:

• USMLE performance
• Urology references
• Completing an away rotation at the program directors' institution.

Source: Program Directors' Criteria for selection Into Urology Residency; Urology 2015 Apr;85(4):731-6

Important Links

• Urology Residency Guide
• Application to Urology Residency