The Life After Medical School

Clinical CareerOpportunities in the

USA

Gerhard M. Friehs, MD, MA, FACGS, IFAANS

Clinical Career in the USAIn 2015:

22,000 first year medical students in US30,212 first year residency positions in US

41,334 registered applicants12,380 foreign applicants6,301 of those matched

60,000 physician shortage

nrmp.org

Clerkship, Rotation:Medical student participation in clinical practice

Internship:1 year (first) of residency training; together with step 1, 2, 3 of USMLE = general practitioner

Residency:Post-graduate medical or surgical specialty

training, usually 3-7 years, resulting in specialty qualification

Fellowship:Post-residency additional in-depth training; sometimes resulting in sub-specialization

Tip #1:Get your Foot in the Door

Step 1 – year 2 (4) of medical schoolStep 2 CK – year 4 (6) of medical schoolStep 2 CS – year 4 (6) of medical schoolStep 3 – year 1 of residency (or before)

usmle.org

Tip #2:Be Flexible!

Most Competitive Programs

OrthopedicsNeurosurgery

OphthalmologyPlastic Surgery

UrologyDermatology

Radiation Oncology

Plastic Surgery: 141

Dermatology: 407

Least Competitive Programs

Family MedicinePsychiatry

Physiatry and RehabilitationInternal Medicine

NeurologyPediatrics

AnesthesiologyEmergency Medicine

OBGyn

Tip #3:Never give up, never surrender!

Thank you