List of Medical Specialties

Allergy/Immunology

An allergist-immunologist is trained in evaluation, physical and laboratory diagnosis, and management of

disorders involving the immune system. Selected examples of such conditions include asthma, anaphylaxis,
rhinitis, eczema, and adverse reactions to drugs, foods, and insect stings as well as immune deficiency diseases
(both acquired and congenital), defects in host defense, and problems related to autoimmune disease, organ
transplantation or malignancies of the immune system. As our understanding of the immune system develops,
the scope of this specialty will widen.

Match
For positions starting in 2010, many programs will participate with the Electronic Residency Application
Service. Residency programs are not affiliated with a matching program.

Residency Training Requirements

Training programs are available at some medical centers to provide individuals with expertise in both
allergy/immunology and adult rheumatology, or in both allergy/immunology and pediatric pulmonology. Such
individuals are candidates for dual certification.

Training required:
Prior certification in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics; two years in allergy/immunology.

Subspecialties
Pediatric Pulmonology

Also, check out the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Anesthesiology

Anesthesiology is the practice of medicine which involves the perioperative care of patients and the treatment of
pain. The field is predominately a hospital-based specialty, which cares for patients acutely pre-operatively,
post-operatively and in critical care units. It also involves the treatment of acute and chronic pain as one of its
major subspecialties. The practice of anesthesiology includes a wide spectrum of patients: all ages, all degrees
of illnesses and both sexes. The subspecialties include: pediatric, cardiac, neuro, obstetrical, ambulatory
anesthesia as well as critical care medicine and pain management. Individuals interested in anesthesiology are
those who enjoy physiology and applied pharmacology in the clinical setting. They must be comfortable with
managing acute life threatening problems and enjoy working in the operating room.

Match
Most programs participate in Electronic Residency Application Service and National Residency Matching
Program.
Residency Training Requirements
4 years, including a Clinical Base (or PGY-1) Year.
Moderately Competitive

Subspecialties
Pediatric Anesthesia, Cardiac Anesthesia, Obstetrical Anesthesia, Neuro Anesthesia, Critical Care Medicine and
Pain Management

A Clinical Base Year rotation is required, which includes training in internal medicine or emergency medicine,
pediatrics, surgery or any of the surgical specialties, critical care medicine, obstetrics and gynecology,
neurology, family practice, or any combination of these.

Also, check out the American Society of Anesthesiology

Dermatology

A dermatologist is trained trs of the skin such as hair loss and scars, and the skin changes associated with
aging.o diagnose and treat pediatric and adult patients with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, mouth,
external genitalia, hair and nails, as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases. The dermatologist has
had additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, melanomas, moles, and
other tumors of the skin, the management of contact dermatitis, and other allergic and nonallergic skin
disorders, and in the recognition of the skin manifestations of systemic (including internal malignancy) and
infectious diseases. Dermatologists have special training in dermatopathology and in the surgical techniques
used in dermatology. They also have expertise in the management of cosmetic disorde

Dermatologists see patients of all ages and backgrounds for various skin conditions. A typical practice setting is
in either academia or private practice. Normal business hours are from 8:00-5:00 Monday through Friday for
many practitioners, with some open on Saturday or with evening hours. Most commonly, Dermatologists
conduct biopsies and excisions, prescribe medications, and do surgery to remove benign/malignant cancers. It
isn’t all acne!

Match
Most programs participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service. Both PGY-1 and PGY-2 matching
programs are operated through the National Resident Matching Program.

Residency Training Requirements

4 years, including a broad-based PGY-1 year of training.
Very Competitive

Subspecialties
Cutaneous Surgery, Pediatric Dermatology, Dermatopathology

Also, check out the American Academy of Dermatology

 
 Emergency Medicine

Emergency medicine physiciannnual emergency department patient volumes may be over 90,000 patients.
Emergency department volumes have increased in recent years. Emergency physicians focus on the rapid
diagnosis and initial resuscitation and treatment of patient problems and diseases. Emergency physicians enjoy
problem-solving diagnostics. The practice also includes a variety of procedures including laceration repairs,
some fracture ad dislocation reductions, management of major trauma, airway management including intubation
and other procedures such as chest tubes, thoracentesis, paracentesis and arthrocentesis. s see all types of
patients from pediatric to geriatrics, from medical to surgical. Although people often equate emergency
medicine with trauma, major trauma cases comprise of less than 10% of emergency department patients. Over
half of emergency department patients present with medical illnesses. Emergency medicine is a hospital-based
specialty in that one will see patients in a hospital emergency department and typically not a free-standing unit.
Most emergency departments are in community hospitals with annual patient volumes of 15,000-35,000 visits
per year. Typically, a group of physicians will contract with a hospital to provide coverage in the emergency
department. In teaching hospitals and large academic centers, a

Match
Most programs participate in Electronic Residency Application Service and National Residency Matching
Program

Residency Training Requirements

3 years; no prerequisites
Moderately Competitive

Subspecialties
Types of fellowships or subspecialties: Research, Pediatric, EM, EMS, Toxicology, Sports Medicine

Organization or Interest Group Contact

Emergency Medicine Interest Group Website: http://msuemig.googlepages.com/home

Also, check out the American College of Emergency Physicians

Family Medicine

A Family physician is trained to provide care to patients and their families with a focus on their community.
The care provided is continuing, comprehensive, coordinative, preventive, and delivered in a personalized
manner to patients regardless of age, gender, presence of disease or organ system affected. Family physicians
engage in a broad range of clinical activities that occur in the office, hospital, home, nursing home, extended
care facility and other settings. Commonly performed procedures include vacesctomy, flexible sigmoidoscopy,
colposcopy, skin biopsy, and casting and splinting. Family physicians practice in geographic setting ranging
from rural, urban and everything in between.

Match
Most programs participate in Electronic Residency Application Service and National Residency Matching
Program

Residency Training Requirements

3 years
Subspecialties
Types of fellowships or subspecialties: Faculty Development, Sports Medicine, Geriatrics, Obstetrics, Research,
Rural Medicine, Substance Abuse, Adolescent Medicine

Also, check out the American Academy Family Physicians

Surgery-General

General Surgery encompasses a wide variety of disease process and patient populations. Overall, it includes
disease process such as cancers of the breast, endocrine glands, skin and gastrointestinal tract, the care of
trauma and burn victims, and benign gastrointestinal problems which can range from peptic ulcer disease to
biliary tract disease to inflammatory bowel disease. General surgeons also take care of more common problems
such as hernias. There are several subspecialties that require training in general surgery prior to entering
fellowship training. These include: Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Colorectal
Surgery. There is no typical practice setting. Practice settings can range from a pure private practice
environment, where the surgeon is practicing alone, specifically without the presence of residents or students, to
a University environment, where surgeons participate in the training of residents and medical students, as well
as teaching and doing basic or clinical research. A general surgical practice is unique in the type of surgeon may
have patients who follow up with him/her on a regular basis, such as breast or GI cancer patients, where the
surgeon who assesses the patient for tumor recurrence, as well as having patients who come for solutions to a
“one time” problem such as a hernia. Surgeons must diagnose and manage many complex clinical problems
non-operatively as well as master operative procedures.

Match
Most programs participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service and in the National Resident
Matching Program

Residency Training Requirements

5 years, no prerequisites

Subspecialties
Cardiovascular, Vascular, Transplant, Trauma, Colorectal, Pediatric Surgery, Critical Care, Oncology (all
require general surgery training prior to beginning fellowships)

Also, check out the American Board of Surgery

Internal Medicine

An Internal Medicine physician provides long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital,
managing both common and complex illness of adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Internists are trained in the
diagnosis and treatment of cancer, infections, and diseases affecting the heart, blood, kidneys, joints, and
digestive, respiratory and vascular systems. They are also trained in the essentials of primary care internal
medicine which incorporates an understanding of disease prevention, wellness, substance abuse, mental health,
and effective treatment of common problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system, and reproductive organs.
Match
Most programs participate in Electronic Residency Application Service and National Residency Matching
Program.

Residency Training Requirements

3 Year Residency Program
The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) offers a special test that certifies expertise in internal
medicine. Passing this test is beneficial to an internal medicine career, and most graduates take this examination
to become “board certified” in medicine. It is not required. A similar examination is offered by ABIM following
completion of a subspecialty fellowship.

Subspecialties
*2 to 3 years of training beyond residency
*Applications for fellowship are submitted the 2nd year of residency training
Allergy and Immunology, Cardiovascular Disease, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Gastroenterology,
Hematology, Infectious Disease, Medical Oncology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, Pulmonary Disease

Combined Programs
Dermatology/Internal Medicine
Emergency Medicine/Internal Medicine
Emergency Medicine/Internal Medicine/Critical Care Medicine
Family Practice/Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine/Neurology
Internal Medicine/Nuclear Medicine
Internal Medicine/Pediatrics
Internal Medicine/Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Internal Medicine/Preventative Medicine
Internal Medicine/Psychiatry

Also, check out the American College of Physicians

Medical Genetics

A specialist trained in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for patients with genetically-linked diseases. This
specialist uses modern cytogenetic, radiologic, and biochemical testing to assist in specialized genetic
counseling, implements needed therapeutic interventions, and provides prevention through prenatal diagnosis. A
medical geneticist plans and coordinates large scale screening programs for inborn errors of metabolism,
hemoglobinopathies, chromosome abnormalities, and neural tube defects.

Match
Residency programs are not affiliated with a matching program. Individuals must apply directly to the desired
program.

Residency Training Requirements

4 Years
The first two must have been completed in another specialty or its equivalent (usually pediatrics, ob-gyn, or
internal medicine).
Subspecialties
Molecular Genetic Pathology

Also, check out the American Board of Medical Genetics

Neurology

Neurology is the medical specialty dedicated to the care of patients with dysfunction of the central nervous
system (stroke, epilepsy, headache, Alzheimer’s disease, sleep disorders, Parkinson’s disease, multiple
sclerosis, brain tumors) or the peripheral nervous system (nerve root compression from herniated discs;
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, Guilliain-Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis and
muscular dystrophies). Neurologists typically divide their time between outpatients, inpatients hospitalized for
primary neurologic disorders, and inpatients hospitalized for other conditions who also have neurologic
problems. Common procedures used by neurologists include lumbar puncture (LP), electroencephalography
(EEG), electromyography (EMG), and polysomnography (PSG). Neurologists must also learn to interpret a
variety of imaging studies, notably CT and MRI scans.

Match
Most programs participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service. Both PGY-1 and PGY-2 matching
programs are operated through the National Resident Matching Program.

Residency Training Requirements

4 Years
Length of training includes a required preliminary year in general internal medicine.

Subspecialties
Types of fellowships or subspecialties: Cognitive Disorders, Stroke, Epilepsy, Neuromuscular,
Electrophysiology, Sleep Disorders, Neuro-ophthalmology, Neuro-otology, Multiple Sclerosis, Neuro-
oncology, Movement Disorders, Neurorehabilitation.

Also, check out American Academcy of Neurology

Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery is the surgical specialty that treats patients with disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral
nervous system. About 70% of patients treated by neurosurgeons have diseases of the spine or spinal cord. The
remainder has problems with the brain and peripheral nervous system. There are about 3,500 practicing
neurosurgeons in the United States of which 500 are in teaching centers. Technical aspects of the specialty
cover a broad spectrum from microsurgical techniques, particularly aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations
and brain tumors, to extensive reconstruction of the spine. Neurosurgery became a surgical specialty just after
the turn of the last century. Current frontiers in neurosurgery include treatment for brain tumors, movement
disorders, nerve and spinal cord regeneration, and neuroprotection therapy for head injury and stroke.

Match
Beginning 2009, all programs will participate in the National Resident Matching Program. Some neurological
surgery programs offer the PGY-1 training year integrated into its program. Many programs begin with PGY-2
positions available.
Residency Training Requirements
*6 years, including a preliminary 1 year of training
The preliminary year of training must be in either general surgery or a broad acquisition of fundamental clinical
skills.

Subspecialties
Spine, Tumor, Functional Stereotaxy, Epilepsy

Also check out the American Association of Neurological Surgeons

Nuclear Medicine

A nuclear medicine specialist employs the properties of radioactive atoms and molecules in the diagnosis and
treatment of disease, and in research. Radiation detection and imaging instrument systems are used to detect
disease as it changes the function and metabolism of normal cells, tissues, and organs. A wide variety of
diseases can be found in this way, usually before the structure of the organ involved by the disease can be seen
to be abnormal by any other techniques. Early detection of coronary artery disease (including acute heart
attack); early cancer detection and evaluation of the effect of tumor treatment; diagnosis of infection and
inflammation anywhere in the body; and early detection of blood clot in the lungs are all possible with these
techniques. Unique forms of radioactive molecules can attack and kill cancer cells (e.g., lymphoma, thyroid
cancer) or can relieve the severe pain of cancer that has spread to bone. The nuclear medicine specialist has
special knowledge in the biologic effects of radiation exposure, the fundamentals of the physical sciences and
the principles and operation of radiation detection and imaging instrumentation systems.

Match
Most programs participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service. Check with the program.
Transitional year training programs may participate in the National Resident Matching Program.

Residency Training Requirements

3 Years
Length of training includes successful completion of a transitional year program, or a PGY1 program in internal
medicine or surgery.

Also, check out the American College of Nuclear Physicians

Obstetrics & Gynecology

The medical practice of Obstetrics and Gynecology provides medical care for women throughout their life
cycle. Physicians facilitate prevention, diagnosis and treatment of women’s health related issues in both
inpatient and outpatient settings, including delivery of infants and gynecological surgery. It is a unique
opportunity to provide the primary and reproductive health care services for women.

Match
Most programs participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service and National Resident Matching
Program.
Residency Training Requirements
4 years; no prerequisites.

Subspecialties
Gynecological Oncology, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Reproductive Endocrinology

Also, check out the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists

Ophthalmology

An ophthalmologist has the knowledge and professional skills needed to provide comprehensive eye and vision
care. Ophthalmologists are medically trained to diagnose, monitor, and medically or surgically treat all ocular
and visual disorders. This includes problems affecting the eye and its component structures, the eyelids, the
orbit and the visual pathways. In so doing, an ophthalmologist prescribes vision services, including glasses and
contact lenses.

Match
Most programs require the Centralized Application Service. Applicants who have not yet completed their PGY-
1 training will have to register for and participate in the OMP and the National Resident Matching Program
simultaneously. The OMP match takes place in January and matches applicants to their PGY-2 position; the
NRMP Match takes place in March and matches applicants to their PGY-1 position.

Residency Training Requirements

3 Years
Requires successful completion of a PGY-l year in internal medicine (3 years), neurology (4 years), pediatrics
(3 years), surgery (5 years), family practice (3 years), or emergency medicine (3 years).

Also, check out the American Academy of Ophthalmology

Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedics is a medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries
and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The term “orthopaedics” comes from the Greek- ortho (straight)
and pais (child). Once devoted to the care of children with spine and limb deformities, orthopaedists now care
for patients of all ages-newborns with clubfeet, young athletes requiring arthroscopic surgery and older patients
with arthritis need joint replacements. While most orthopaedists practice general orthopaedics in a private group
practice setting, some may specialize in treating the foot, hand, shoulder, spine, hip, knee and others in
pediatrics, trauma, or sports medicine. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is the world’s largest
medical association of musculoskeletal specialists (24,000 internationally).

Match
Most programs participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service and National Resident Matching
Program.
Residency Training Requirements
5 years, including a PG-Y 1 year
PGY-1 year of training must be in general surgery.

Subspecialties
Reconstructive, Sports, Spine, Trauma, Oncology and Pediatrics

Also, check out the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website.

Otolaryngology

Otolaryngology is the oldest specialty in the United States. Otolaryngologists are physicians trained in medical
and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT)
and related structures of the head and neck. They are commonly referred to as ENT physicians. Their special
skills include diagnosing and managing diseases of the sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity and upper larynx
(mouth & throat), as well as structures of the neck and face. Otolarynologists diagnose, treat, and manage
specialty-specific disorders as well as many primary care problems in both children and adults.

Match
Most programs participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service. PGY-1 programs participate in the
National Resident Matching Program. PGY-2 programs and integrated programs (which include a PGY-1
program) participate in the in the NRMP.

Residency Training Requirements

5 years, including a PGY-1 year.
PGY-1 year with at least nine months of basic surgical, emergency and critical care, and anesthesia training.

Subspecialties
Head and Neck, Facial Plastic, Pediatric, Otology, Neuro-Otology

Also, check out the American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery

Pediatrics

www.aap.org

Pediatricians focus on the care of children from birth to 21 years of age. They provide preventative health
maintenance for healthy children and medical care for those who are seriously or chronically ill. They may
diagnose and treat infections, injuries, genetic defects, malignancies and many types of organic disease and
dysfunctions. Pediatricians may practice in many different types of outpatient (private or public clinics) or
hospital-based settings (inpatient or urgent-care/emergency departments in community or academic hospitals).
One may choose to work in general pediatrics or in one of the pediatric sub-specialty fields. Pediatricians may
also work in the field of public health, or be involved in research in the basic sciences or in health services.
Those in pediatrics strive to optimize the care for children, in part by becoming an expert in child development
and behavior, by providing care in the context of families, ad by advocating for the health and safety of all
children.
Match
Most programs participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service and in the National Resident
Matching Program.

Residency Training Requirements

3 years
Prerequisites-none

Subspecialties
Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Critical Care, Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric
Gastroenterology, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine,
Pediatric Nephrology, Pediatric Pulmonology, Pediatric Psychology, Pediatric PM&R, Pediatric Rheumatology,
Child Neurology, Genetics, General Academic, Pediatric ER, and Behavioral & Development.

Also, check out the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R)

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, also referred to as rehabilitation medicine, is the medical specialty
concerned with diagnosing, evaluating, and treating patients with physical disabilities. These disabilities may
arise from conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system such as neck and back pain, sports injuries, or other
painful conditions affecting the limbs, for example carpal tunnel syndrome. Alternatively, the disabilities may
result from neurological trauma or disease such as spinal cord injury, head injury, or stroke. A physician
certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation is often called a “Physiatrist”. The primary goal of the
Physiatrist is to achieve maximal restoration of physical, psychological, social, and vocational function through
comprehensive rehabilitation. Pain management is often an important part of the role of the physiatrist. For
diagnosis and evaluation, a physiatrist may include the techniques of electromyography to supplement the
standard history, physical, X-ray, and laboratory examinations. The physiatrist has expertise in the appropriate
use of therapeutic exercise, prosthetics (artificial limbs), orthotics, and mechanical and electrical devices.

Match
Most programs participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service and in the National Resident
Matching Program.

Residency Training Requirements

4 years, including a PGY-1 year.
The PGY-1 year can be completed through an accredited transitional year, or in a preliminary year of internal
medicine, pediatrics or surgery.

Subspecialties
Types of fellowships or subspecialties: Spine, NIH Research Fellowships

Also, check out the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
 Psychiatry

A psychiatrist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, addictive, and emotional
disorders such as schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance-
related disorders, sexual and gender identity disorders, and adjustment disorders. The psychiatrist is able to
understand the biological, psychological, and social components of illness, and therefore is uniquely prepared to
treat the whole person. A psychiatrist is qualified to order diagnostic laboratory tests and to prescribe
medications, evaluate and treat psychological and interpersonal problems, and to intervene with families who
are coping with stress, crises, and other problems in living.

Psychiatric disorders are now recognized the world over as major causes of disability and premature death. Both
the World Health Organization and the Department of Health and Human Services recognize major depressive
disorder as the predominant public health problem in the world, with anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder,
schizophrenia and substance abuse all high on the list. Psychiatrists treat these disorders in a variety of settings,
including private offices, multispecialty group practices, community mental health clinics, hospital-based
clinics, hospital consultation services, and inpatient units. Many psychiatrists work in collaboration with
primary care and specialty physicians in several of these settings concurrently. The psychiatrist’s role includes
patient evaluation, supervisions of a multidisciplinary treatment team, medication management and
psychotherapy.

Match
Most programs participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service and in the National Resident
Matching Program.

Residency Training Requirements

4 years, including a PGY-1 year.
PGY-1 year can either be a clinical year of training in internal medicine, family practice, or pediatrics; a
transitional year program; or one year of residency in a clinical specialty requiring comprehensive and
continuous patient care.

Subspecialties
Addiction, Forensics, Adolescent Child, Pain Medicine and Geriatrics

Also, check out the American Psychiatric Association

Plastic Surgery

A plastic surgeon deals with the repair, reconstruction, or replacement of physical defects of form or function
involving the skin, musculoskeletal system, craniomaxillofacial structures, hand, extremities, breast and trunk,
and external genitalia or cosmetic enhancement of these areas of the body. Cosmetic surgery is an essential
component of plastic surgery. The plastic surgeon uses cosmetic surgical principles to both improve overall
appearances and to optimize the outcome of reconstructive procedures as well.
Special knowledge and skill in the design and surgery of grafts, flaps, and free tissue transfer and replantation is
necessary. Competence in the management of complex wounds, the use of implantable materials, and in tumor
surgery is required. Plastic surgeons have been prominent in the development of innovative techniques such as
microvascular and craniomaxillofacial surgery, liposuction, and tissue transfer. Anatomy, physiology,
pathology, and other basic sciences are fundamental to the specialty.

Competency in plastic surgery implies an amalgam of basic medical and surgical knowledge, operative
judgment, technical expertise, ethical behavior, and interpersonal skills to achieve problem resolution and
patient satisfaction. With innovative technologies continuously emerging, plastic surgery is constantly
reinventing itself, evolving into new clinical areas. This specialty is the perfect place for creative problem-
solvers who enjoy thinking “out of the box”.

Match
Most Integrated programs (those that offer PGY1 positions) participate in the Electronic Residency Application
Service. For Independent programs, individuals normally apply through the Centralized Application Service.
For combined programs, individuals may apply for the General Surgery PGY1 position through ERAS.

Check with program; PGY-1 programs participate in the National Resident Matching Program, most PGY-2
programs participate in the San Francisco Match Program.

Residency Training Requirements

2 Years
Requires successful completion of a residency program in neurological surgery, orthopedic surgery,
otolaryngology, or urology.

Subspecialties
Craniofacial, Microsurgery, Hand, Breast, Oncology

Also, check out the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Preventative Medicine

http://www.acoem.org/
http://www.asma.org/

A preventive medicine specialist focuses on the health of individuals and defined populations in order to
protect, promote and maintain health and well-being, and to prevent disease, disability and pre-mature death.
The distinctive components of preventive medicine include:
1. Biostatistics and the application of biostatistical principles and methodology;
2. Epidemiology and its application to population-based medicine and research;
3. Health services management and administration including: developing, assessing, and assuring health
policies; planning, implementing, directing, budgeting, and evaluating population health and disease
management programs; and utilizing legislative and regulatory processes to enhance health;
4. Control of environmental factors that may adversely affect health;
5. Control and prevention of occupational factors that may adversely affect health safety;
6. Clinical preventive medicine activities, including measures to promote health and prevent the occurrence,
progression, and disabling effects of disease and injury; and
7. Assessment of social, cultural, and behavioral influences on health.
A preventive medicine physician may be a specialist in general preventive medicine, public health, occupational
medicine, or aerospace medicine. This specialist works with large population groups as well as with individual
patients to promote health and understand the risks of disease, injury, disability, and death, seeking to modify
and eliminate these risks.

Match
Individuals must apply directly to the desired program. Most residency programs are not affiliated with a
matching program.
Residency Training Requirements
3 years; no prerequisites required.

Subspecialties
Medical Toxicology

Also, check out the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) or the
Aerospace Medical Association.
 

Radiology-Diagnostic

www.apdr.org

Nearly all physicians examine patients, obtain medical histories, diagnose illnesses, or prescribe and administer
treatment for people suffering from injury or disease. According to American Medical Association statistics,
however, 1.2 % of physicians specialize in radiology (compared with 16.7% who specialize in internal
medicine). Generally, the radiologist is different from other physicians because he or she diagnoses diseases by
obtaining and interpreting medical images. Some images are obtained by using x-rays or radioactive substances,
others by means of sound waves or the body’s natural magnetism. A radiologist correlates medical image
findings with other examinations and tests, recommends further examinations or treatments, and confers with
referring physicians. Radiologists also treat some diseases by means of radiation (radiation oncology) or
minimally invasive, image-guided surgery (interventional radiology).

Match
Most programs participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service and in the National Resident
Matching Program.

Residency Training Requirements

5 years, including a PGY-1 year. PGY-1 year must consist of training in internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery
or surgical specialties, obstetrics and gynecology, neurology, family practice, emergency medicine, or any
combination of these, or an ACGME or equivalent accredited transitional year.

Subspecialties
Musculoskeletal, MRI, Abdominal Imaging (GI or GU), Chest, Pediatrics, Nuclear Medicine, Angiography and
Interventional Radiology, Women’s Imaging, Neuroradiology.

Also, check out the Association of Program Directors in Radiology

 

Radiation Oncology

www.acro.org/

Both pediatric and adult patients are treated in the practice of radiation oncology. The majority of these patients
have a malignancy, which may be involving any site or organ system. A limited number of patients are treated
for benign conditions. The typical practice setting is a hospital-based community or academic practice. External
beam therapy with either a photon beam or an electron beam, focused n the site of the tumor, is most commonly
utilized. Brachytherapy is also employed, and involves the placement of radioactive sources within or adjacent
to tumors.

Match
Most programs participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service and in the National Resident
Matching Program.

Residency Training Requirements

5 years, including a PGY-1 year. PGY-1 year must be spent in internal medicine, family practice,
obstetrics/gynecology, surgery or surgical specialties, pediatrics, a categorical radiation oncology year, or a
transitional year program.

Subspecialties
None

Also, check out the American College of Radiation Oncology

Thoracic Surgery

A thoracic surgeon provides the operative, perioperative care, and critical care of patients with pathologic
conditions within the chest. Included is the surgical care of coronary artery disease, cancers of the lung,
esophagus and chest wall, abnormalities of the trachea, abnormalities of the great vessels and heart valves,
congenital anomalies, tumors of the mediastinum, and diseases of the diaphragm. The management of the
airway and injuries of the chest is within the scope of the specialty.

Thoracic surgeons have the knowledge, experience and technical skills to accurately diagnose, operate upon
safely, and effectively manage patients with thoracic diseases of the chest. This requires substantial knowledge
of cardiorespiratory physiology and oncology, as well as capability in the use of heart assist devices,
management of abnormal heart rhythms and drainage of the chest cavity, respiratory support systems,
endoscopy, and invasive and noninvasive diagnostic techniques.

Match
Individuals must apply directly to the desired program. Contact the program to confirm. Most programs
participate in the National Resident Matching Program

Residency Training Requirements

This fellowship is 2 years in length and requires successful completion of a residency program in general
surgery.

Also, check out the American Association for Thoracic Surgery

Urology

www.auanet.org

Urology is a surgical specialty that deals with diseases of the kidney and bladder of the urinary system in
women and the genitourinary system (kidneys, bladder, prostate, testes, urethra) in men. Typical practice setting
is a mixture of office practice and surgery with a substantial opportunity for long-term continuity with patients.
This is somewhat unique in a surgical specialty. There is an opportunity for subspecialization in microsurgery,
endoscopic surgery, cancer surgery, and pediatric surgery.

Match
Most programs participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service. The early Urology Match is
administered by the American Urological Association. Some programs also require participation in the NRMP
match for general training required prior to beginning urological training.

Residency Training Requirements

5 years, including a PGY-1 year. PGY-1 year must be spent in general surgery.

Subspecialties
The American Urological Association has identified seven subspecialty areas:
1. Pediatric Urology
2. Urologic Oncology (cancer)
3. Renal Transplantation
4. Male Infertility
5. Calculi (urinary tract stones)
6. Female Urology (urinary incontinence and pelvic outlet relaxation disorders)
7. Neurourology (voiding disorders, urodynamic evaluation of patients, and erectile dysfunction or impotence).

Electives
Electives dealing with various medical subspecialties are also thought to be extremely valuable for students
entering urologic training programs. For example, nephrology, hematology, cardiology, pulmonary medicine,
infectious disease, and gastroenterology are all very reasonable electives to take. Radiology as well as a
subinternship in either medicine or surgery is also good choices for the future urologist. Of course, one should
definitely take an elective course in urology to confirm specialty choice.

Board Certification
To qualify for certification by the American Board of Urology (ABU), a candidate must complete an approved
urologic residency training program. A minimum of five years of clinical postgraduate education is required; of
which 12 months must be spent in general surgery and 36 months must be spent in clinical urology. The
remaining 12 months must be spent in general surgery, urology or other clinical disciplines relevant to urology
and acceptable to the Board. Irrespective of the training format provided, the final 12 months must be spent as a
chief resident in urology with appropriate clinical responsibility under supervision in institutions that are an
approved part of the program.

Also, check out the American Urological Association.