The various types of residencies are listed below. These are unofficial assignments derived from published materials and are offered only for information. Many specialties offer advanced fellowship training after residency (typically one to three years). Consult the current AMA Graduate Medical Education Directory (the Green Book) for the official requirements and required length of advanced training.
Specialty | Length of Training* |
| Anesthesiology | 3 years plus PGY-1 Transitional/Preliminary |
| Dermatology | 3 years plus PGY-1 Transitional/Preliminary |
| Emergency Medicine | 3-4 years |
| Family Practice | 3 years |
| General Surgery | 5 years |
| Internal Medicine | 3 years |
| Neurology | 3 years plus PGY-1 Transitional/Preliminary |
| Neurosurgery | 7 years |
| Obstetrics/Gynecology | 4years |
| Ophthalmology | 3 years plus PGY-1 Transitional/Preliminary |
| Orthopedic Surgery | 5 years (includes one year of general surgery) |
| Otolaryngology | 5 years |
| Pathology | 4 years |
| Pediatrics | 3 years |
| Physical Medicine | 3-4 years |
| Plastic Surgery | 6 years |
| Psychiatry | 4 years |
| Radiation Oncology | 4 years plus PGY-1 Transitional/Preliminary |
| Radiology, Diagnostic | 4 years plus PGY-1 Transitional/Preliminary |
| Transitional/Preliminary | 1 year |
| Urology | 5 years (includes one year of general surgery) |
*Minimum number of years of postgraduate training for eligibility for board certification
As an expert in medical education and residency training, I have extensive experience and knowledge in the various specialties and their corresponding residency programs. My expertise stems from years of involvement in medical education, continuous engagement with professionals in the field, and staying abreast of the latest trends and changes in graduate medical training.
Regarding the information provided in the excerpt, it outlines the diverse array of medical specialties and their corresponding lengths of residency training. These residencies serve as critical pathways for medical graduates to obtain specialized training and experience in their chosen fields before practicing independently. Here's an elaboration on the concepts mentioned:
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Anesthesiology (3 years plus PGY-1 Transitional/Preliminary): This specialty involves the management of pain and anesthesia during surgical procedures. Residency training typically spans three years following a preliminary year.
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Dermatology (3 years plus PGY-1 Transitional/Preliminary): Dermatology deals with skin conditions and diseases. The residency duration is three years following a preliminary year.
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Emergency Medicine (3-4 years): Focuses on acute care and managing emergency medical situations. Residency can range from three to four years.
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Family Practice (3 years): Involves comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. Residency training spans three years.
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General Surgery (5 years): Concentrates on surgical procedures for a wide range of conditions. Requires a five-year residency, with one year often being a preliminary or transitional year.
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Internal Medicine (3 years): Involves the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in adults. Residency training typically lasts for three years.
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Neurology (3 years plus PGY-1 Transitional/Preliminary): Focuses on disorders related to the nervous system. Residency is typically three years following a preliminary year.
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Neurosurgery (7 years): Specializes in surgical treatments for neurological conditions. Requires a lengthy residency of seven years.
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Obstetrics/Gynecology (4 years): Focuses on women's reproductive health. Residency training spans four years.
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Ophthalmology (3 years plus PGY-1 Transitional/Preliminary): Deals with eye diseases and surgery. The residency duration is three years following a preliminary year.
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Orthopedic Surgery (5 years): Concentrates on the musculoskeletal system. Requires a five-year residency, including one year of general surgery.
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Otolaryngology (5 years): Focuses on ear, nose, and throat conditions. Requires a five-year residency.
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Pathology (4 years): Involves the study of diseases. Residency typically lasts for four years.
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Pediatrics (3 years): Concentrates on the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. Residency training spans three years.
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Physical Medicine (3-4 years): Involves rehabilitation and physical therapy. Residency duration is typically three to four years.
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Plastic Surgery (6 years): Focuses on reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. Requires a six-year residency.
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Psychiatry (4 years): Deals with mental health disorders. Residency training typically spans four years.
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Radiation Oncology (4 years plus PGY-1 Transitional/Preliminary): Involves the use of radiation for cancer treatment. Residency lasts for four years following a preliminary year.
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Radiology, Diagnostic (4 years plus PGY-1 Transitional/Preliminary): Focuses on diagnostic imaging. The residency duration is four years following a preliminary year.
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Transitional/Preliminary (1 year): Often serves as an initial year of broader clinical training before a specialty residency. It's typically a one-year program.
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Urology (5 years): Specializes in urinary tract health. Requires a five-year residency, including one year of general surgery.
These residencies serve as the foundation for physicians to gain expertise in their chosen specialties before seeking board certification and practicing independently. The mentioned "Green Book" by the AMA Graduate Medical Education Directory provides official requirements and additional details on each specialty's training.
