As medical students near the completion of their MD program, they often start to navigate what happens after medical school. One of the most pivotal moments is the transition to medical residency.

Residency is the time during which med school graduates further train as practitioners and continue to refine their skills in a specialized field. For graduates, this is both an exciting and daunting time that is filled not only with opportunity, but the pressure of performance.

Students begin to plan for residency during their clinical years. From tips about optimizing your residency application to how the Match process works, we gathered some insights and expertise to help with support with your transition into this new phase of medical training.

• How long is medical residency? And 5 other FAQs about this MD training
• What happens after medical school? Preparing for what’s next

 

Applying for medical residency

The residency application process begins with choosing a specialty and ends with the highly anticipated Match Day. The system for residency selection is designed to match the preferences of applicants with the preferences of residency programs.

To stand out, as a medical student, your application will need to highlight academic excellence, a thoughtful personal statement, and strong letters of recommendation. Securing a medical residency position will also mean conducting impressive interviews with residency directors.

See our insights and advice for the residency application process

 

How the Match works

Match Day is a defining moment in a medical student’s journey to become an MD. It’s when you will learn where you will spend the next several years training in a chosen specialty. Many students say the excitement and anxiety leading up to this day are unparalleled.

Hear from SGU alumni about the experience leading up to and on Match Day, as well as placement into competitive programs and how it impacted their careers. Find out more about the Match process.

 

Advancing your career goals with resources to help you successfully Match

Want to ace your residency application? SGU’s Office of Career Guidance (OCG) offers tailored guidance to assist you in finding a postgraduate residency. It aims to empower you during the process of finding a residency that advances your career goals and contributions to patient care.

By using strategies to identify optimal specialties, programs, applications, and interview techniques, the OCG is available to support you before, during, and after the residency application process.