Preparing for Match Day & beyond

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AMA Road to Residency Guide
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Understand residency match slang with this glossary
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FREIDA™, the AMA Residency & Fellowship Database®
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AMA medical student membership, discounts & benefits
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6 Min Read

Match Day countdown: What medical students must do to prepare

The road to Match Day 2026 has many milestones. This guide offers insight on what to do at each step of the physician residency-selection process.

Preparing for Residency
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6 Min Read

Finding the best people to write residency letters of recommendation

Who should write your letters of recommendation for residency applications and what do they need from you? Physician experts offer insight.

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Preparing for Residency
The Road to Residency
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6 Min Read

Didn't match? How to come back stronger next residency-selection cycle

One failed Match should not define your career. Bounce back with expert advice on reapplying to physician residency programs.

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Preparing for Residency
The Road to Residency
Jill Kacher Cobb, MD
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8 Min Read

What it's like to specialize in anesthesiology: Shadowing Dr. Kacher Cobb

Jill Kacher Cobb, MD, of Sutter Health, says connecting with patients and gaining their trust brings joy in practicing medicine as an anesthesiologist. 

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Specialty Profiles
"Shadow Me" Specialty Series
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8 Min Read

Step 2 scores decoded: What they mean for your Match prospects

How might your score on the USMLE Step 2 CK affect your residency-application approach? Dive into the NRMP data for MDs, DOs and IMGs.

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Preparing for Residency
The Road to Residency
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5 Min Read

4 tips for residency applicants to wisely use program signals

At least 27 physician specialties use program signals. What does the data show about the feature’s most effective use cases in residency selection?

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Preparing for Residency
The Road to Residency
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5 Min Read

Poster presentation 101: Make your work stand out at a conference 

What does it take for a medical student or resident to make a standout poster presentation? These four tips are a good starting point.

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Research During Residency
Succeeding in Medical School
Carl Lambert, MD
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9 Min Read

What it’s like in family medicine: Shadowing Dr. Lambert

Carl Lambert, MD, of Rush Medical Center, says the best part of family medicine is journeying and seeing patients through challenging situations. 

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Specialty Profiles
"Shadow Me" Specialty Series
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6 Min Read

Why child care costs have resident physician parents seeing red

New data reveals how rising child care costs are forcing tough choices for resident parents—especially those training in high-cost cities.

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Medical Residency Personal Finance
Thriving in Residency