Internal Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions by MS1s and MS2s

Join the Internal Medicine interest group and try to shadow physicians in this field. Consider starting a research project with a mentor.

Research is not required but would strengthen your application.

Talk to your mentors and Dr. McEchron as he can help guide you to find a good “fit” depending on your interests

Volunteer at places like Wesley Clinic or the New Hope Teen Pregnancy program will make you more well-rounded and will allow you to gain a better understanding of what you like and dislike. Obviously, your block work is the most important but volunteering also will strengthen your application.

The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) tracks statistical trends for matched students in each specialty. Learn more about IM match trends here

Frequently Asked Questions by MS3s and MS4s

You can ask during your third year clerkship. If you have really connected with an attending, you can ask the attending, “Dr. Jones, I have had a great time on this rotation and have learned a lot. I was wondering if you felt comfortable writing me a strong letter of recommendation”. (Better to ask near the end of your rotation rather than waiting months afterwards as yourYou should have your CV updated and possibly your PS (or at least a draft PS if you are asking as an MS4). If you are asking for a LOR during your subI, consider asking for it about two and half-three weeks into the rotation.

Three are required; but you can submit up to four which is what we prefer.

Yes, depending on specialty, all LOR do not have to be from the field you are applying to residency in. Usually two LOR from your field will suffice.

Yes.

This field does not require an away, but this is an individual preference. Some students may do an away to open up a geographical region whereas others may do an away, to see if what they thought is there #1 choice, truly is.

Information specific for Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine physicians specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease in the adult population. Up to 75% of Internists eventually subspecialize in a wide variety of fields that have been recognized by the American Board of Internal Medicine:

Adolescent Medicine Hematology

Allergy and Immunology Hospice and Palliative Care

Cardiology Infectious Disease

Endocrinology Nephrology

Gastroenterology Oncology

Geriatric Medicine Pulmonary Disease

Rheumatology Sports Medicine

Internal Medicine residency is 3 years long. There are a large number of IM residency positions available and the competitiveness is quite residency specific. Strong performance on your 3^rd year IM clerkship and your 4^th year IM Subinternship is important as is a solid performance on your USMLE exams.

Update for Academic Year 24-25

Elective Recommendations from Clinical Specialty Advising

Note: You must be a current student with an active account to access

Internal Medicine Student Interest Group

Click here to visit the IM Interest Group website

Internal Medicine Primary Care Track

Click here for more information on IM Primary Care Residency Track

The AAIM Primary Care Forum would like to share the latest Internal Medicine Primary Care Track Primer for Potential Med Student Applicants and Med Student Advisors. Below are the latest hyperlink/QR code for easy dissemination.

IM PC Track 101 Primer

This is a 4-page document with relevant information about IM primary care residency tracks/programs. On this document, you will find links/QR codes to:

1) A comprehensive IM primary care track program directory organized by regions to assist applicants

2) Literature describing the significant benefits of primary care to patient and population health

3) Primary care organizations that interested medical students may want to check out