Suggested References

Graduate Medical Education Directory (GMED), American Medical Association, 2006-2007 Edition.

Often referred to as the “Green Book.” The official list of all residency training programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for all specialties. Includes the accreditation requirements for each type of training program and some statistical information on numbers of residents and residency positions for each specialty. Available in most medical school libraries and also available for purchase online from the AMA.

How to Choose a Medical Specialty, Anita D. Taylor, Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Co., 4th Edition, 2003.

This is a popular resource on the process of choosing a specialty. It includes overviews of key specialties, data regarding projected supply and demand, the economic outlook for the specialty, as well as information on residency training.

Iserson’s Getting into a Residency: A Guide for Medical Student, Kenneth V. Iserson Galen Press, Student Ltd, 6th Edition.

A step-by-step guide through the process of selecting a medical specialty and obtaining a residency position. Provides valuable information on selecting a specialty, selecting a residency program, and interviewing.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Medical Specialty, Brian S. Freeman, M.D., McGraw-Hill Publication, 2004.

Written by residents for students, this resource profiles the major medical specialties and gives insight on the specialty decision making process.

Guide to Physician Specialties, American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

This booklet describes the ABMS organization, explains board certification and maintenance and defines each of the 130+ medical specialties and subspecialties. A graphical summary depicts the basic process a physician takes to become board certified. The cost of downloading the booklet is $4.

Leigh, JP, Kravitz, RL, Schembri, M, Samuels, SJ, Shanaz M. Physician career satisfaction across specialties. Arch Intern Med. 2002, 162:1577-1584.

Rabinowitz HK, Paynter, NP. The rural vs urban practice decision. MsJAMA Online 2002, 287: 112.

Schafer S, Shore W, Hearst N. Is medical school the right place to choose a specialty. MsJAMA Online 2001, 285: 2782-2783.