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Anesthesiology
An anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an operation, obstetric, or diagnostic procedure. It is the anesthesiologist's foremost purpose and concern to protect the patient's well-being and safety just prior to, during, and after surgery. The practice of anesthesiology includes a wide spectrum of patients: all ages, all degrees of illnesses and both sexes. The subspecialties include: pediatric, cardiac, neuro, obstetrical, ambulatory anesthesia as well as critical care medicine and pain management. Most information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
- Dr. Daniel Perez, Phase 3 & Transition to Residency Lead
- Dr. Jack Louro
- Dr. Christian Diez
- Dr. Amanda Saab
- Dr. Neil Masters
- Dr. William Caskey
Resources
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Dermatology
A dermatologist is trained to diagnose and treat pediatric and adult patients with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, mouth, external genitalia, hair and nails, as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases. Dermatologists have special training in dermatopathology--the diagnosis of skin diseases including infectious, immunologic, degenerative, and neoplastic--and in the surgical techniques used in dermatology. They also have additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, melanomas, moles, and other tumors of the skin, the management of contact dermatitis, and other allergic and nonallergic skin disorders, and in the recognition of the skin manifestations of systemic (including internal malignancy) and infectious diseases. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
- Dr. Andrea Maderal, Phase 3 & Transition to Residency (boot camp) Lead, Advising for MS3-MS4
- Dr. Brian Morrison, Advising for MS4 only
- Dr. Fieta Bray, Advising for MS1-MS2
Resources
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Emergency Medicine
Emergency medicine focuses on the immediate decision making and action necessary to prevent death or any further disability both in the pre-hospital setting by directing emergency medical technicians and in the emergency department. The emergency physician provides immediate recognition, evaluation, care, stabilization, and disposition of a generally diversified population of adult and pediatric patients in response to acute illness and injury. A high-pressure, fast-paced, and diverse specialty, emergency medicine requires a broad base of medical knowledge and a variety of well-honed clinical and technical skills. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
- Dr. Jonathan Azoulai, Phase 3 & Transition to Residency Lead
- Dr. Christopher Freeman
- Dr. Patricia De Melo Panakos
- Dr. Kelly Medwid
- Dr. Mark Supino
- Dr. Hector Chavez - Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Dr. Sara Cortes - Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Resources
- American Academy of Emergency Medicine
- American Academy of Emergency Medicine Resident & Student Association
- American College of Emergency Physicians
- American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians
- Royal College of Emergency Medicine
- Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors
- Emergency Medicine Residents Association
- National Association of EMS Physicians
- Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM)
- Society for Academic Emergency Medicine: Medical Student
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Family Medicine
Family medicine is concerned with the total health care of the individual and the family, and is trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of ailments in patients of all ages. Family medicine physicians receive a broad range of training that includes internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and geriatrics. Although the scope and practice of family medicine is broad, it is a precise discipline, integrating a unique blend of biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences. Family physicians possess unique attitudes, skills, and knowledge that qualify them to provide continuing and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance, and preventive services. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
- Dr. Ashley Rojas Mehta, Phase 3 & Transition to Residency Lead
- Dr. Marilia Nery
- Dr. Kassandra Bosire
Resources
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General Surgery
General surgeons are trained to manage a broad spectrum of diseases and injuries affecting almost any area of the body that requires surgical intervention. These physicians are involved in diagnosis, preoperative, operative and postoperative care of the surgical patient, and they are trained to provide comprehensive management of trauma and complete care of critically ill patients with underlying surgical conditions. The surgeon uses a variety of diagnostic techniques, including endoscopy, for observing internal structures, and may use specialized instruments during operative procedures. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
- Dr. Howard Lieberman, Phase 3 Lead
- Dr. Danny Sleeman - Program Director
- Dr. G. Daniel Pust - Associate Program Director
- Dr. Chad Thorson - Associate Program Director
- Dr. Patricia Byers - Associate Program Director
- Dr. Ann-Christina Brady - Pediatric Surgery
- Dr. Vanessa Hui - Colon Rectal Surgery
- Dr. Steven Rodgers - Surgical Oncology
- Dr. Laurence R. Sands - Colon Rectal Surgery
- Dr. John Lew - Endocrine Surgery
- Dr. Itzhak Shasha
Resources
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Internal Medicine
Internists are personal physicians who provide long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common and complex illnesses in adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Internists are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, infections, and diseases affecting the heart, blood, kidneys, joints, and digestive, respiratory and vascular systems. They are also trained in the essentials of primary care internal medicine which incorporates an understanding of disease prevention, wellness, substance use disorder, mental health, and effective treatment of common problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system, and reproductive organs. An internal medicine physician's primary responsibilities include health maintenance and disease screening, the diagnosis and care of acute and chronic medical conditions, management of patients with multiple, complex medical problems, and serving as consultants to other disciplines such as surgery, obstetrics, and family medicine. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
- Dr. Janelle L. Cuervo, Phase 3 & Transition to Residency Lead
- Dr. Ahmed Luqman, Phase 3 Lead
- Dr. Christopher Mallow, Phase 3 Lead
- Dr. Matthew Imm
- Dr. Hilit Mechaber
- Dr. Sabrina Taldone
- Dr. Gauri Agarwal
- Dr. Paul Mendez
- Dr. Stephanie Clauss
- Dr. Amar Deshpande
- Dr. Stefanie Brown
- Dr. Sarah Bland
Resources
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Internal Medicine-Pediatrics
Internal Medicine-Pediatrics (Med-Peds) training and practice synthesizes the disciplines of both internal medicine and pediatrics. Med-Peds physicians tend to the care of patients throughout their life span. Caring for multiple generations of the same family requires an understanding of family dynamics, epidemiology and the impact of acute or chronic illness at all ages, all in the context of family systems. Med-Peds physicians draw from the knowledge and skills of pediatricians and internists to bring breadth and flexibility in their approach to clinical medicine. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
Resources
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Neurology
Neurology involves the treatment of disease or impaired function of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles, and autonomic nervous system, as well as the blood vessels that relate to these structures. Neurologists treat patients who have a variety of disorders, including headaches, strokes, seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, dystonia, muscular dystrophy, peripheral nerve disease, learning disorders, traumatic injuries to the nervous system, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Alzheimer's disease. Some neurologists are also engaged in neurological rehabilitation. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
- Dr. Olimpia Carbunar, Transition to Residency & Phase 3 Lead
- Dr. Erika Marulanda-Londono
- Dr. Leticia Tornes
- Dr. Jason Margolesky
Resources
- UM Department of Neurology
- American Academy of Neurology
- American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
- American College of Osteopathic Neurologists and Psychiatrists
- American Neurological Association
- Association of University Professors of Neurology
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Society for Neuroscience
- World Federation of Neurology
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Neurosurgery
A neurological surgeon provides the operative and non-operative management (i.e., prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, critical care, and rehabilitation) of disorders of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, including their supporting structures and vascular supply; the evaluation and treatment of pathological processes which modify function or activity of the nervous system; and the operative and non-operative management of pain. A neurological surgeon treats disorders of the nervous system; disorders of the brain, meninges, skull, and their blood supply, including the extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries; disorders of the pituitary gland; disorders of the spinal cord, meninges, and vertebral column, including those which may require treatment by spinal fusion or instrumentation; and disorders of the cranial and spinal nerves throughout their distribution. Neurosurgeons diagnose problems through physical examination using tools such as magnetic resonance imaging and cranial taxonomy scans. Neurosurgery requires manual dexterity and intense concentration when dealing with delicate parts of the nervous system. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
- Dr. Carolina Benjamin, Phase 3 & Transition to Residency Lead
- Dr. Howard J. Landy
- Dr. Ricardo J. Komotar
Resources
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Obstetrics and Gynecology
Obstetrics and gynecology is a diversified specialty concerned with the delivery of medical and surgical care to women. This field combines two specialties: obstetrics, which focuses on the care of women before, during, and after childbirth; and gynecology, which involves the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the female reproductive system, breasts, and associated disorders. Relationships with patients are long-term and are often maintained through the postmenopausal stage of a patient's life. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
- Dr. Lydia Fein, Phase 3 & Transition to Residency Lead
- Dr. Michelle Fletcher, Phase 3 Lead
- Dr. Jorge Garcia
Resources
- UM Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
- American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine
- Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics
- International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
- Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Society for Women's Health Research
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Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology deals with the structure, function, diagnosis, and treatment of the eye and the visual system. This includes problems affecting the eye and its component structures, the eyelids, the orbit, and the visual pathways. Ophthalmologists are medically trained to provide patients with total eye care using medical, surgical, and rehabilitative services. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
- Dr. Angela Zhu , Phase 3 & Transition to Residency Lead
- Dr. Kara M. Cavuoto
- Dr. Chris Alabiad
- Dr. Richard Lee
Resources
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Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic surgeons are trained in the preservation, investigation, and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine, and associated structures by medical, surgical, and physical means. An orthopaedic surgeon is involved with the care of patients whose musculoskeletal problems include congenital deformities, trauma, infections, tumors, metabolic disturbances of the musculoskeletal system, deformities, injuries, and degenerative diseases of the spine, hands, feet, knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow. The orthopaedic surgeon manages special problems, diagnoses the injury or disorder, and establishes the treatment plan using surgery, medication, exercise, and/or physical therapy. An orthopaedic surgeon is also concerned with primary and secondary muscular problems and the effects of central or peripheral nervous system lesions of the musculoskeletal system. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
- Dr. Giselle Hernandez, Phase 3 & Transition to Residency Lead
- Dr. Seth Dodds
Resources
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Otolaryngology
An otolaryngologist surgeon provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for patients of all ages with diseases and disorders that affect the ears, nose, throat, the respiratory and upper alimentary systems, and related structures of the head and neck. The specialty encompasses cosmetic facial reconstruction, surgery of benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck, and the diagnosis and management of allergic, sinus, laryngeal, thyroid, and esophageal disorders. With the exception of visual and eye-related disorders (the province of ophthalmologists) and lesions of the brain (managed by neurologists and neurosurgeons), otolaryngologists treat diseases and lesions above the shoulders--the ears, the respiratory and upper alimentary systems, and the head and neck. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
- Dr. Erin Kaye, Phase 3 & Transition to Residency Lead
- Dr. David Rosow
- Dr. Zoukaa Sargi
- Dr. Elizabeth Nicolli
- Dr. Adrien Eshraghi
Resources
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Pathology
Pathology is a specialty area of medicine that is directly involved in the interpretation of clinical laboratory results (Clinical Pathology or Laboratory Medicine) and identification of abnormal changes of human cells and tissues (Anatomic Pathology). Pathology practice most often occurs in association with a hospital or large clinical referral laboratory. Pathologists function as diagnosticians, consultants to clinicians, educators and teachers within the hospital setting and are frequently involved in scholarly pursuits including both clinical related and basic biomedical research. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
- Dr. Carmen Gomez, Phase 3 & Transition to Residency Lead
- Dr. Andre Pinto
- Dr. Jonathan England
- Dr. Daniel Cassidy
Resources
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Pediatrics
Pediatrics is primarily concerned with the physical, emotional, and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Concerned with more than just the physical well-being, pediatricians are involved with the prevention, early detection, and management of behavioral, developmental, and functional social problems that affect their patients. A pediatrician deals with biological, social, and environmental influences on the developing child as well as with the impact of disease or dysfunction on development. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
- Dr. Carly Levine, Phase 3 & Transition to Residency Lead
- Dr. Patricia Alvarez
- Dr. Monica Alba-Sandoval
- Dr. Laura Chamorro-Dauer
- Dr. Barry Gelman
- Dr. Julie Belkowitz
Resources
- UM Department of Pediatrics
- Academic Pediatric Association
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Pediatrics as a Profession
- American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians
- American Pediatric Surgical Association
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
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Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)
Physical medicine and rehabilitation, also referred to as rehabilitation medicine, is the medical specialty concerned with diagnosing, evaluating, and treating patients with physical disabilities. These disabilities may arise from conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system such as birth defects, neck and back pain, sports injuries, or other painful conditions affecting the limbs, for example carpal tunnel syndrome. A physician certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation is often called a physiatrist. Physiatrists often coordinate the services of an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team that may include neurologists, psychiatrists and orthopaedic surgeons as well as allied health care professionals. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
- Dr. Robert Irwin, Phase 3 & Transition to Residency Lead
- Dr. Lauren Shapiro
- Dr. Andrew Sherman
Resources
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Plastic Surgery
A plastic surgeon deals with the repair, reconstruction, or replacement of physical defects of form or function involving the skin, musculoskeletal system, craniomaxillofacial structures, hand, extremities, breast and trunk, and external genitalia or cosmetic enhancement of these areas of the body. Cosmetic surgery is an essential component of plastic surgery. The plastic surgeon uses cosmetic surgical principles to both improve overall appearances and to optimize the outcome of reconstructive procedures as well. Special knowledge and skill in the design and surgery of grafts, flaps, and free tissue transfer and replantation is necessary. Competence in the management of complex wounds, the use of implantable materials, and in tumor surgery is required. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
Resources
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Psychiatry
A psychiatrist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, behavioral, addictive, and emotional disorders such as schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance-related disorders, sexual and gender identity disorders, and adjustment disorders. They understand the biological, psychological, and social components of illness. Most psychiatrists use some form of discussion (individual or group therapy, psychoanalysis, or behavior modification) to evaluate and treat problems, in addition to using pharmacological treatments. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
- Dr. Mousa Botros, Phase 3 & Transition to Residency Lead
- Dr. Radu V. Saveanu
- Dr. Raul Poulsen
- Dr. Vanessa Padilla
Resources
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Radiation Oncology
Radiation oncology is concerned with the generation, conservation, and dissemination of knowledge concerning the causes, prevention, and treatment of cancer with particular emphasis on the role of ionizing radiation. Radiation oncologists employ a variety of treatment modalities, including external beam radiotherapy (photons, electrons, protons, neutrons), radioactive implantations, hyperthermia, and combined modality therapy such as surgery and radiotherapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, biological modifiers and radiotherapy.
A radiation oncologist uses ionizing radiation and other modalities to treat malignant and some benign diseases. Radiation oncologists may also use computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and hyperthermia (heat) as additional interventions to aid in treatment planning and delivery. Training required is five years: one year of general clinical work, followed by four years of dedicated radiation oncology training. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
- Dr. Cristiane Takita, Phase 3 & Transition to Residency Lead
- Dr. Derek Isrow
- Dr. Stuart Samuels
- Dr. Raphael Yechieli
Resources
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Radiology
A radiologist is a physician who uses imaging methodologies to diagnose and manage patients and provide therapeutic options. Physicians practicing in the field of radiology specialize in diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, or radiation oncology. They also may certify in a number of subspecialties. The board also certifies in medical physics and issues specific certificates within this discipline.
Interventional radiology refers to minimally invasive procedures that diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. Interventional radiologists insert a catheter (thin, flexible tube) through a tiny incision in your wrist or upper thigh and into a large blood vessel, using X-ray, ultrasound, and other imaging techniques during the procedure to guide the catheter. An interventional radiologist combines competence in imaging, image-guided minimally invasive procedures, and periprocedural patient care to diagnose and treat benign and malignant conditions of the thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
Diagnostic Radiology
- Dr. Steven F. Falcone, Phase 3 & Transition to Residency Lead
- Dr. Gary H. Danton
Interventional Radiology
- Dr. Lindsay Thornton, Phase 3 & Transition to Residency Lead
- Dr. Neal Viradia
- Dr. Zoe Miller
Resources
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Urology
Urology focuses on the medical and surgical treatment of the male genitourinary system, female urinary tract, and the adrenal gland. Urology is a surgical specialty that deals with diseases of the kidney and bladder of the urinary system in women and men. They often coordinate care with nephrologists for patients with kidney disease and may perform kidney transplantations. Urologists may also investigate and treat infertility and male sexual dysfunction. Diagnostic procedures are very important for urologists. They use endoscopic, percutaneous, and open surgery to treat congenital and acquired disorders of the reproductive and urinary systems and related structures. Additional information on the type of training, competitiveness, and additional resources can be found in Careers in Medicine.
Primary Specialty Advisors
- Dr. Laura Horodyski, Phase 3 & Transition to Residency Lead
Resources
Below is a list of some of our medical specialties for students to explore. For more information on subspecialties, the type of training required, competitiveness of the specialty, and additional resources please visit the AAMC Careers in Medicine website.
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Anesthesiology
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Dermatology
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Emergency Medicine
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Family Medicine
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General Surgery
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Internal Medicine
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Internal Medicine-Pediatrics
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Neurology
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Neurosurgery
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Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Ophthalmology
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Orthopaedic Surgery
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Otolaryngology
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Pathology
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Pediatrics
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Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)
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Plastic Surgery
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Psychiatry
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Radiation Oncology
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Radiology
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Urology