15 Best Medical Residency Programs in the U.S. (2024)

June 13, 2024
6 min read
Contents

”Jonathan

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 6/13/24

There are so many things to consider when trying to decide on the best residency program for you. You might feel overwhelmed by the wealth of information about different residency programs. We have curated a list of the best residency programs in the US and have included some valuable information about each residency’s admissions process, application 

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15 Best Medical Residency Programs in the U.S.

School Rankings Location Average MCAT Score Tuition Fees
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science #13 in
Best Medical Schools: Research
Rochester, MN 521 $64,000 per year
University of California San Francisco #3 in
Internal Medicine
San Francisco, CA 516 $11,700.00 per year
Washington University/Barnes-Jewish Hospital #5 in
Best Medical Schools: Research
St. Louis, MI 519 $67,295 per year
Vanderbilt University Medical Center #11 in
Internal Medicine
Nashville, TN 521 $68,834 per year
McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University #13 in
Best Medical Schools: Research
Chicago, IL 520 $69,850 per year
Pennsylvania Hospital of Penn Medicine #6 in
Internal Medicine
Philadelphia, PA 520 $65,940 per year
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center #24 in
Best Medical Schools: Research
Dallas, TX 518 $23,023
per year
New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center #8 in
Internal Medicine
New York, NY 522 $73,012 per year
Massachusetts General Hospital N/A Boston, MS 516 $61,990 per year
Duke University Hospital #4 in
Internal Medicine
Durham, NC 514 to 522 $70,191 per year
Baylor College of Medicine #22 in
Best Medical Schools: Research
Houston, TX 518 $27,954.75 per year
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor #5 in
Internal Medicine
Ann Arbor, MI 515 $53,218 per year
University of California-Los Angeles #7 in
Internal Medicine
Los Angeles, CA 514 $52,138 per year
Stanford University #8 in
Internal Medicine
Stanford, CA 520 $21,781 per quarter
Yale University #11 in
Internal Medicine
New Haven, CT 519 $72,290 per year

1. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science

Location Acceptance Rate Average MCAT Tuition
Rochester, MN 4.5% 521 $64,000

The Mayo Clinic is a leading GME training program, consistently ranked among the best hospitals in the US. It offers a competitive 3-year residency program focused on clinical, longitudinal, and tertiary care. 

Admissions prioritize applicants with strong abilities, including flexibility, critical thinking, and empathy. The application process involves a thorough review and submission of various documents. Residents receive stipends, benefits, and insurance packages.

2. University of California San Francisco

Location Acceptance Rate Average MCAT Tuition
San Francisco, CA 2.8% 516 $11,700

The UCSF Internal Medicine Residency stands out for its focus on leadership, diversity, and inclusion. They prioritize training physicians to serve underprivileged populations. The first year focuses on diagnosing and treating various illnesses, while the next two years emphasize skill development, leadership in public health, and specialization. 

The application process involves registering with NRMP and applying through ERAS with the required documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. UCSF offers three tracks for internal medicine certification, each with a unique focus. Residents receive health insurance, vacation, parental leave, and a stipend.‍

3. Washington University/Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Location Acceptance Rate Average MCAT Tuition
St. Louis, MI 7.5% 519 $67,295

Washington University/Barnes-Jewish Hospital offers a top-notch four-year residency program with 24/7 supervision by attending physicians. The Emergency Medicine department sponsors advanced fellowships in various specialties. 

Applicants must apply through ERAS, meet Missouri licensing requirements, and submit required documents, including transcripts, USMLE scores, and letters of recommendation. Benefits include vacation, medical and dental insurance, professional memberships, and more.

4. Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Location Acceptance Rate Average MCAT Tuition
Nashville, TN 4.5% 521 $68,324

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, renowned since 1925, is a leading institution producing top physicians and scientists. With over $316M in annual research funding, it ranks #2 in NIH research funding among US medical schools. They offer various training tracks, including internal medicine and subspecialties. 

Applicants must use ERAS and submit required documents, including a CV, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Vanderbilt provides competitive benefits and stipends, including comprehensive health insurance and perks like laundry, free scrubs, and vacation.

5. McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University

Location Acceptance Rate Average MCAT Tuition
Chicago, IL 4.9% 520 $68,850

McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University offers one of the best residency programs with diverse clinical and research opportunities. Their new curriculum emphasizes team-based patient care, interdisciplinary rounds, and cutting-edge medical technologies. 

Prospective applicants can explore ACGME-accredited residency programs through ERAS and review program-specific requirements and deadlines. Benefits include medical insurance, vacation, family leave, and more.

6. Pennsylvania Hospital of Penn Medicine

Location Acceptance Rate Average MCAT Tuition
Phildelphia, PA 3.8% 520 $65,940

The University of Pennsylvania's medical residency program offers innovative training opportunities and electives to develop residents' skills. These include mentoring, simulation technologies, wellness programs, and leadership tracks. 

Prospective applicants need prior US clinical experience, and applications are submitted through ERAS with the required documents. Benefits for House Staff members include flexible options for medical insurance and other benefits. Review Penn's stipend and benefits summary for more information.

7. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Location Acceptance Rate Average MCAT Tuition
Dallas, TX 9.7% 518 $23,023

UT Southwestern's residency program aims for excellence, providing top-notch education for residents to become independent physicians and leaders in healthcare. As one of the largest sponsors of Graduate Medical Education in the US, it offers various residency programs. 

Prospective applicants should check program length and specific requirements. Applications are usually through ERAS, with each department having its guidelines. UT Southwestern prioritizes wellness for trainees, offering mental health support and counseling services. 

8. New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Location Acceptance Rate Average MCAT Tuition
New York, NY 3.6% 522 $73,012

New York Presbyterian Hospital (Columbia Campus) offers top-notch resident training in a three-year program. The focus is inpatient and outpatient experiences, research, peer teaching, and career development. 

The first year emphasizes inpatient and outpatient care, while the next two years focus on professional skill development and preparing for post-residency life. To apply, check out their GME programs for specific guidelines. Benefits include:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Retirement plans.
  • Financial and legal services.
  • Discounted pet insurance.

9. Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard University

Location Acceptance Rate Average MCAT Tuition
Boston, MS 2.8% 516 $61,990

Massachusetts General Hospital offers intensive internal medicine training with a focus on research through one of the best medical schools in the US, Harvard. Through the Pathways rotation, residents are encouraged to engage in scholarly projects and receive mentoring. The application process includes a three-year categorical and primary care program and a one-year preliminary training program, all processed through ERAS. 

Various tracks are available, including the Physician Scientist Program and Neuro-Preliminary Track. Benefits for residents include medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, subsidized parking, a Wellness Center for mental health support, parental leave, and more.

10. Duke University Hospital

Location Acceptance Rate Average MCAT Tuition
Durham, NC 2.9% 514 - 522 $70,191

Duke University's internal medicine residence is highly regarded and ranked #5 in the US News & World Report's 2020 America's Best Graduate Schools. They offer various training pathways, including categorical, preliminary, research, global health, health care leadership, advocacy in clinical leadership, and primary care concentration tracks. 

Applicants apply through ERAS and must submit USMLE scores, transcripts, personal statement, Dean's letter, and multiple letters of recommendation. Benefits for residents include subsidized medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, meal plans, parental leave, vacation, free on-site parking and gym access, and counseling services for mental health support.

11. Baylor College of Medicine

Location Acceptance Rate Average MCAT Tuition
Houston, TX 5.1% 518 $27,954,75

The Baylor College of Medicine internal medicine residency program is among the biggest and most thorough internal medicine programs nationwide. About 220 residents undergo training across different tracks, learning crucial clinical skills, patient care, communication, scholarship, and teaching. 

Through rotations at four main hospitals and numerous outpatient clinics, residents tailor their experiences with core and elective options, preparing them for diverse career paths.

12. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Location Acceptance Rate Average MCAT Tuition
Ann Arbor, MI 3.6% 515 $53,218

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Internal Medicine Residency program is one of the largest healthcare complexes in the state. Since 1850, they've been at the forefront of medical advancements. The program focuses on a resident's growth as an internist, whether they aim for primary care or subspecialty training. 

With renowned faculty and top-notch facilities, the school excels in education, patient care, and research. Residents gain valuable experience at University Hospital and the local Veterans Affairs Hospital. The university also offers diverse ambulatory training sites across Ann Arbor and neighboring communities.

13. University of California-Los Angeles

Location Acceptance Rate Average MCAT Tuition
Los Angeles, CA 2.9% 514 $52,138

The UCLA Internal Medicine Residency Training program  makes for one of the best residency programs thanks to rigorous clinical training with an academic focus,. It prepares residents for various career paths by providing cutting-edge patient care experiences. With four diverse hospitals, including a referral center and county system, residents gain extensive clinical exposure in inpatient and outpatient settings.

14. Stanford University

Location Acceptance Rate Average MCAT Tuition
Stanford, CA 1.4% 520 $21,781

The Stanford University Internal Medicine Residency program aims to prepare residents for any internal medicine career. It provides extensive clinical exposure in three hospitals, supportive faculty, research opportunities, and successful fellowship and career placements. These resources help residents build strong clinical skills and achieve their career aspirations.

15. Yale University

Location Acceptance Rate Average MCAT Tuition
New Haven, CT 5.7% 519 $72,290

The Internal Medicine-Traditional Residency Program has three training tracks: Categorical (three years), ABIM Physician-Scientist (two years), and Preliminary (one year). Residents receive inpatient education at Yale New Haven Hospital's York Street and Saint Raphael Campuses, as well as at the VA Connecticut Healthcare Center in West Haven. Once residents complete the program, they’re well equipped to practice as competent physicians. 

If you’re on the path towards residency and not sure where to start, we at Inspira Advantage can help with our residency application consulting program, which includes one on one time with a top residency advisor. The program comes with a free 20-minute evaluation and consultation.

Don’t just take our word for it—here’s what Inara had to say about her experience working with Inspira Advantage: 

Conclusion

We understand the significance of choosing the best residency program for you. This list is a good place to narrow down your options and select a program that will foster your personal and professional interests.

Always consider your residency’s current application requirements, deadlines, and procedures. We wish you the best of luck as you move forward with your exciting career.









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