Introduction: Residency programs offer postgraduate training opportunities for medical graduates who have obtained an M.D. or D.O. degree. These programs provide specialized training in various medical fields, such as internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, or family medicine. To apply for residency programs, medical students must first register with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), which is a computerized matching service that pairs applicants with residency programs based on their preferences. Given the competitiveness of the residency application process, applicants should thoroughly research the programs they are interested in and submit competitive applications. Typically, residency applications require the submission of various materials, including medical school transcripts, USMLE scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a curriculum vitae. Some programs may also request additional materials, such as research experience or proficiency in foreign languages. In the United States, over 14,000 residency programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), with program durations ranging from three to seven years depending on the specialty. Below are some of the top residency programs in the U.S. across different medical specialties: - Internal medicine - Pediatrics - Surgery - Family medicine - Obstetrics and gynecology - Psychiatry - Emergency medicine - Anesthesiology - Radiology - Dermatology - Orthopedic surgery - Ophthalmology When choosing a residency program, applicants should consider their interests, career goals, program reputation, location, and cultural fit. Additionally, international medical graduates (IMGs) who aim to practice medicine in the U.S. must complete an ACGME-accredited residency program and obtain a valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). IMGs are eligible for some of the highest-paid residencies in surgical specialties due to the demanding nature of the training and the high demand for surgeons. Here is a list of the highest-paid residencies in the USA in 2023, according to Moksh Academy: - Neurosurgery - Orthopedic surgery - Plastic surgery - Cardiothoracic surgery - Oral and maxillofacial surgery - Vascular surgery - Urology - Otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) - Anesthesiology - Radiology