How Long Are Surgical Residencies?

Once medical school has been successfully completed the graduate school experience begins in the form of a residency, which focuses on a particular medical specialty. Residencies can last from three to seven years, with surgical residencies lasting a minimum of five years.

What is the longest surgical residency?

The length of residency depends mostly on the field a graduate chooses to take. Medical specialties such as family medicine and internal medicine often requires three years, whereas surgery usually requires a minimum of five, and neurological surgery is the longest at seven years.

What is the shortest residency?

15 Shortest Residency Programs in the World
  • Family Practice: 3 years.
  • Internal Medicine: 3 years.
  • Pediatrics: 3 years.
  • Emergency Medicine: 3 – 4 years.
  • Physical Medicine: 3-4 years.
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology: 4 years.
  • Anesthesiology: 3 years plus PGY – 1 Transitional / Preliminary.
James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.