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Free Specialty Selection Quiz

  • Anesthesiology
    • Provides pain management and anesthesia for surgeries, invasive procedures, and chronic pain conditions.
    • Monitors patients' vital functions and adjusts anesthetic levels during surgery to ensure patient safety.
    • Works closely with surgeons and other specialists to prepare patients pre- and post-operatively.
  • Dermatology
    • Diagnoses and treats a variety of skin conditions, including eczema, acne, psoriasis, and skin cancer.
    • Performs skin biopsies, minor surgeries, and cosmetic procedures to address skin health and appearance.
    • Provides preventive care and patient education about skincare, sun protection, and anti-aging treatments.
  • Emergency Medicine
    • Provides immediate care for acute illnesses, injuries, and trauma in an emergency room setting.
    • Works in high-stress, fast-paced environments to stabilize patients and prioritize life-threatening conditions.
    • Coordinates with specialists for follow-up care and transfers patients for further treatment if needed.
  • Family Medicine
    • Provides comprehensive healthcare to patients of all ages, often including preventive care, chronic disease management, and minor procedures.
    • Builds long-term relationships with families, addressing both physical and mental health needs.
    • Manages a wide range of medical conditions and coordinates referrals to specialists when necessary.
  • Internal Medicine
    • Focuses on adult healthcare, diagnosing and managing chronic and complex medical conditions.
    • Provides preventive care, such as screening tests and immunizations, along with lifestyle counseling.
    • Often collaborates with specialists and coordinates care for patients with multiple medical conditions.
  • Neurology
    • Diagnoses and treats disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system, such as epilepsy, migraines, and multiple sclerosis.
    • Performs neurological exams and interprets tests like EEGs, MRIs, and CT scans to diagnose neurological conditions.
    • Works closely with other specialists to manage chronic neurological conditions and provide rehabilitation.
  • Neurosurgery
    • Performs surgical procedures on the brain, spine, and nervous system to treat trauma, tumors, and degenerative diseases.
    • Works closely with neurologists and radiologists to plan complex surgeries and manage pre- and post-operative care.
    • Addresses conditions like herniated discs, brain tumors, and cerebral aneurysms with both surgical and minimally invasive techniques.
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)
    • Provides comprehensive care for women's reproductive health, including pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause management.
    • Performs surgical procedures like cesarean sections, hysterectomies, and minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries.
    • Counsels patients on contraception, fertility, and preventive screenings, such as Pap smears and mammograms.
  • Ophthalmology
    • Diagnoses and treats eye disorders, including cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
    • Performs eye surgeries, such as cataract extraction and laser treatments, to improve or restore vision.
    • Conducts vision assessments and prescribes corrective lenses while also managing chronic eye conditions.
  • Orthopedic Surgery
    • Treats musculoskeletal injuries and diseases, such as fractures, joint disorders, and sports injuries.
    • Performs surgeries like joint replacements, arthroscopy, and fracture repairs to restore function.
    • Works with physical therapists to support patients’ rehabilitation and recovery after injury or surgery.
  • Otolaryngology (ENT)
    • Manages disorders of the ear, nose, and throat, including hearing loss, sinus problems, and vocal issues.
    • Performs surgeries, such as tonsillectomies, sinus surgery, and ear tube placement, to address structural issues.
    • Works with patients to manage chronic conditions like allergies, sleep apnea, and balance disorders.
  • Pathology
    • Analyzes tissue samples, blood tests, and other laboratory results to diagnose diseases.
    • Works behind the scenes in a lab setting to provide critical diagnostic information to other physicians.
    • Plays a key role in diagnosing cancer, infections, and other medical conditions through microscopic and molecular analysis.
  • Pediatrics
    • Provides primary care for infants, children, and adolescents, including routine check-ups and immunizations.
    • Manages childhood illnesses, developmental issues, and behavioral health concerns in young patients.
    • Works closely with families to support child health, preventive care, and developmental milestones.
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)
    • Treats patients with physical impairments due to injury, illness, or chronic conditions, aiming to restore function.
    • Designs individualized rehabilitation plans involving physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management.
    • Focuses on improving patients' mobility, independence, and quality of life through non-surgical treatments.
  • Plastic Surgery
    • Performs reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries to restore form and function after trauma, illness, or congenital conditions.
    • Conducts procedures like breast reconstruction, facial reconstruction, and body contouring to enhance physical appearance.
    • Collaborates with other specialists, including oncologists and trauma surgeons, for complex reconstructive cases.
  • Psychiatry
    • Diagnoses and treats mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
    • Provides therapy and prescribes medications to manage psychological symptoms and improve mental health.
    • Works with a multidisciplinary team, including psychologists and social workers, for comprehensive patient care.
  • Radiation Oncology
    • Uses targeted radiation therapy to treat cancer while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
    • Works closely with oncologists to develop personalized treatment plans for patients with various cancers.
    • Monitors patient response to treatment and adjusts doses or techniques as necessary to maximize effectiveness.
  • Diagnostic Radiology
    • Interprets imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, to assist in diagnosing a wide range of conditions.
    • Works closely with clinicians to provide insights that guide patient diagnosis, management, and treatment planning.
    • Plays a critical role in detecting abnormalities and monitoring disease progression or response to treatment.
  • Interventional Radiology
    • Performs minimally invasive procedures guided by imaging, such as biopsies, stent placements, and embolizations.
    • Treats a range of conditions, including vascular disease, tumors, and liver or kidney disorders, without open surgery.
    • Collaborates with multiple specialties to provide targeted, image-guided treatments that offer shorter recovery times.
  • General Surgery
    • Performs a variety of surgical procedures on the abdomen, digestive tract, and other areas of the body.
    • Manages pre- and post-operative care and addresses acute surgical emergencies, such as appendicitis and trauma.
    • Works with other specialists for complex cases, such as cancer surgeries or organ transplants.
  • Urology
    • Diagnoses and treats conditions related to the urinary tract and male reproductive organs, including kidney stones and prostate issues.
    • Performs surgical procedures, such as prostatectomies, kidney stone removal, and bladder surgeries.
    • Works with patients of all ages, providing both medical management and surgical interventions for urologic health.

Find the specialty that fits you
Choosing a specialty is one of the biggest decisions in medical school, and most students make it from a handful of rotations and a lot of guessing. The MatchPal Specialty Selector asks what you enjoy, the lifestyle you want and where you see your career going. It then shows which of 20 residency specialties fit you best, with a plain-language overview of each.

How to use it

  • Answer the questions honestly. There are no right answers.
  • Review your top matches and read each specialty overview
  • Take your results into rotations and conversations with residents in those fields

Still torn between two specialties? Book a free strategy call and talk it through with a MatchPal resident.

Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Specialty Selector work?
You answer a short set of questions about what you enjoy, the lifestyle you want and your long-term goals. The tool then shows which residency specialties fit you best, with a plain-language overview of each.


Which specialties does it cover?
20 specialties: anesthesiology, dermatology, emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, neurosurgery, OB/GYN, ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, ENT, pathology, pediatrics, plastic surgery, psychiatry, radiation oncology, diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, general surgery and urology.


When should I use it?
Anytime from MS1 to early MS3. It is most useful before core rotations, so you know which fields to pay extra attention to and which electives to request.


Can a quiz really pick my specialty?
No, and it is not meant to. Use your results as a starting point, then test them against your rotations and conversations with residents in those fields.