Global Overview

Internal medicine (called Internal Medicine Training / IMT in UK, Internal Medicine in USA/Canada, and Physician training in Australia) is the gateway to most medical sub-specialties. Training duration and entry competition vary significantly by country.

Internal Medicine Training by Country

🇬🇧

UK — IMT

3-year Internal Medicine Training (IMT), MRCP required, entry to ST4 medical sub-specialty.

UK pathway
🇺🇸

USA — Internal Medicine

3-year ACGME IM residency, ABIM board exam, fellowship for subspecialties (cardiology, GI, etc.).

US pathway
🇨🇦

Canada — Internal Medicine

3-year RCPSC IM residency via CaRMS, with 2+ year subspecialty fellowships.

Canadian pathway
🇦🇺

Australia — RACP Physician

3-year Basic Physician Training (RACP), FRACP advanced training in subspecialty.

Australian pathway

Medical Sub-Specialties

Internal medicine training leads to sub-specialties including: Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Respiratory Medicine, Nephrology, Rheumatology, Neurology, Endocrinology, Haematology, Oncology, Infectious Diseases and Geriatrics. Competition for sub-specialty training varies — cardiology and neurology are typically among the most competitive globally.

Key Exams

  • UK: MRCP (Part 1, Part 2 Written, PACES) — see UK Exam Guide
  • USA: ABIM Board Examination after 3-year residency
  • Canada: RCPSC Internal Medicine Certification Examination
  • Australia: RACP Written Examination + Clinical Examination (FRACP)