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ERAS 2025 Data Trends
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The journey to securing a U.S. residency spot is more competitive than ever, and the numbers from ERAS 2025 reflect this growing intensity. With the rising number of applicants, particularly in IMGs, it’s clear that securing a residency position in the U.S. requires more than just a strong academic background. As the pool of applicants expands across all specialties, IMGs face both rising opportunities and increasing competition. This blog delves into the trends shaping the ERAS 2025 landscape, providing insights into how the numbers are shifting and what IMGs need to know to navigate this evolving process successfully.
Table of Contents
- Internal Medicine Application Data for 2025
- Family Medicine Application Data for 2025
- Pediatrics Application Data for 2025
- Average Applications per Program in 2025
- Average Number of Applications Submitted in 2025
- Number of Submitted ERAS Applications In 2025
- Number of Applicants in 2025
- Change in Number of IMG Applicants Between 2024 & 2025
Year | Total Applicants | IMG Applicants | DO Applicants | MD Applicants |
ERAS 2024 | 48,764 | 17,664 | 9,019 | 22,081 |
ERAS 2025 | 49,048 | 18,500 | 9,178 | 21,370 |
The numbers from ERAS 2025 paint a striking picture of the rise of interest in residency in the U.S. With 49,048 total applicants an increase from 48,764 in 2024—the competition for residency spots is fiercer than ever. For International Medical Graduates (IMGs), the landscape is shifting significantly.
In 2024, 17,664 IMGs applied through ERAS. By 2025, this number surged to 18,500, marking one of the largest increases among applicant categories. IMGs now make up a significant proportion of the applicant pool, second only to U.S. MD graduates. Here’s a breakdown of the data:
This increase highlights both the growing interest in U.S. residency programs among IMGs and the rising competition they face not only among themselves but also with U.S. graduates.
Internal Medicine Application Data for 2025
Category | Total Applicants (2025) | Change from 2024 | Percent Change |
IMGs | 12,966 | +643 | +5.2% |
Internal Medicine continues to attract a substantial number of applicants, with ERAS 2025 showing a notable rise in the number of applicants, particularly among International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The total number of IMG applicants to Internal Medicine programs increased from 12,323 in 2024 to 12,966 in 2025, meaning 643 more applicants and representing a growth of 5.2% from the previous year.
Meanwhile, the overall number of applicants to Internal Medicine programs rose from 23,666 in 2024 to 24,849 in 2025, a 5% increase. This consistency between the IMG and overall growth rates underscores the strong appeal of Internal Medicine for both international and domestic candidates.
Family Medicine Application Data for 2025
Category | Total Applicants (2025) | Change from 2024 | Percent Change |
IMGs | 5,637 | +660 | +13.3% |
Overall Applicants | 9,800 | +737 | +8.1% |
Family Medicine has long been a welcoming specialty for International Medical Graduates (IMGs), but the ERAS 2025 data reveals a notable rebound in IMG interest. The total number of IMG applicants to Family Medicine programs increased from 4,977 in 2024 to 5,637 in 2025, representing a significant growth of 13.3%.
Overall, the total number of applicants to Family Medicine programs also rose from 9,063 in 2024 to 9,800 in 2025, reflecting an increase of 8.1%. This growth suggests that Family Medicine remains a vital entry point for both international applicants aiming to secure a U.S. residency position.
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Pediatrics Application Data for 2025
Category | Total Applicants (2025) | Change from 2024 | Percent Change |
IMGs | 2,181 | +412 | +23.3% |
Overall Applicants | 4,871 | +492 | +11.3% |
Pediatrics, a specialty that has traditionally attracted a diverse pool of applicants, witnessed a substantial rise in interest from International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in 2025. The total number of IMG applicants to Pediatrics programs increased from 1,769 in 2024 to 2,181 in 2025, representing a remarkable growth of 23.3%.
Similarly, the overall number of applicants to Pediatrics programs grew from 4,379 in 2024 to 4,871 in 2025, an increase of 11.3%. This increase Pediatrics as an appealing specialty with a good opportunity to match for both international and domestic candidates.
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Average Applications per Program in 2025
To better understand the trends shaping the 2025 residency application cycle, we’ve compiled key data points relevant to applicants and program directors. These insights shed light on the scope of competition and provide IMGs with actionable information to refine their strategies.
Specialties | IMG | U.S. MD | DO | Overall |
Internal Medicine | 2,123 | 397 | 264 | 2,783 |
Family Medicine | 377 | 82 | 122 | 582 |
Neurology | 388 | 176 | 97 | 660 |
Pediatrics | 521 | 255 | 163 | 938 |
Emergency Medicine | 220 | 249 | 236 | 705 |
Pathology-Anatomic and Clinical | 371 | 84 | 56 | 510 |
Surgery | 419 | 433 | 146 | 998 |
The highest number of applications come from IMGs for most of the above popular specialties this could reflect the IMG friendly nature of these specialties as well as the level of competition among IMGs for said specialties
Average Number of Applications Submitted in 2025
Specialties | IMG | U.S. MD | DO |
Internal Medicine | 107 | 31 | 51 |
Family Medicine | 50 | 31 | 42 |
Neurology | 58 | 41 | 62 |
Pediatrics | 50 | 28 | 43 |
Emergency Medicine | 52 | 41 | 48 |
Pathology-Anatomic and Clinical | 68 | 34 | 47 |
Surgery | 85 | 59 | 67 |
The table above highlights the average number of applications submitted per applicant type (IMGs, U.S. MDs, and DOs) for several common specialties during the ERAS 2025 cycle. Notably, IMGs tend to apply to significantly more programs compared to their U.S. counterparts across most specialties, reflecting the competitive nature of their pathway into residency.
Number of Submitted ERAS Applications In 2025
Type of Applicant | ERAS 2024 | ERAS 2025 | Change from previous year |
DO | 9,044 | 9,204 | +1.8% |
IMG | 17,808 | 18,643 | +4.7% |
MD | 22,096 | 21,393 | -3.2% |
Overall total | 48,948 | 49,240 | +0.6% |
With a 4.7% increase, IMGs continue to make up a significant portion of applicants, reflecting their determination to secure residency positions in the U.S. This growth reflects the need for IMGs to adopt systematic application approaches even with specialties that have favorable match rates.
Number of Applicants in 2025
Specialties | IMG | U.S. MD | DO | Overall |
Internal Medicine | 12,966 | 8,466 | 3,417 | 24,849 |
Family Medicine | 5,637 | 1,990 | 2,173 | 9,800 |
Neurology | 1,230 | 791 | 289 | 2,310 |
Pediatrics | 2,181 | 1,892 | 798 | 4,871 |
Emergency Medicine | 1,205 | 1,708 | 1,393 | 4,306 |
Pathology- Anatomic and Clinical | 756 | 342 | 164 | 1,262 |
Surgery | 1,721 | 2,589 | 766 | 5,076 |
Internal Medicine dominates in overall applications as discussed earlier, reflecting its size and wide-ranging opportunities.
Family Medicine also saw robust participation across all applicant types, with both specialties having strong IMG and DO representation.
Programs with fewer overall applicants, such as Neurology, may offer less competition and therefore a better chance of success for well-prepared candidates.
Change in Number of IMG Applicants Between 2024 & 2025
The strong presence of IMGs across multiple specialties in 2025 highlights their critical role in the U.S. residency landscape. However, to fully grasp the trajectory of IMG participation, it’s essential to examine how their numbers have changed compared to the previous year. This year-over-year comparison offers valuable insights into the growing competitiveness and shifting trends among IMG applicants.
Specialties | ERAS 2024 | ERAS 2025 | Change in (#) of Applicants | Change in % |
Internal Medicine | 12,323 | 12,966 | +643 | + 5.2 % |
Family Medicine | 4,977 | 5,637 | +660 | +13.3% |
Neurology | 1,187 | 1,230 | +43 | +3.6% |
Pediatrics | 1,769 | 2,181 | +412 | +23.3% |
Emergency Medicine | 1,195 | 1,205 | +10 | +0.8% |
Pathology-Anatomic and Clinical | 875 | 756 | -119 | -13.6% |
Surgery | 1,615 | 1,721 | +106 | +6.6% |
Conclusion
The ERAS 2025 data shows the increasing competitiveness of the U.S. residency application process. For IMGs, the growth in applicant numbers across specialties like Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics highlights both opportunities and challenges.
To succeed in this evolving landscape, IMGs must adopt strategic application approaches, strengthen their profiles with U.S. clinical experience, and tailor their submissions to align with program expectations. As competition rises, preparation and precision in application strategy will remain essential for IMGs aiming to secure their spot in a U.S. residency program.
Source: AAMC
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