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	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Future physicians go to medical school after they complete college. Medical students learn about many different areas of medicine, including those designated as specialties. At the end of medical school, doctors choose the specialty in which they will have more education and eventually practice. Education in each specialty takes three to seven years of a residency after medical school. Some medical specialties have subspecialties that require even more education and training. Since medical knowledge is so complex and advanced, most doctors limit their practices to their area of specialization. The September 3, 2003, issue of JAMA, a theme issue on medical education, includes articles on medical specialties.

PRIMARY CARE SPECIALTIES

• Family medicine (primary care of adults and children)
  
• Internal medicine (primary care of adults)
  
• Pediatrics (primary care of children)
  

Janet M. Torpy, MD, Writer; Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor

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