Background: A residency in Pulmonary Medicine represents the best source of training for those who wish to specialize in the area. In Brazil, the Comissão Nacional de Residência Médica (National Committee of Medical Residency) regulates such programs. Objective: To analyze the number of programs and their levels state of accreditation, the number of residents and the distribution of these programs and residents among the various institutions throughout Brazil. Methods: The list of programs furnished by the National Committee of Medical Residency in April 2003 was analyzed, and the basic criteria for accreditation in the area (according to the legislation currently in effect) were reviewed. Results: Of the 58 accredited programs, 35 are offered in hospitals in the southeastern region of Brazil, and 133 of the residents are also there. In contrast, there is only 1 accredited program, and there are only 3 residents enrolled in that program. Conclusion: Although all 58 programs are accredited, most are clustered in the southeastern region. It is therefore necessary that the Comissão Nacional de Residência Médica and the Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia (Brazilian Society of Pulmonology and Phthisiology) begin a joint project in order to manage the creation of new programs. Thus, the number of programs and residents required for each of the various regions could be determined.

Keywords: Residency/Medical, Pulmonary Disease (Specialty), Internship and Residency