Friday, February 12, 2010

Definition and Considerations of the Medical Residency Program

A medical residency is a part of the graduate training program for medical school graduates, and is a vital component for eligibility to put-in for licensure as a physician. During a residency, a graduate is competent to practice medicine under the supervision of a licensed medical doctor.

Definition
# A medical residency is a post-graduate medical training program in which a person who has earned a medical degree can stand in to practice medicine under the guidance of an experienced, licensed physician. A resident generally works in a hospital setting where she is able to watch and, ultimately, perform a wide range of medical processes. A residency can last anywhere from three to eight years depending on the area of specialization that the resident has chosen to train in.

Considerations:
There are limited spots available in coveted residency programs, and the application process is highly competitive, particularly for the most specialized fields of medicine. Many a times, an applicant interviews with a number of programs, and is responsible for his own travel and related expenses. A resident works long hours, and is frequently on call for certain shifts. A college student who is considering pursuing medical school needs to be aware of the periods of the commitment that will be anticipated of him, not only via his school years, but also as he gets through the residency program. The more specialized the branch of medicine, the longer the time that a graduate will spend in his residency.

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