Quick Guide to Who's Who in Academic Medical Centers
Intern: a physician in the first year of post-graduate medical training who has successfully completed medical school and received a medical degree. "Intern" is seldom used today -- the more appropriate term is "first year resident." To be eligible for a license to practice medicine in most states, physicians must complete at least one year of residency.
Resident: a physician in post-graduate medical training who has successfully completed medical school and received a medical degree. Residency ranges from three to seven years, depending on the specialty. For example, internal medicine and pediatric physicians are required to complete three years of post-graduate training, while general surgeons must complete five to six years of post-graduate training. Plastic surgeons must complete a total of seven years of post-graduate training (five years in surgery and two years in plastic surgery).
Fellow: a physician who has completed residency training and is pursuing subspecialty training in a one, two or three-year fellowship program, such as surgical critical care, or vascular surgery.
Faculty members: physicians with university appointments that recognize their contributions to teaching and research, along with patient care.