An intern is a medical school graduate in their first year of post-graduate training, often called a "first-year resident" in the U.S.. A resident is a doctor in their second year or any subsequent year of post-graduate training after the internship, specializing in a specific area. The primary difference is the level of training and experience; an intern is at the beginning, while a resident is further along, taking on more responsibility and working towards board certification in a specialty.
Feature | Intern | Resident |
|---|---|---|
Level of Training | First year of postgraduate medical training | Years 2+ of postgraduate training |
Autonomy | Works under close supervision and guidance | Takes on more responsibility and supervises interns and medical students |
Specialization | General training to be licensed to practice | Specializing in a particular medical field |
Experience | New to clinical practice after medical school | Has completed the initial internship year |
Role | Completes tasks under direction | Manages patient care, diagnoses, and treatment plans |
