Residents have completed medical school and are physicians. Residents are gaining additional training in a field of specialized medicine, such as pediatrics or surgery. Because of their education and experience, residents can make some decisions regarding patient care and perform minor procedures without direct supervision. They generally are overseen by an attending physician. Fellows also work under the supervision of attending faculty physicians, but because they are trained specialists, they have greater independence than residents.
Fellowships range from one year to three years, depending on specialty.
Residents and fellows have their medical degrees but have not yet met all qualifications in their chosen specialties. Therefore, services you receive directly from a resident or fellow will not be covered by your insurance unless the services are provided under the supervision of a faculty physician. Your billing statement will indicate the faculty physician's name. You can make appointments with residents or fellows if they are available. All of your medical care choices, including care with students, residents and fellows, are between you and your physician.