Definition: A resident is a physician in training who has completed at least one year of residency. A resident has a medical license and is a physician, but is not board certified in a specialty.
Residency, including the first year during which a resident is called an intern, can last for 3 to 7 years, depending upon the specialty. Residents can practice medicine, but they do so under the observation of a fully qualified doctor.
Additional information: How to Become a Doctor
Also Known As: medical resident, surgical resident
Examples: The medical resident examined the patient and determined the course of treatment, which was approved by the physician in charge.
