What term refers to specialized physician training after medical school?

• A. Residency
• B. Fellowship
• C. Internship
• D. Certification

Answer: (A)

Residency is the postmedical-school training that develops specialty-specific skills under supervision in hospitals. During this period, new physicians gain hands-on experience in a chosen field (such as internal medicine, surgery, or pediatrics) and learn to practice independently under guidance. The duration varies by specialty and prepares the physician for board certification in that area. After residency, some physicians pursue fellowships to gain further subspecialty expertise. Internship is an older term that often refers to the first year of residency, while certification is a credential earned after completing training, not the training itself.