A medical specialist is a physician
who has completed the usual four years of medical school plus
three to six years of training in a residency program
where there is extensive study and preparation for them to care for
patients in specific areas of medicine. As a resident the physician
spends
full time
in a hospital or ambulatory care setting under the supervision of teachers.
During this time the resident cares for patients, attends conferences,
and participates in research in the area of specialty being studied. At
the end of the residency the physician must complete a comprehensive
evaluation
and examination in order to receive certification. Some specialty boards
also require recertification every seven to ten years to maintain the
certification. In addition the physician must participate in
yearly continuing medical
education.
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