T.E. Asks:
Hello, I realize this may sound quite bizarre, but
another author recommended you to me because I have a question about medical
school.
One of my characters is currently doing an
internship to become a doctor. I imagine he's about 8-10 years in with
his studies, and he's at a small hospital in a fictional town right now. I know he's not a certified doctor just yet . . . but I have no idea what
people refer to him as? I've heard he should be called "Fellow Xiong", but I want to make sure I've got this right. Can you help me?
Thank you so much for your time.
Jordyn Says:
Thanks for sending me your question! First, my answer is based on this being a US medical school. Not sure where you're from.
Medical school is four years. After a person completes medical
school-- they take an exam and if they pass-- they are then referred to
as "Doctor" and then last name. After medical school they pick what type
of residency program they want to do such as adult surgical, adult medical, pediatrics, etc. A doctor's first year of residency is called their
intern year but they are still referred to as Dr. such and such. After
residency, they can further specialize into a discipline like cardiology,
transplant surgery, etc and this would be referred to as their
fellowship program.
But-- after they pass the exam after medical school they are always "doctor" and then
last name regardless of where they are at in their residency or
fellowship program. We might further clarify among ourselves as medical
people (he's a first year resident or first year fellow) because this
will give us an idea of how much training they have had.
If writing a book, though, as staff we usually call each other by first names. In front of families we'll usually say "doctor".
One thing I want to caution you on is that "small" hospitals typically
don't have these types of residency programs. Just larger hospitals and
those associated with universities are the most likely so you may need
to rethink your setting or rethink where the doctor is at in his
training-- maybe make him an attending. A small community hospital is not going to have this type of program.
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T.E. Ridener lives in a small community in
Southeastern Kentucky. She is an author paranormal romance and urban
fantasy, including but not limited to; vampires, werewolves, werebears,
elementals, and ghosts. When she isn't stuck in her writing cave, she loves
being an awesome aunt to her niece and nephew and catching up on all of her
favorite TV shows. She is the co-founder and co-creator of an online
Christmas charity that gives presents to children in need. In 2013, over
$69,000 worth of toys was given to children who otherwise would not have had a
present to open.
