| Aspect | Doctor Internship | Medical Residency |
|---|
| Credentials | Medical degree (MD or DO), medical license | Completed medical degree, licensed to practice, specialized training |
| Work Environment | Hospitals, clinics, supervised clinical settings | Hospitals, clinics, specialized departments, ongoing supervision |
| Purpose | Gain practical experience, fulfill licensing requirements | Specialized training in a medical field, advanced clinical skills |
| Duration | Typically 1 year | 3-7 years depending on specialty |
Doctor internships are foundational training periods for medical graduates to gain practical experience, while medical residencies involve specialized training in a chosen field. Internships are usually shorter and serve as a prerequisite for residency, which provides in-depth clinical expertise.