"Externship."

SDN Members don't see this ad. (About Ads)

Does anyone else feel a letter silly using this term? Or extern? I certainly get odd looks from others. I suppose the intent was to use different terminology from other fields, but I don't think the meaning of 'externship' really applies to our 4th year positions at all.

For everyone's sake, including mine, I refer to it as a residency.

I also get odd looks so I try to avoid the word externship as much as possible. Hopefully this will be changed in the near future.

Yes. Totally agree! How do you introduce yourself to patients when you are a 4th year? I say I'm an "audiology intern" and am reasonably happy with this, but would like ideas on a better term. To me, residency implies having the degree. I guess MD interns have the degree too, but it seems more junior than resident.

This is a great question. When speaking with others in the profession, I usually use externship as that is the common term that everyone knows. However, when speaking with those outside the profession, I usually refer to it as the clinical residency or internship year .

When speaking to patients I would usually try to avoid 'student' as much as possible. I don't want to mis-represent myself, but I also don't want them to think that I'm some noob undergrad. I would usually introduce myself as Chris and say I was a doctoral intern or resident. People are more familiar with this concept (and comfortable) than the idea of being seen by a 'student'. The doctoral part would usually make them feel more at ease.

Again, don't mis-represent yourself, but give them the confidence to know that they're in good hands (even if they're not.)

i think externship is the most important thing after the studying.

It will clear your views and helpful for your future.

good luck