School is done!

New healthcare graduates face many challenges as they transition from school to practice, including adapting to new environments, applying their knowledge, and developing new skills.

After graduating, medical students complete an internship year, also known as the preliminary year or PGY-1. During this time, they rotate through different specialties, gaining practical experience and improving their clinical skills. They also apply their knowledge to real-world situations by making healthcare decisions. After the internship year, they apply to a residency program that can last two to seven years, depending on their specialty. During residency, they learn to manage patient care independently, develop critical thinking skills, and gain specialized training in their chosen area of medicine.