There is a lot of confusion generated by doctors with the title of FELLOW, especially among the non-physicians. It can get quite convoluted, since sub-specialty trainees are called fellows, but so are esteemed members of medical societies who are obviously not trainees anymore. So, to set the record straight, I did some light research and here are the best explanations I have read:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) The FELLOW as a TRAINEE:
A fellow is a physician who has completed their residency and elects to complete further training in a specialty. The fellow is a fully credentialed physician who chooses to pursue additional training, the fellowship is optional and is not required to practice medicine, but is necessary for training in a sub-specialty.
2) The FELLOW as a distinguished member of the medical society:
Fellows are a special group of physicians who are dedicated to continuing education in medical practice, teaching, or research. Fellowship is an honorary designation given to recognize ongoing individual service and contributions to the practice of medicine.
Fellowship is a mark of distinction. It says that your physician has made - and continues to make - special efforts to be a better physician. Ultimately, it says your physician cares about delivering good health care.
How does a physician become a fellow?
Physicians must show that they are always growing and learning in order for the honor of Fellowship to be conferred. They may show this through activities such as teaching, hospital appointments, public service, community health planning, continuing medical education, publishing articles, and advanced training.
They may also be recommended by other Fellows who must attest to their character, ethics, and excellence in professional medical activities (This is usually the case here in the Philippines)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* A quick additional note about the distinguished fellows. Being conferred the honorary title of fellow of the society grants you the privilege of adding an additional acronym after your name comprised of the title (Fellow), followed by the society that gave you the distinction, and this is usually placed after the MD.
Example: Juan Dela Cruz MD, FPCP (Fellow, Philippine College of Physicians)
There you have it! I hope this clarifies things for a lot of people out there, especially the younger doctors or doctors-to-be, who still get confused by the hospital hierarchy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) The FELLOW as a TRAINEE:
A fellow is a physician who has completed their residency and elects to complete further training in a specialty. The fellow is a fully credentialed physician who chooses to pursue additional training, the fellowship is optional and is not required to practice medicine, but is necessary for training in a sub-specialty.
2) The FELLOW as a distinguished member of the medical society:
Fellows are a special group of physicians who are dedicated to continuing education in medical practice, teaching, or research. Fellowship is an honorary designation given to recognize ongoing individual service and contributions to the practice of medicine.
Fellowship is a mark of distinction. It says that your physician has made - and continues to make - special efforts to be a better physician. Ultimately, it says your physician cares about delivering good health care.
How does a physician become a fellow?
Physicians must show that they are always growing and learning in order for the honor of Fellowship to be conferred. They may show this through activities such as teaching, hospital appointments, public service, community health planning, continuing medical education, publishing articles, and advanced training.
They may also be recommended by other Fellows who must attest to their character, ethics, and excellence in professional medical activities (This is usually the case here in the Philippines)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* A quick additional note about the distinguished fellows. Being conferred the honorary title of fellow of the society grants you the privilege of adding an additional acronym after your name comprised of the title (Fellow), followed by the society that gave you the distinction, and this is usually placed after the MD.
Example: Juan Dela Cruz MD, FPCP (Fellow, Philippine College of Physicians)
There you have it! I hope this clarifies things for a lot of people out there, especially the younger doctors or doctors-to-be, who still get confused by the hospital hierarchy.
