In the US and Canada, most graduate students take part in a period of professional and medical training known as a fellowship. A fellowship typically follows an internship, and is appropriate after a student has successfully completed a specialty training program (most often called a residency for medical students).

Most fellowships last for about a year, although programs can be as short as three months and as long as three years. During the course of the fellowship, participants are known as fellows and will engage in career development, refining the knowledge that was gained during residency, and learning skills they might be lacking.

Fellows are trusted to conduct themselves as attending professionals. There are fellowships that deal with a variety of topics (such as media, arts, public policy and NPOs), but traditionally, fellowships are granted to graduates studying medicine. A participant in a medical fellowship program may serve as a consultant physician in the field they were trained in (such as pediatrics). Once a fellow has completed his or her fellowship in the appropriate sub-specialty, this physician is then allowed to practice medicine without direct supervision by other physicians.

The goal of a fellowship is to provide comprehensive training to professionals and post-residents, and to offer physicians exposure to the major field of their interest. Every fellowship is somewhat different, but what each has in common is the goal of advancing individuals towards their independence as professionals. Some of the activities that fellows can expect to participate in include clinical training, rotations and lab work, as well as research and community outreach.

Frequently, these fellowships are complemented by a schedule of conferences, lectures or other professional gatherings. Fellows may be supported by research mentors, and often forge relationships with other respected leaders and fellows; they can become established in a location or practice where they may continue on after their fellowship concludes.

You may not know what kind of fellowship you’re most interested in now, but we offer a comprehensive listing of all past, current and upcoming fellowship openings. Sign up today to receive updates on open fellowship programs.