Careers in medicine in the US But the resident has much more responsibility vkan the intern he often assist experienced surged during operations. In an emergency, he may take over the work of the staff surgeon Internship and residency combined take three to five years depending on one' s area of specialization Hospitals have several interns and many residents on their staff a resident who is completing his/her residency period and who has thereby distinguished himself/herself is selected to be chief resident, a position of greater sponsibilityCareers in medicine in the US But the resident has much more responsibility than the intern. He often assist experienced surgeons during operations. In an emergency, he may take over the work of the staff surgeon. Internship and residency combined take three to five years, depending on one’s area of specialization. Hospitals have several interns and many residents on their staff. A resident who is completing his/her residency period and who has thereby distinguished himself/herself is selected to be chief resident, a position of greater responsibility