EXPLAINER: Who is a resident doctor and what are his functions?

Last Saturday, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) began a total and indefinite nationwide strike over unresolved demands. Briefing journalists, NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, defended the decision, saying the action followed the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government. The strike has disrupted services in 91 hospitals, including teaching hospitals, […]

Last Saturday, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) began a total and indefinite nationwide strike over unresolved demands.

Briefing journalists, NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, defended the decision, saying the action followed the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government.

The strike has disrupted services in 91 hospitals, including teaching hospitals, Federal Medical Centres, and specialist institutions across the country.

According to Suleiman, the association had shown “patience for too long” despite the government’s failure to address their concerns.

The Federal Government had promised partial payment.

On Monday, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, appealed to doctors to suspend the strike and resume duty.

But NARD insisted that the strike would continue until full payments and structural reforms were verified.

As the strike bites harder across hospitals, it raises a key question: who exactly are resident doctors, and why are they so vital to the hospital system?

 

Who a resident doctors is

A resident doctor is a medical doctor who has completed basic medical training (usually earning an MBBS or equivalent degree) and is undergoing specialized training in a particular area of medicine — such as surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, or psychiatry.

This period of intensive hands-on training, known as residency, typically lasts between three to six years, depending on the specialty and the country’s medical education structure.

During this phase, resident doctors work under the supervision of consultants or senior specialists, combining clinical experience with further academic learning. They are a vital link between medical students, house officers (fresh graduates), and senior consultants.

 

The role they play in hospitals

Resident doctors are often the backbone of hospital operations, especially in public teaching hospitals and large general hospitals.  Their duties include:

Patient care: They are usually the first point of contact for patients admitted to wards, managing day-to-day treatment, follow-ups, and emergency cases.

Clinical procedures: They assist in or independently carry out diagnostic and surgical procedures under supervision.

Teaching and mentoring: Residents often help train medical students and interns, sharing practical insights and experience.

Research: Many residency programs require them to engage in medical research and contribute to advancing knowledge in their specialties.

Night duties and emergencies: They handle the majority of on-call and emergency cases when consultants are unavailable.

 

Why resident doctors matter

Without resident doctors, most hospitals — particularly teaching hospitals — would struggle to function efficiently. They sustain round-the-clock medical care, ensure continuity between shifts, and form the critical workforce that supports consultants.

In essence, resident doctors keep the hospital running — providing vital medical attention, ensuring learning continuity, and serving as the next generation of medical specialists who will lead healthcare systems in the future.