Attending
Formal Definition
The supervising physician who has completed all training and bears ultimate responsibility for patient care.
How It's Used on the Ward
"Who's the attending?" or "Run it by the attending" - the boss.
Example
""The attending wants to discuss the plan before we call the family. Make sure your assessment is tight.""
Clinical Context
The hierarchy: medical student -> intern (PGY-1) -> resident (PGY-2/3) -> fellow -> attending. Know where you stand.
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