Post-call
Formal Definition
The period immediately following a 24-hour or overnight call shift, characterized by significant sleep deprivation and cognitive fatigue in the resident who covered.
How It's Used on the Ward
"She's post-call" — means she's been up all night and is handing off. Post-call residents typically leave by noon under ACGME duty-hour rules.
Example
""Don't ask the post-call intern for a detailed summary at 7am rounds — she admitted 9 patients overnight. The sign-out note is the source of truth; confirm details there.""
Clinical Context
Post-call cognitive impairment is real — studies show performance comparable to legal alcohol intoxication after 24h awake. ACGME caps interns at 24+4 hours (no new admissions after 24h). As a student rotating with a post-call resident, be prepared to carry more of the load and give them room to sign out efficiently.
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