Who's Who in the Hospital

Emergency Physician

Doctors who assess and treat people arriving in the emergency department.

Hospitalist

A doctor who cares for patients only while they are in the hospital.

Attending Physician

The senior doctor with overall responsibility for your care.

Resident

A licensed doctor completing specialty training, working under an attending.

Fellow

A fully trained doctor doing extra, specialized training in a specific area.

Nurse

Delivers most of your bedside care — medications, monitoring, and answering call lights.

Charge Nurse

The nurse who coordinates the whole unit's staffing and patient flow.

Nurse Practitioner

An advanced-practice nurse who can diagnose, order tests, and prescribe.

Physician Assistant

A licensed clinician who works with physicians to examine, diagnose, and treat.

Pharmacist

Reviews your medications for safety, interactions, and correct dosing.

Case Manager

Coordinates your care plan, insurance needs, and what happens after discharge.

Social Worker

Supports the non-medical side of your care — finances, family, and resources.

Patient Advocate

Helps you resolve concerns or complaints about your care.

Physical Therapist

Helps you move safely and regain strength and function.

Occupational Therapist

Helps you do daily activities — dressing, bathing, cooking — safely.

Respiratory Therapist

Manages breathing treatments and equipment like oxygen.

Radiology Technologist

Performs imaging like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.

Laboratory Staff

Collect and process blood, urine, and other samples.

Unit Clerk

Handles the front desk of the unit — phones, charts, and requests.

Care Coordinator

Keeps your different providers and appointments connected.