Attending vs. Resident vs. Fellow

In a teaching hospital, you will be seen by a team of doctors rather than just one person. This team approach allows for multiple sets of eyes on your health. The hierarchy is based on years of training and experience. Every doctor on the team is licensed, but they are at different stages of their careers.

A resident is a doctor who has finished medical school but is still completing specialized training in a specific field. They handle most of your day-to-day care, including writing orders and tracking your vitals. While they do much of the heavy lifting, they work under the constant guidance of senior staff. You can think of them as doctors who are gaining hands-on expertise.

A fellow is a doctor who has already completed their residency and is now pursuing additional, advanced training in a sub-specialty. They are experts in their primary field and are narrowing their focus even further. For example, a fellow might spend extra years mastering complex heart procedures. They act as a bridge between the residents and the senior doctors.

An attending physician is the most senior doctor on your team. They have finished all formal training and are legally responsible for your medical care. They make the final decisions about your treatment plan and ensure the rest of the team is working safely. You may see them less frequently than the residents, but they are always aware of your status.

Doctors perform rounds each morning to discuss your progress. During this time, residents and fellows update the attending on your condition and any concerns that came up overnight. Decisions are made collaboratively, though the attending holds the final authority. If you feel confused by this process, ask any member of the team to clarify who is responsible for your specific care plan.