Attending physician

The senior doctor with primary responsibility for a patient's care during a specific encounter (hospital admission, ICU stay, ER visit). The attending supervises any residents or trainees involved.

When you'll hear it

In teaching hospitals, "the attending" is the name to ask for when you want a real decision-making conversation — residents and fellows can't finalize plans without their attending.

See also: all glossary terms · conditions by name · step-by-step playbooks