Understanding Your Medical Team at an Academic Medical Center
Visiting a major academic medical institution can be an overwhelming experience, especially when you meet multiple professionals who introduce themselves as “doctor” or members of your care team. Each individual plays a critical role in ensuring you receive the highest quality of care.
A recent study in JAMA authored by Burke et al. from Harvard Medical School found that communities with teaching hospitals within them had better patient outcomes. Furthermore, teaching is always part of the mission of Academic Medical Centers. The more senior doctors help train the more junior doctors. How else will knowledge and experience with patient care get passed along to new doctors whose role is to provide the best possible healthcare? To help you feel more comfortable, here’s a guide to understanding the medical team and their responsibilities, starting from the top.
The Attending Physician: The Expert in Charge
The attending physician, often referred to as the "faculty physician," is the most senior doctor responsible for overseeing your care. This individual has completed all necessary training, including medical school, residency, and sometimes a fellowship, and is now fully licensed and board-certified in their specialty. They bring years of expertise and experience to your treatment plan. For example, if you are visiting for cancer care, the attending physician may be an oncologist specializing in your specific type of cancer. While they may not be the person you see most frequently, they supervise every aspect of your care and make the final decisions.
The Fellow: A Specialist in Advanced Training
A fellow is a doctor who has completed residency training and is now pursuing additional, specialized training in a specific area of medicine. For instance, if you are visiting an ophthalmology clinic, the fellow might be training to become an expert in ocular oncology. Fellows work closely with attending physicians to refine their expertise, and they may perform complex procedures under the attending physician's supervision. Fellows often take on significant responsibility, including directly interacting with patients, but they are still in a learning phase within their chosen specialty.
The Resident: A Doctor Learning to Practice Independently
Residents are licensed doctors who have graduated from medical school and are now undergoing hands-on training in their chosen field, such as internal medicine, surgery, or pediatrics. Residency programs typically last three to seven years, depending on the specialty. Residents often conduct the initial evaluation, ask detailed questions about your medical history, and develop a preliminary plan for your care. They present their findings to the attending physician or fellow, who reviews and refines the plan. For example, if you are admitted to the hospital, the resident may be the one checking on you each day, discussing your progress, and coordinating tests.
The Medical Student: A Future Doctor in Training
Medical students are in the process of earning their medical degree and are not yet licensed to practice independently. They observe and assist in patient care as part of their education. You might meet a medical student during your visit who introduces themselves and explains they are part of the team. They may ask questions, take notes, or perform basic tasks like taking your blood pressure, but all their work is closely supervised. While medical students are still learning, their enthusiasm and attention to detail often bring fresh energy to the team.
Another Student: Allied Health Trainees
In addition to medical students, you may encounter other students training in allied health professions such as nursing, physical therapy, or physician assistant programs. For example, a physician assistant (PA) student might assist the medical team by reviewing your history or helping with procedures under supervision. These students are gaining valuable experience as part of their educational journey and work to ensure you have a comprehensive care experience.
Why So Many People Are Involved in Your Care
You might wonder why so many layers of professionals are involved in your treatment. At an academic medical center, the collaborative approach ensures that every detail of your care is reviewed and addressed from multiple perspectives. While the attending physician oversees the big picture, the fellows, residents, and students bring additional focus to specific tasks, ensuring nothing is missed. This structure allows patients to benefit from the combined expertise of the entire team.
Tips for Navigating Your Care Team
If you are unsure about someone’s role, don’t hesitate to ask them to clarify. For instance, you might say, “Can you explain your role in my care today?” Understanding who is responsible for each aspect of your treatment can help you feel more at ease. Remember, everyone you encounter—whether they are a seasoned attending physician or a curious medical student—is dedicated to providing you with the best possible care. At an academic institution, you are not just treated; you become part of a dynamic learning environment that drives the future of medicine.
By understanding the roles of each team member, you can navigate your medical journey with greater confidence and trust. Academic medical centers thrive on collaboration and teaching, and while the system may feel complex at first, this layered approach ensures comprehensive, high-quality care for every patient. To read more, this article in VeryWellHealth summarizes the medical hierarchy!