The term "attending surgeon" is used to describe a doctor who is fully trained and is responsible for supervising the care of patients in a hospital setting. The word "attending" is pronounced /əˈtendɪŋ/, with the stress on the second syllable, while "surgeon" is pronounced /ˈsɜːrdʒən/, with the stress on the first syllable. The spelling of this word is based on the Latin term "attendo", meaning "to give attention to", and the Old French "serurgien", meaning "a surgeon".
The term "attending surgeon" refers to a highly skilled and experienced medical professional who specializes in surgical procedures and provides direct patient care and supervision to surgical teams. Also known as a staff surgeon, the attending surgeon is usually found in hospitals or clinics and holds a leadership position within the surgical department.
An attending surgeon's primary responsibility is to perform surgical procedures to treat various medical conditions and diseases. They possess extensive knowledge and expertise in their specific field of specialization, which can range from cardiothoracic surgery to orthopedic surgery or neurosurgery.
In addition to performing surgeries, attending surgeons also play a pivotal role in overseeing surgical procedures performed by resident doctors, interns, and other members of the surgical team. They are responsible for training and teaching these medical professionals, ensuring that the surgeries are performed properly and providing guidance and feedback to further enhance the skills and knowledge of the trainees.
Attending surgeons are often involved in the pre-operative and post-operative management of patients, which includes assessing patients' medical conditions, determining the necessity of surgery, and evaluating the progress of recovery after surgery. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as anesthesiologists and nurses, to provide comprehensive, efficient, and effective patient care.
With their advanced surgical skills and expertise, attending surgeons play an integral role in the delivery of surgical care, providing patients with the highest level of medical treatment and ensuring optimal surgical outcomes.
A surgeon attached to a hospital who visits the patients at stated times, performs major operations, and directs the house surgeon in the management of the cases under his charge.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "attending" comes from the Old French word "atendant", which is the present participle form of the verb "attendre", meaning "to wait for" or "to be present at". In English, "attending" refers to someone who is present or providing care in a professional capacity.
The term "surgeon" traces its etymology to the Old French word "cirurgien", which is derived from the Latin word "chirurgus", ultimately derived from the Greek word "kheirourgós". "Kheirourgós" combines "kheir" (hand) and "ergon" (work), indicating the use of hands in surgical procedures.
When combined, the term "attending surgeon" refers to the surgeon who is present at and responsible for the care of a patient during a specific medical procedure or hospital stay.