Definition
The top dog doctor who has completed all training and now supervises residents while taking ultimate responsibility for patient care. Essentially the person whose signature matters and whose sleep schedule is slightly less destroyed than their underlings'.
Example Usage
The attending physician made rounds at 6 AM, which is why residents develop a special hatred for mornings.
Origin
Hospital hierarchy terminology from early 20th century American medical education
Fun Fact
Attendings often earn 3-10 times what residents make, which is why medical school debt seems almost reasonable after residency ends.
Source: Medical education and hospital hierarchy terminology
Related Terms
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See “attending physician” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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