what is an attending physician

An attending physician is a board-certified physician who has completed all necessary residency training and is considered an expert in their field of medicine or surgery. They are responsible for making all final decisions on a patients care, as well as taking part in training interns, residents, and fellows if they work at a teaching hospital. Attendings may also supervise fellows, resident doctors, and medical students. They have the final responsibility for all patient care even if a fellow or resident doctor provides the patient care. Attendings may or may not have legal liability, depending on the circumstances.