What is a surgical attendee?

In surgical education, an attending is a surgeon who has completed training and has been granted the designation of Fellow by their governing body.

- Surgeons in training, also known as junior residents, senior residents, postgraduate year (PGY) 1s or PGY2/3s, depend on the attending surgeon for all facets of patient care.

- Attending surgeons are involved in all decisions regarding a patient's surgery. They oversee the work of the residents, assist in procedures when needed, and are held legally responsible for the outcome of the patient.