Transition from Resident to Attending Physician: Understanding the Roles and Requirements

When a resident completes their residency program, they often wonder whether they can automatically become an attending physician. The answer to this question is straightforward: No, residents cannot automatically become attending physicians once their residency ends.

Understanding the Roles of an Attending Physician

An attending physician is the doctor formally and primarily responsible for managing a patient's care during their hospital admission. This role carries significant responsibilities and is often contingent on meeting certain criteria, such as achieving board certification within a set number of years and maintaining satisfactory performance.

The Process of Becoming an Attending Physician

Residents do not become attending physicians automatically upon finishing their residency. Rather, they must be hired by a medical school and go through the process of becoming a professor of medicine. These professors are often required to engage in both clinical teaching and research, in addition to their medical duties.

Occupational Pathways for Graduated Residents

Graduated residents have a few options when it comes to their career path. They can:

Go into practice independently, though this is rare in modern medical practice. Join a physician group practice, where they take on the role of an attending physician. Get hired as a hospitalist, which means they are employed by a corporation that owns the hospital. Continue their education through a fellowship, which then earns them the title of fellow.

Medical Licensing and Legal Practice Rights

A physician who has successfully completed their residency, passed their boards, and met the State Medical Board requirements has the legal right to practice medicine. This means that such a physician can then apply to a medical school to become a staff member, where they can teach, conduct research, and maintain a small solo practice, all dictated by the policies of the medical university.

Common Misconceptions

Can a resident become an attending physician without additional qualifications? No, they need to meet specific hiring qualifications and requirements. Do all attending physicians work in teaching hospitals? No, many attending physicians work in private practice or hospital settings without house staff or students. Can a resident become an attending physician immediately after completing their fellowship? Yes, they can, unless they choose to continue with further specialization through another fellowship.

Conclusion

Once a doctor has obtained the necessary qualifications, licensing, and has been hired into an position as an attending, they are indeed an attending, though they must continue to meet specific requirements to maintain this position over time. In summary, while becoming an attending physician is a significant step in a medical career, it requires careful planning and meeting stringent qualifications.