What is an Attending Physician?

An attending physician is a fully licensed doctor who has completed medical school and residency training. They lead medical teams, make final decisions about patient care, and often teach and supervise residents and medical students. Becoming an attending physician usually takes 11 to 15 years of education and training.

 

What is an Attending Physician?

An attending physician is a doctor who has completed:

• Medical school (MD or DO)
• Residency training in a chosen specialty (3–7 years)

Attendings are certified to practice independently. They oversee patient care, confirm diagnoses, set treatment plans, and perform procedures. Because they are the most senior physicians on the care team, they also supervise residents, fellows, and medical students.

Where Do Attending Physicians Work?

Attending physicians work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

• Hospitals: From emergency departments to intensive care units and surgical centers
• Clinics: Outpatient care in fields such as pediatrics, family medicine, or dermatology
• Private practice: Independent or group practices, often with more control over patient relationships and care delivery
• Medical schools: Teaching, research, and mentoring medical students and residents

The work setting reflects each physician’s specialty, career goals, and preferred balance between patient care, teaching, and research.

 

Responsibilities of an Attending Physician

Patient Care: Attendings are responsible for final treatment decisions and outcomes. They coordinate with other providers, adjust treatment plans, and ensure patient safety.
Supervision and Teaching: A key part of the role is mentoring residents and medical students. Attendings review cases, provide feedback, and model clinical decision-making. This training is vital for preparing the next generation of physicians.
Documentation: Accurate patient records are essential for quality care, legal compliance, and continuity between providers. Attendings oversee and contribute to medical documentation to ensure accuracy.
Discharge Planning: Attendings coordinate patient discharges, follow-up care, and home instructions. Effective planning helps reduce readmissions and improves recovery outcomes.

 

How Long Does it Take to Become an Attending Physician?

The timeline typically looks like this:

• Undergraduate degree: 4 years
• Medical school: 4 years
• Residency: 3–7 years (e.g., family medicine = 3 years; surgery = 5–7 years)
• Optional fellowship: 1–3 years for subspecialization

The length of residency training depends on your chosen specialty. In total, it usually takes 11 to 15 years after high school to become an attending physician.

 

Benefits of Becoming an Attending Physician

• Higher Salary: Attendings earn significantly more than residents. Pay varies by specialty, but physicians often see salaries rise dramatically once they complete training.
• Professional Autonomy: Attendings have greater control over where and how they practice, whether in hospitals, clinics, or private practice.
• Ability to Start a Practice: With board certification and experience, attendings can establish their own practices and shape how care is delivered to their patients.
• Mentorship Opportunities: Teaching and guiding medical students and residents is both a responsibility and a privilege of being an attending. It allows physicians to give back to the profession and shape its future.

Key Takeaways

Attending physicians are senior doctors who provide leadership, expertise, and oversight in patient care. They are the final authority on diagnoses and treatments, while also playing a central role in teaching and mentoring new physicians. The journey to becoming an attending requires over a decade of education and training, but the rewards include higher income, career autonomy, and the opportunity to shape the future of medicine.