Real-Life Medical Roles vs. Dissection Roles

Medical Roles

Attending PhysicianChief ResidentResident (1st year = Intern)Medical StudentUndergraduate Student

Undergraduate Student

Attend a 4 year university for the purpose of earning a Bachelor’s degree (BS, BA, etc…) in a specific field (business, marketing, biology, etc…)

Medical Student

• In medical school

• Duration: 4 years

• Learn the basics in order to become a physician

• Years 1 & 2: re-take biology, chemistry, biochem

• Years 3 & 4: work with patients

Resident

• In Residency program

• Duration: 4-5 years

• Specialize in specific field of medicine (cardiology, neurology, OB/GYN, etc…)

• Performs procedures with assistance from senior residents

• Supervises medical students

Intern

• 1st year of Residency program

• “Freshman”

Chief Resident

• “Seniors”

• Supervises residents under him/her

• Trains residents under him/her

• Learning to be responsible for administrative functions (making sure that tasks and documentation are completed)

Attending Physician

• Functions as the clinical and education leader of department

• Overall responsible for training and education of those beneath him/her

Dissection Roles: Medical Student

Medical student (does not need gloves)1. Researcher

a.use WWW or book to learn about specific structures being dissected daily

b. summarize findings (take notes on handout if applicable)

c. distribute notes to remaining team members

2. May be asked to take pictures or video as needed using ELMO projection system

Dissection Roles: Intern

Intern (needs gloves)1.Sets-up dissection2.Assists chief resident with surgical procedures3.Cleans-up dissection

Dissection Roles: Chief Resident

Chief Resident (needs gloves)1.Lead dissector2.Performs all surgical procedures3.Supervises all subordinates

Dissection Roles: Attending

Attending (does not need gloves)1.Supervises all surgical procedures and group activities2.Directs course of action3.Overall responsible for managing all staff during lab dissection4.Not usually hands-on

Exceptions

Only 3 people in dissection goup? Attending also performs role of medical student:

Attending/Medical Student:• Responsible for supervising those

beneath him/her

• Functions as team leader

• Overall responsible for entire team

• Researcher

• Record pictures and video on ELMO

Only 2 people in dissection goup? Attending also performs role of medical student and Chief Resident also performs role of Intern:

Attending/Medical Student:• Responsible for supervising those beneath

him/her• Functions as team leader• Overall responsible for entire team• Researcher• Record pictures and video on ELMO

Chief Resident/Intern:• Sets-up dissection• Performs all surgical procedures• Cleans-up dissection