Origin of the terms 'resident' and 'attending'

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Red Bull

New Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2010
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Anybody know? Just curious

Members don't see this ad.
 
Several possible origin for the word "attending" - both very old in origin.

The first is that it was a designation for physician attached to a particular institution (similar to the students attending a particular school, a physician was attending a particular hospital).
The second possibility was that physicians (who were mainly office-based) would "attend" to their personal patients who were admitted to the hospital (either before clinic, during lunch, or after clinic)

Showed up in English Literature as early as 1746
C. Smith Antient & Present State Waterford v. 185 It has been thought proper to endow an Infirmary for the reception of such sick and wounded poor, as shall offer themselves to the attending Physician or Surgeon to be cured.


Residents mainly got the title due to being present at the hospital almost all the time, and also staying/living at the hospital (bedroom, laundry, meals were all at the hospital)

Again, the term is old, appearing in the English Literature as early as 1821 Med. Repos. 6 102 My sole and immediate directions‥were carried into effect by that intelligent and judicious young physician, Dr. Campbell, who was then the medical resident.


Source: Oxford English Dictionary
 
"resident" comes from Hopkins Hospital where Osler created the first residency program. The physicians in that program had to 'reside' in the hospital as part of their training, hence, the term 'resident'.
 
Top