Hospital Team
When admitted to the hospital, your care will be provided by a team of health care professionals trained to meet your specific medical needs. The following is a brief description of some hospital staff members.
Doctors
Your doctor, sometimes referred to as an attending physician, is responsible for managing your care. If necessary, your doctor may consult with other specialists. Since UCSF Medical Center is a teaching hospital, you may be seen by fellows, residents and medical students who work with your doctor. As a result, you receive the benefit of having a number of doctors working together with shared concerns for your well-being.
- Attending physicians are members of the team that determine and supervise your medical care. Attending physicians also teach other doctors to care for patients. You will be assigned an attending physician. They change periodically, so please ask your nurse or doctor about the scheduled rotation of doctors on your child's unit.
- Fellows are physicians who have completed their residency training and are now receiving advanced training in a specialty. Fellows work with an attending physician and help teach interns and residents under the guidance of attending physicians.
- Residents and interns are physicians completing their training. They work under the guidance of attending physicians and fellows.
Nurses
Our nursing staff coordinates and provides care. Many of our nurses have received advanced training in specialized fields.
- Charge nurses are responsible for overseeing the nursing care on your hospital unit during a shift.
- Clinical nurse specialists are registered nurses with advanced education in special areas. These nurses help coordinate your care.
- Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with advanced education in special areas. These nurses have training and skills in assessment, physical diagnosis and managing health needs in their specialty areas.
- Patient care managers are responsible for supervising all nursing care on every shift on your unit.
In addition to our nursing staff, other health professionals help to ensure you receive the highest quality of care.
- Patient care assistants are trained to help nurses care for you. They work under the supervision of a nurse and provide routine care activities but are unable to give medications.
- Patient support assistants help units stay clean and equipped.
- Unit coordinators provide clerical support, directions and answer questions for families and visitors.
Patient Relations
Patient Relations provides services to ensure that your experience at UCSF Medical Center is a good one. If you or a family member has a question or concern about your hospital stay, please let us know. We suggest you first discuss your concerns with your nurse, department manager and your doctor. If your concern remains unresolved, the Patient Relations staff or a nursing supervisor are available to help you reach a resolution or provide more information.
