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You may be seen by different types of health care professionals. Please be assured that all are working together to meet your health care needs. An attending physician is the physician directing your care. He or she is a faculty member in the TTUHSC School of Medicine and also serves patients as a member of the medical staff for Texas Tech Physicians.
A resident is licensed physician who is receiving further training in a particular area, such as family medicine, pediatrics or others. Resident physicians typically train in the chosen specialty three to five years. These physicians meet with patients, determine diagnoses, and make treatment plans for patients. Attending physicians oversee their work and approve diagnosis and treatment plans.
A fellow is licensed physician who has completed a residency and is continuing training in a more specific area. An example would be an orthopaedic surgeon who is in a fellowship to study sports medicine. Many times these are physicians who have been in a practice for several years and wish to train further. Their work in the area of the fellowship is overseen by an attending physician. Medical students are students of the TTUHSC School of Medicine, a four-year medical school. These students observe attending and resident physicians in the clinic as part of their educational program. They do not make decisions about your care; you and your physician make those decisions.
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have completed extensive training to work with patients. Nurse practitioners have completed a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in nursing with special emphasis on direct patient care. They can diagnose patient conditions and provide treatment plans. Their work is overseen and approved by a physician.
Registered nurses have graduated from an accredited nursing school and have passed state RN licensing exams. RNs may hold an associates, bachelor's or master's degree in nursing.
Licensed vocational nurses have completed an accredited LVN nursing program and have passed state LVN licensing exams. LVNs will most likely take you to the exam room, take your vital signs (such as blood pressure and temperature), ask questions about your symptoms and have this information ready for the physician to see you.
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