When I became an attending physician, it felt like stepping onto a stage I’d been rehearsing for my entire career. The years of training, sleepless nights, and constant learning had led to this moment—but nothing could truly prepare me for the weight of responsibility. Now, every decision I made mattered, not just for my patients but for the team looking to me for guidance. It’s a role filled with challenges and rewards, pushing you to grow in ways you never imagined. If you’re starting this journey or striving to excel, know this: being an attending is tough, but it’s worth it.

The Jump From Resident to Attending

Going from being a resident barely scraping by to being attending feels like being handed the keys to a very fast car. You finally have control, but the responsibility can hit hard. Every choice you make carries weight, and that’s a big adjustment.

On my first day as an attending physician, I walked into the hospital feeling confident—until I realized a patient was waiting for my decision. I’d always had a safety net during residency, but now, it was all on me. I remember double-checking my notes at least three times before speaking to the team. That moment taught me how important it is to trust your training and stay calm under pressure.

When you start, it’s okay to feel unsure. You’re not expected to know everything. Lean on mentors, ask questions, and give yourself time to grow into the role. And don’t forget to set boundaries—because saying “yes” to everything is the quickest way to burnout.

Here’s a secret: mentoring your team is one of the most rewarding parts. Watching a resident have an “aha” moment or seeing them develop confidence in their skills? That’s the good stuff.

What a Day Looks Like

No two days are the same, which keeps things interesting—and sometimes chaotic.

You’ll spend part of the day making treatment decisions and talking to patients. Another chunk will go toward teaching your team, whether that’s on rounds or during impromptu hallway discussions. And then there’s the charting. Lots of charting.

Some days feel manageable. Others might feel like you’re juggling flaming swords. Either way, you’ll find your rhythm over time.

What Makes It Hard

Let’s be honest: being an attending isn’t all smooth sailing. Balancing work and life can feel impossible at times, especially when there’s always one more thing to do. There was a time early on when I barely saw my partner because I was working back-to-back shifts. I’d get home late and just collapse into bed. One evening, my partner asked when will I ever have a day off, and that question stuck with me. It reminded me to set better boundaries, even when the job feels endless.

Leadership adds another layer. You’re responsible for your patients’ care and for guiding your team. That’s a lot of pressure, and it can feel heavy.

Oh, and staying up-to-date with medical advancements? That’s a full-time job in itself. But here’s the thing—every attending faces these challenges, and you’ll figure out how to handle them too.

Traits of a Strong Attending

The best attending physicians don’t just know their stuff—they know how to connect with the team. One of my residents was struggling with a difficult case and doubted himself a lot. I took him aside and said, ‘I’ve been there before. Let’s go through this together.’ We worked through the diagnosis step by step, and by the end, I saw the resident’s confidence coming back. Moments like that remind me why mentorship is such a meaningful part of the job.

Patients feel heard and respected when a solid attending physician is around. Residents and students feel supported, even when they mess up. And great attendings keep learning, no matter how many years they’ve been in the game.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being someone others can trust, both in the tough moments and the ordinary ones.

Why It’s Worth the Effort

For all its challenges, being an attending is one of the most rewarding jobs out there. You’re making a difference every day—not just for patients, but for the next generation of doctors.

There’s also so much room to grow. Whether you dive deeper into your specialty, take on leadership roles, or pivot into teaching full-time, the possibilities are endless. You’re in the driver’s seat of your career, and that’s a pretty great place to be.

Advice for A New Attending Physician

If you’re just starting, take a deep breath. You don’t have to know it all on day one.

Let your team help. Delegate where you can. It’s not just about offloading work; it’s about giving others a chance to step up.

Find a mentor or peer group you trust. They’ll be your sounding board when things get tough—and they will get tough sometimes. A mentor once told me, ‘You’ll never know everything. The trick is knowing when to ask for help.’ That advice saved me when I faced a case I couldn’t figure out early in my career. Instead of trying to push through, I reached out to a colleague, and we found a solution together. It taught me that even attendings need to rely on others sometimes.

And don’t forget to take care of yourself. Seriously. Burnout is real, and you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take that vacation with your family.

Bottom Line

Being an attending physician is hard work, no question. But it’s also one of the most fulfilling roles in medicine. You’ll save lives, guide future doctors, and keep growing in ways you never expected.

If you’re already an attending, what advice would you give someone just starting out? And if you’re about to take the leap, what are you most excited—or nervous—about?