Parent understanding of the role of doctors and doctors in training on an inpatient pediatric ward.

Background: Many physician trainees care for patients in an academic hospital. We studied parent understanding of the roles of medical students, interns, residents, and attending physicians in the inpatient setting of a children's hospital.

Description: Surveys were given to parents during a hospital stay on a medical service asking about the responsibilities and education of physicians and trainees.

Evaluation: The majority of respondents knew that medical students were not doctors, could not write prescriptions, or supervise residents or attendings. Most respondents did not know that an intern had completed medical school, was a doctor, or could write prescriptions. Most respondents knew that attendings had graduated from medical school, were doctors, and supervise interns and students. Factors affecting understanding of these roles included the parent's level of education and race.

Conclusion: Confusion exists about the different roles of physicians and trainees, particularly in parents without a college education, and who self-identify as non-White.