A surgeon's assistant, also surgical care practitioner, assistant surgeon, surgical first assistant or surgical assistant, assists with surgery during a surgical operation under the direction of a surgeon.
In the United Kingdom, a surgical care practitioner is not a qualified doctor, but may perform simple surgical operations under the supervision of one.
In the United States, the American College of Surgeons recommends that a first assistant be either a qualified surgeon or a resident training to become one or a qualified practitioner licensed in the role of surgical assistant.
References
See also
- Surgical technologist
