How To Thrive on Your First Day as an Attending Physician

Stepping into your first day as an attending physician is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. After years of training, you’re finally at the helm—but with this new authority comes new challenges. The transition from resident to attending is a pivotal moment in your career, and while it may feel daunting, it’s also an incredible opportunity to grow, lead, and thrive.

Here’s how to step into this next chapter with confidence and set yourself up for success from day one.

Published February 25, 2025

Embrace the Shift: You’ve Earned This

Your first day is a milestone. It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves—after all, you’re taking on greater responsibility. But remember you’ve been training for this moment, and you wouldn’t be here if you weren’t ready. Your mentors and faculty believed in you, and it’s time to believe in yourself.

This transition comes with a learning curve. You’re shifting from a resident who had layers of oversight to an attending who is leading the charge. Give yourself permission to take things step by step. Efficiency and confidence will come with time. Today is about getting your footing, not proving perfection.

Essential First-Day Strategies for Success

Feeling prepared can make all the difference in easing those first-day jitters. Here’s how to hit the ground running:

Get to Know Your Team and Environment. Before your first shift, introduce yourself to your colleagues and support staff. Understanding the team dynamic and familiarizing yourself with the facility will make your day flow more smoothly.
Review Policies and Procedures. Each practice has its unique set of protocols, so it makes sense to review these before your first day so you can start to build familiarity.
Set Realistic Goals. You don’t need to master everything on day one. Instead, focus on adapting to the workflow, building relationships, and gaining confidence in your new role.
Stay Open to Learning. The best attendings never stop learning. Ask questions, seek feedback, and learn from the experience of your peers. Your first day is the start of a continuous journey of growth.
Prioritize Self-Care. The intensity of a new role can be overwhelming, so take breaks when needed. Long-term success in medicine depends on maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Lean on Your Team: You’re Not in This Alone

One of the biggest misconceptions about becoming an attending, is that you need to have all the answers. In reality, no one expects you to know everything on day one. Your team is there to support you, and collaboration is key to success.

The best physicians know when to ask for help, seek input, and rely on the collective knowledge of their colleagues. Engaging with your team not only strengthens relationships but also enhances patient care and helps you grow into your role with confidence.

Your First Day Is Just the Beginning

Stepping into your attending role is an exciting new chapter—one that comes with challenges, learning opportunities, and immense personal and professional growth. By embracing the transition, staying open to learning, and leaning on your team, you’ll not just survive your first day—you’ll thrive.

Welcome to the next phase of your career. You’ve got this!

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