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. The U.S. Bureau of Labor defines Surgical Assistant as individuals that assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons. May, in accordance with state laws, help surgeons to make incisions and close surgical sites, manipulate or remove tissues, implant surgical devices or drains, suction the surgical site, place catheters, clamp or cauterize vessels or tissue, and apply dressings to surgical site.
References
Surgical Technology vs. Surgical Assisting - Watch this video to learn the differences between Stark State's surgical technology program and the College's surgical assisting program.
See also
- Surgical technologist
