Your Care Team

Meet Your Health Care Team at UMass Memorial

When you are admitted to UMass Memorial, many different health care professionals work with you. Here are some of the team members and caregivers you may meet.

Physicians and Nurses

• Attending physicians are in charge of your care. Your physician or the physician covering for them will check in on you periodically during your hospital stay.
• Residents are physicians in training who work under the direction of your physician. They check on patients (round) each day, early in the morning (before 6:30 am) to change dressings, review lab results and plan your treatments for the day. They also check on you later in the day.
• Physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced-level, licensed practitioners who may also work with your physician.
• Registered nurses (RNs) care for you every day. We aim to keep the same RNs caring for you during your stay with us.
• Patient care assistants (PCAs) are trained caregivers or student nurses who work under the direction of the RN caring for you.

Inpatient Support Staff

• Unit secretary transcribes the physicians’ orders and answers the telephones. They also answer call bells and relay any requests from you or your family to the nurse or PCA caring for you.
• Housekeeping staff is responsible for the cleanliness of your room and the patient care unit.
• Nutritionists or registered dietitians evaluate your nutritional needs, if necessary.
• Dietary aides assist you in your meal selection and deliver your tray.

Social Support

• Case managers are RNs who talk to you about any care needs after discharge and coordinate plans between the health care team and you and your family.
• Social workers are licensed professionals who assist families with any social and financial issues related to a patient’s illness or hospitalization.

Professional Therapists

• Physical therapists are licensed professionals who evaluate and assist with mobility issues.
• Occupational therapists are licensed professionals who can evaluate your ability to perform activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing and bathing, after leaving the hospital.
• Respiratory therapists are licensed professionals who assist with breathing treatments.

Pharmacists

Pharmacists are licensed professionals who review allergies and medications to ensure there are no issues during your hospital stay. They may also teach you about certain medications.