2-13. CHIEF, DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY
The Chief, Department of Surgery (or Chief of Surgery) is a general surgeon of the
Medical Corps and is responsible for a broad range of functions, as described below.
a. Overall Responsibilities. The Chief of Surgery is responsible for the
diagnosis, the medical care and treatment, and the proper disposition of patients
assigned or referred to the department of surgery. In addition, he has various other
responsibilities, including administrative duties related to the MC Officers assigned to the
department of surgery.
b. Responsibilities Related to Each Surgical Service. The chief of each
surgical service (see figure 2-1) is accountable to the Chief, Department of Surgery, for the
performance of patient care and treatment and also for the performance of certain other
functions in the management of patient care, such as the appropriate maintenance of
records. Within each surgical service are MC Officer personnel who may be classified in
one of the following groups:
(1)
Those certified in specialties by accrediting boards.
(2)
Those in various stages of training as residents.
(3)
Those in an internship program.
2-14. THE SURGEON
The Surgeon is the MC Officer in charge of the treatment given to the patient
during the course of an operation. The surgeon may be assisted by other medical
officers in addition to AN Officers and OR specialists assigned to the case.
2-15. CHIEF, ANESTHESIOLOGY AND OPERATIVE SERVICES
a. Discussion.
(1) The Chief of Anesthesiology and Operative Services (see figure 2-1) is an
MC Officer certified in the specialty of anesthesiology. He is responsible for the
administration of all anesthetics except when local anesthesia is given by the surgeon.
In addition, he is responsible for the performance of certain other delegated duties.
(2) The Chief of Surgery delegates numerous duties to the Chief of
Anesthesiology such as some of the supervision and schedule planning (OR
schedule).
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