House surgeon: Literally, a surgeon in the house, the house being the hospital. The meaning of the term house surgeon varies significantly from country to country.
For example,
- In the US, a house surgeon is a surgeon who works for a hospital and, when on duty, is available there.
- In the UK, a house surgeon is the senior member of the surgical house staff responsible for the execution of the orders of the attending surgeon, and who also substitutes when the attending surgeon is not present.
- In New Zealand, after graduating from medical school, one works as a house surgeon for two years; the term house surgeon is used for medical as well as surgical posts.
