University at Buffalo resident doctors have hit the picket line as part of a four day strike at most local hospitals. WBFO spoke with their union’s national president on what has led them to this “last case” scenario – and what it means for local healthcare.
Hospitals are filled with many doctors, but not all doctors are the same. You have attending physicians, fellows, heads of department, and of course, residents.
“They’re the lynch pin of hospitals. They take care of the patients every step of the way from point of contact, histories and physicals through to surgeries,” said Dr. Stuart Bussey, President of the Union of American Physicians and Dentists. “They’re liable as well as the attending’s for anything bad that happens. But most of the work I dare say, falls on the shoulders of residents.”