What is a key requirement for residents regarding their attending physician?

Residents have the right to choose their own physician, which is a fundamental aspect of patient autonomy in healthcare. This right allows individuals to make personal decisions regarding their medical care based on their preferences, beliefs, and comfort levels with certain healthcare providers. The ability to select a physician encourages a trusting doctor-patient relationship and can significantly impact the quality of care a resident receives.

This essential choice fosters a sense of independence and respect for personal decision-making, which is vital in care settings. In contrast, options that imply restrictions, such as being assigned a physician or only being able to see a physician within the facility, do not align with the principles of patient-centered care and autonomy that are integral in medical practice.