[UseStrict]

I'm not sure it's that straightforward, if it's their name on the case and they was totally absent, that would be a huge liability for them and the hospital.

Newbies need to learn, there's only so many cadavers you can cut into before you need experience on living flesh. Experienced surgeons are often observing the procedure, and step in as necessary if there is a complex part, or if the junior isn't doing something correctly.

Beyond just the surgeon there is a good number of incredibly professional secondary staff who are running the whole operating theatre, from imaging, instrument preparation, to labs and vitals. When you speak to a surgeon you're not just getting them, you get their entire team, junior to professional.

[notatoad]

but that's exactly the same scenario as software - the experienced guy isn't just there to be a pretty face to make the sale, he's there because he's staking his reputation on the ability of his juniors to get the job done. if the juniors can't get the job done, the senior and the consultancy firm lose credibility.