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BACKGROUND We examined and compared APP versus surgical resident perceptions of the role of APPs in surgical subspecialty teams. METHODS Residents/first year surgical critical care fellows and inpatient service-specific APPs responded to a survey that examined perceptions about the APP-resident/fellow relationship. Statistical analysis compared responses using a Pearson chi-square test. RESULTS Thirty-two resident/fellows (48%) and 10 APPs (42%) responded. There was consensus that having an APP on service decreases workload, contributes to continuity of care and enhances resident-patient coordination education and agreement that there was clear communication and adequate collaboration. Both groups differed with respect to APPs contribution to resident/fellow clinical education, role definition and chain of command. The majority of trainees felt that APPs function at a PGY2 level (51.7%) compared to APPs, who felt that they functioned at a PGY4/5 (22%) or Fellow (44%) level. CONCLUSION APPs and resident/fellows agree that APPs impact resident workload, continuity of care and patient-coordination education.