Tratar vs. atender
The Spanish words 'tratar' and 'atender' both relate to the concept of 'treating', particularly in the context of providing medical care. However, they are used in different ways and situations.
Tratar
The word 'tratar' means 'to treat', primarily focusing on the method or process of applying medical care or addressing an illness.
El médico va a tratar su infección con antibióticos.
(The doctor is going to treat his infection with antibiotics.)
Es importante tratar la enfermedad desde temprano.
(It's important to treat the disease early.)
Trataron sus heridas después del accidente.
(They treated his wounds after the accident.)
Atender
'Atender' means 'to attend to' or 'to take care of'. In medical contexts, it focuses more on paying attention to or providing care for a patient rather than the method of treatment.
La enfermera va a atender al paciente.
(The nurse is going to attend to the patient.)
El dentista atenderá a los pacientes en la clínica.
(The dentist will attend to patients at the clinic.)
Los médicos siempre deben atender las emergencias rápidamente.
(Doctors should always attend to emergencies quickly.)
Summary
'Tratar' focuses on the method or process of providing medical care, while 'atender' emphasizes the act of giving attention or care to someone. Both are crucial in the context of healthcare.