In LifeSigns: Surgical Unit, gamers take the role of Tendou, a fresh-faced graduate from Quack University. Tendou is recruited by a world famous immunologist to intern at one of the country's best hospitals. Players begin when they walk into the hospital and are greeted by a crying nurse. The nurse leads gamers into a tutorial about the controls and objectives of the game. There are three parts of LifeSigns: Surgical Unit: consultation, diagnosis, and surgery. Gamers meet with patients and interview them to determine the problem. Then, through talks with other doctors and research, players diagnose the issue and decide if surgery is necessary. Though navigation through most of the game may be accomplished using the D-pad, surgery, and checking bodies must be completed with the stylus. ~ Gracie Leach, All Game Guide