What does a Hospitalist do?
Published 3 min read
A hospitalist is a physician who specializes in the care of patients who are hospitalized. Hospitalists coordinate a patient's care while they are in the hospital, and they also provide guidance to the patient's primary care physician on the best course of treatment after the patient is discharged.
Hospitalist job duties include:
- Admitting patients to the hospital
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
- Coordinating care with other specialists
- Making decisions about patient treatment
- Discharging patients from the hospital
- Providing guidance and support to patients and their families
- Educating medical students and residents
- Conducting research on hospital-based care
- Serving on hospital committees
Hospitalist Job Requirements
Hospitalists are medical doctors who specialize in the care of hospitalized patients. They may be either primary care physicians or specialists. To become a hospitalist, a medical doctor must complete an accredited residency program and pass a board certification exam. Some hospitalists also complete fellowships in specific areas of hospital medicine, such as critical care or palliative care. In addition to clinical training, hospitalists must also have strong communication and organizational skills.
Hospitalist Skills
- Manage and coordinate patient care
- Communicate with patients and families
- Keep accurate medical records
- Order and interpret diagnostic tests
- Develop treatment plans
- Prescribe medication
- Monitor patient progress
- Educate patients and families about health conditions
- Serve as a resource to other members of the healthcare team
- Advocate for patients and their families
- Be available to answer questions and provide support
Related: Top Hospitalist Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Hospitalist
A hospitalist is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of hospitalized patients. Hospitalists are responsible for the coordination of a patient’s care during their hospital stay, from admission to discharge. They work closely with the patient’s primary care physician and other specialists to ensure that the patient receives the best possible care.
Becoming a hospitalist requires completing a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by four years of medical school. After medical school, hospitalists must complete a three-year residency program in internal medicine or pediatrics. Some hospitalists may choose to pursue additional training through a fellowship program.
Hospitalists must be licensed to practice medicine in the state where they will be working. They must also pass a national board examination. To maintain their certification, hospitalists must complete continuing medical education credits every year.
The best way to learn more about becoming a hospitalist is to shadow or work with one. This will give you first-hand experience of what the job entails and whether it is the right fit for you.
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