Introduction Of Hospitalist Job
A hospitalist is a physician who looks after patients in only hospital and he does not hold any private clinic or treat patients in an office based setting. Some family practice physician also becomes hospitalist. Since hospitalist works in only hospitals so they are employed by private or government hospitals or by a hospitalist contracting company. In past few years the demand of hospitals has increased enormously as they serve patients in much better manner. They offer a full time medicinal practice and go for regular rounds to examine patients. So, on this basis we can separate internal medicine physician into two separate roles, one is who treats patients in office and other is who sees patients in the hospital. Usually, hospitalist works in shift schedule. The average shift of a hospitalist varies from 10 to 12 hours. Such block schedules are most preferable schedule format for a hospitalist. Most of the hospitalist work for five to seven days in a row and 12 hours each day and then they have five to seven days off in a row. All hospitalist looks for such blocking schedule in which one block is working and other is non working. By following such work schedule, sometimes hospitalist gets a leave of almost half year. But for achieving this he needs to work for long hours during weekends and that help in getting a luxury a complete off. This working schedule is one reason that motivated physicians to be a hospitalist. Moreover, hospitalist are not required to deal with many business hassles like managing healthcare staff, billing or even marketing etc.
Employment Outlook Of Hospitalist
The job outlook for this profession looks quite bright as most of the physicians want to be a hospitalist as it is a very remunerative career and also offers a quality and rewarding life. Future prospects for a hospitalist become brighter if he is good in leadership quality as that would help in to take on a role of director of a hospitalist group. The job opportunities in this field are enormous and it has been predicted that this profession is amongst the most growing profession. One obvious reason of increasing demand of hospitalist is extensive availability of health care facilities. People are getting more aware about their health and most of them regularly visit doctors for consultancy.
Required Education – Becoming A Hospitalist
The required qualification to become a hospitalist is same as in the case of regular physician. He is required to complete a four year bachelor’s degree along with four years of medical school to get a degree of hospitalist. In addition, hospitalist is also required to complete several years of GME, one year of internship and three year of residency training. One more requirement is to pass necessary medical certification and licensing exams
Possible Careers In Hospitalist
This career offers multiple job opportunities. They can work in a government or private hospitals or in any health care center. They are also employed by any hospitalist contracting company. Some of the hospitalists who are interested in teaching can join some college or university. Some highly qualified hospitalist opts for research work.