In 1996, the term "hospitalist" appeared for the first time in the New England Journal of Medicine, defined as an inpatient physician who coordinates care for hospitalized patients. Since then, hospital medicine has become one of the fastest-growing medical specialties in modern medicine.
Today, we proudly celebrate National Hospitalist Day, held annually on the first Thursday in March. This year's theme highlights the ABCs of Hospital Medicine, recognizing the profound impact hospitalists have across the country:
- Advancing Care
- Building Community
- Creating Opportunity
These three pillars reflect the invaluable contributions hospitalists make every day as they provide expert care, foster collaboration, and shape the future of hospital medicine.
Why It's Important to Celebrate National Hospitalist Day
Celebrating a Commitment to Patient-Centered CareNational Hospitalist Day serves as a reminder to celebrate the individuals and teams that make up the hospital medicine community. These physicians always prioritize continuous care for our patients.
Acknowledging Hospitalists as Key Care CoordinatorsHospitalists serve as a single point of contact, guiding patients and families through treatment and reducing uncertainty during hospitalizations. They oversee care from admission to discharge, providing direct treatment, consultations, and preoperative evaluations.
Recognizing Their Role in Strengthening Hospital Performance
Hospitalists play a key role in implementing evidence-based practices that improve patient outcomes. Their leadership enhances continuity of care, strengthens hospital operations, and optimizes healthcare system performance.
Highlighting Their Expertise in Medicine and Operations
The hospitalist role is a hybrid of internist and generalist. This exposes hospital medicine physicians to more cases than if they focused on a single specialty. Hospitalists are also equipped to help develop effective processes to improve quality, inpatient flow, and hospital operations.
Emphasizing the Need for More Hospitalists
While internal medicine residency programs maintain a high fill rate of 89.8%, many see it as a stepping stone to subspecialization rather than a long-term career in general practice. With the demand for hospitalists expected to rise 12% and supply projected to decline by 4% by 2036, recognizing and celebrating hospitalists can elevate awareness of the specialty and reinforce their critical role in patient care.
How Can We Celebrate National Hospitalist Day?
Appreciate a Hospitalist You Know: National Hospitalist Day is the perfect time to acknowledge the impact hospitalists make in patient care and say thank you! Whether you send a text message, tag them on social media, or send them a handwritten note, saying thank you goes a long way!
Join the #HowWeHospitalist Conversation: The Society of Hospital Medicine encourages you to spread awareness on social media! Share your story: how are you or a hospitalist you know making a difference in the lives of patients? Don't forget to use the hashtags #NationalHospitalistDay and #HowWeHospitalist to spotlight why you are proud to know a hospitalist or practice hospital medicine.
Happy National Hospitalist Day!
At Medicus, we see and hear firsthand the positive impact hospital medicine physicians have on the outcomes of hospitalized patients through their dedication, innovation, and collaboration. To our locum tenens hospitalists, thank you for your commitment to expanding access to care for hospitalized patients across the country. On March 6th and throughout the year, Medicus appreciates you and all hospitalists making an impact across the country!
Interested in working locum tenens hospitalist jobs with Medicus? Complete the short form below to connect with a Medicus recruiter.
