The Rewards and Challenges of Hospitalist Jobs

Hospitalist jobs is one of the fastest growing segments in the healthcare employment category. While a career in Hospitalist Medicine can be both challenging and rewarding, whether it’s a good fit for you depends on your objectives and career preferences. Here as some of the things to think about when considering a career in Hospitalist Medicine.

Compensation

Awareness of the specialty has grown significantly over the last 10 years and demand for hospitalist physicians is high. Due to this, Hospitalists can receive excellent compensation and bonuses.

Scheduling

Hospitalists work in a shift-based block schedule, with the typical shift being 10-12 hours long. Although the longer shifts can be challenging, if a Hospitalist physician manages his or her schedule well, a Hospitalist can have ample time off, sometimes weeks or months at a time.

Work Environment

Many hospitalists jobs are in mid-to-large sized facilities, but hospitalist programs are now being established in an increasing number of smaller community hospitals. A Hospitalist sees patients as they are admitted to the hospital and because of this they are at the center of the care that the hospital delivers. Physicians will see a wide variety of patients and draw upon the full range of their skills. Still, because of the demands of seeing a large number of patients day in and day out, the routine can seem repetitive at times. Some physicians also find the work to be more impersonal than office-based practice.

Another advantage of working for a hospital in Hospitalist medicine is that it frees the practitioner from the demands and financial risk of managing his or her own practice, while still offering considerable flexibility and financial rewards.

Career Path

A hospitalist career can be rewarding in and of itself, and many hospitalists enjoy the lucrative compensation and flexible schedule for many years. Hospitalists that want to take on additional leadership responsibilities can move toward a role of director of a Hospitalist group. Directors or group managers help coordinate the schedule of the group to ensure consistent hospital coverage, manage any other professional issues and address quality control in the group. Hospitalist that take on director or group manager positions can enjoy a significant stipend to their salary.

The Bottom Line

If you’re an Internist or Family Physician looking for the rewards, flexibility and challenges that Hospitalist Medicine can bring, or if you’re a Resident Physician looking to forge a solid and lucrative career path, a hospitalist job could be right for you. Click here to see the Hospitalist jobs that Hospital Physician Partners has available and like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest Hospitalist jobs and career news.