What is a Hospitalist?

Hospital MedicineA hospitalist is a physician who must master the specific skill set and knowledge required to treat and care for patients in the hospital. Many physicians choose to work primarily in hospitals and self-identify as hospitalists, yet they are board certified in a specialty, such as Internal Medicine or Family Practice Medicine, that does not accurately reflect their experience and level of competence in providing treatment, diagnosing illnesses, coordinating with other medical personnel, and other duties of a hospitalist.

The American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) and the American Board of Hospital Medicine (ABHM) want to help hospitalists take full advantage of the knowledge and skillset they have developed over the years by offering the only platform available to become board certified in Hospital Medicine. Board certification from the ABHM is the best way to demonstrate your mastery of the core competencies of a hospitalist. Although physician board certification is an impressive achievement regardless of the specialty, this is not merely a matter of strengthening your CV. There could be actual career advancement ramifications for physicians who have been doing the job of a hospitalist, but remain without board certification in Hospital Medicine. As more and more rural and small-town hospitals are bought up by larger organizations, hiring policies are sure to continue to evolve. It has become more important than ever for physicians to do everything possible to differentiate their credentials, and nothing provides a greater demonstration of a hospitalist’s ability to provide the best care possible than board certification through the ABHM.

For information about eligibility requirements for the ABHM certification exam, contact the ABPS. The ABPS is the official board-certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.

 

Save the Date
House of Delegates & Annual Scientific Meeting
Innovation & Overcoming Challenges
June 10-15, 2022
Patient Care Is Our Priority

Medical organizations throughout North America understand that our rigorous certification standards prove that ABPS Diplomates are capable of delivering the best patient care possible.

When I think historically, advancement in medicine and patient safety and care has been driven by the diversity of people and scientific thought. That’s what I found at the ABPS and more. For over 60 years that is just who we are. I found a physician certifying body that provides a choice and voice to all physicians ensuring that patients are always placed first.

Jerry Allison, MD
Emergency Medicine
When I decided to pursue a full time role as a physician executive it was important to me to obtain additional professional training, education and work experience. Board certification through the ABPS in Administrative Medicine is validation of my efforts and a demonstration of dedication to professional development. We need more physicians to become full time health care executives, knowing there is a board certification option in Administrative Medicine encourages physicians to take the leap from full time clinical practice to healthcare organizational leadership.

Richard Paula, MD
Administrative Medicine
The American Board of Physician Specialties has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of internal medicine through board certification. As a hospitalist, board certification is an expected credential, and hospitals recognize the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) as one of the three standard credentialling bodies for Internal Medicine. Additionally, the ABPS has helped me develop leadership skills as a Board member and Committee Chairperson. ABPS has also helped me sharpen critical thinking skills as a test question developer and reviewer. The Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the ABPS are lifelong learners and frequently pursue multiple board certifications. I enjoy the camaraderie of my peers in ABPS.

Loren Jay Chassels, DO
Internal Medicine