Hospitalists
Questions and Answers About The Hospitalist Program
Who is a hospitalist?
A hospitalist is a certified MD with training in internal medicine or pediatrics and an interest in hospital-level care.
Why is a hospitalist caring for me, instead of my own physician?
Your physician is enlisting a hospitalist as part of your treatment to improve your quality of care. Why? Your doctor may have an office outside of the hospital, for instance, and may not be available to you during the day while he or she has office hours. Your hospitalist's office, however, is the hospital--which means you won't have to wait if you have a question. And more importantly, you won't have to see a doctor you are not familiar with if a problem arises--you'll meet your hospitalist on the day you enter the hospital.
Even though you may see your hospitalist more than your primary care physician during your hospital stay, don't worry--both physicians communicate with each other to ensure that you are getting the highest quality of care.
Will the hospitalist be aware of my medical history?
Yes. Your physician has given the hospitalist a full briefing on your medical background, so he or she will have a complete understanding of your condition from the start. However, if you have additional concerns that the hospitalist may not be aware of, please feel free to discuss them with him or her.
Can I ask questions?
Yes. Your hospitalist is available throughout the day if you or a family member has a question.
Who will be my doctor when I leave the hospital?
Your primary care physician will continue to be your outpatient doctor. The hospitalist is part of your treatment team only during your stay at the hospital. However, he or she may help your doctor in coordinating your care after you leave the hospital.
How will this affect my quality of care at Emerson Hospital?
- Because a hospitalist is on-site, within the hospital, he or she may have more flexibility to make care happen at times that are convenient to you and your family.
- A hospitalist is familiar with people that may be important to you, including your primary care physician, medical and surgical specialists, discharge planners, and clergy. As a result, a hospitalist can help expedite your care.
- A hospitalist can help facilitate connections with services you may need after you leave Emerson, such as home health care, skilled nursing, and specialized rehabilitation.
Doctors:
- Sam R. Bagchi, MD, Director of Hospital Medicine Service
- Peter S. Benjamin, MD
- Edward K. Chung, MD
- Tracy L. Green, MD
- David R. Handin, MD
- Eric B. Hatton, MD
- Lisa M. Kelly, MD
- Sheila F. Kennedy, MD
- Andrea Kopasz, MD
- Jeffrey B. Kreher, MD, FAAP
- Anne H. Light, MD
- Flora S. Pirquet, MD, DTMH
- Betty Ann Pomerleau, MD, Treasurer, Medical Staff
- Catherine M. Price, MD
- Inger-Marie R. Pu, MD
- Samy S. Sidhom, MD, MPH
- Natalia V. Vilissova, MD
- Danya J. Wenzler, MD
- Larry Xanthopoulos, MD, FAAP
- Jenny H. Yan, MD