If you’re considering a career as an obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) hospitalist (OBGYN hospitalist or OB hospitalist), here’s an overview of the responsibilities involved with the role.
OBGYN hospitalists defined
The use of the terms "OBGYN hospitalist" or "OB hospitalist" began in 2002, according to the American College of Gynecologists. Other terms for the role include “obstetric hospitalist” or “laborist.”
In general, OBGYN hospitalists are board-certified obstetrician-gynecologists who have dedicated their career to the care of patients in the hospital. They are clinical experts who manage obstetrical patients and gynecologic emergencies. Unlike internal medicine hospitalists, who fill in for practice-based internists in the hospital, OBGYN hospitalists can cover for — or assist — their colleagues.
Employment opportunities for OBGYN hospitalists
There are several ways to be employed as an OBGYN hospitalist, including:
- Being employed with a large group that contracts with the hospital.
- Being employed as part of a hospital’s physician network.
- Contracting directly with a hospital.
- Serving as faculty at an academic institution.
Responsibilities of OBGYN hospitalists
General responsibilities for OBGYN hospitalists employed by Pediatrix® Medical Group include:
- Evaluating patients during triage or in an obstetric emergency department (OBED).
- Caring for unassigned OBGYN patients.
- Conducting consults in the emergency department and inpatient floors.
- Responding to OBGYN emergencies.
- Assisting during C-sections.
- Covering call for private physicians.
Additional duties may include:
- Monitoring laboring patients for private OBs.
- Overseeing residents, fellows, midwives or advanced practice nurses.
- Interpreting fetal heart rate tests.
- Performing amniotomies and sonograms.
- Placing intrauterine pressure catheter (IUPC) and fetal scalp electrodes (FSE).
- Participating on the OB rapid response team.
- Serving on patient-safety and quality-review committees.
See why OBGYN hospitalists across the country chose to work with Pediatrix®.
