The concept of an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) hospitalist, also known as an obstetric hospitalist or OB hospitalist, emerged in the 1990s as part of the hospitalist movement. An OB/GYN hospitalist is a trained OB/GYN physician who provides care for pregnant women at hospitals and other clinical settings. This in-patient role may be employed by a hospital, physician practice or a management company like Ob Hospitalist Group. The OB/GYN hospitalist cares for laboring patients and manages obstetric and gynecological emergencies. An OB/GYN hospitalist also serves as an extender and support for private OB/GYN physicians for emergent care.
The OB/GYN hospitalist is the clinical expert for obstetrical management and OB/GYN emergencies at the hospital. Working with labor and delivery staff and other departments such as the emergency department, an OB/GYN hospitalist leads the hospital maternal health team to provide around-the-clock care and ensure patient safety initiatives.
OB/GYN hospitalist job duties can include:
- Serving as the maternal safety champion of the entire labor and delivery unit
- Caring for all pregnant women who present emergently, regardless of circumstance
- Evaluating and treating OB triage patients
- Providing care in the Obstetric Emergency Department (OBED)
- Cultivating relationships with staff nurses and hospital personnel
- Supporting private practice physicians by providing coverage and assistance
- Partnering with community physicians, MFM specialists, family doctors, nurses, and midwives
- Working with labor and delivery nursing staff to ensure all deliveries are appropriately attended
- Caring for unassigned OB/GYN patients
- Providing consultation to the emergency department
- Monitoring labor
- Delivering babies
- Responding during OB/GYN emergencies
- Performing surgery and surgical assists
- Surveillance of fetal monitoring of all labor and delivery patients
- Evaluating and treating postpartum patients
- Assisting with OB resident, fellow and medical student education
- Providing nurse support and education
- Participating and leading emergency drills and simulations
- Adhering to national accepted evidence-based protocols
- Establishing care protocols across the unit
- Participating in quality improvement efforts for maternal health
- Participating in clinical trials
- Facilitating daily interdisciplinary board rounds to improve patient safety
- Teaching and overseeing residents, fellows, midwives and nurses
- Serving on hospital committees
Choosing a career as an OB/GYN hospitalist
Becoming an OB/GYN hospitalist is an enticing career option for all OB/GYNs, whether you are fresh out of residency or are a seasoned physician looking to extend your career. An increasing number of OB/GYN physicians are deciding to become hospitalists versus working in independent or community practices.
OB/GYN hospitalists with Ob Hospitalist Group (OBHG) achieve a healthy work-life balance by working a minimum of five 24-hour shifts per month for full-time status. A hospitalist position differs from an OB/GYN private practice position, as an OB/GYN hospitalist works shifts at the hospital, then once the workday ends, they are free to do other things. Working at an OB/GYN practice involves additional administrative tasks, on-call duties and delivering care in both the office and the hospital setting.
“I think the OB hospitalist lifestyle really provides that better balance and lifestyle, but it also is a way to extend your career. I know people who are so burnt out and then they become an OB hospitalist everything changes. When I’m on, I’m on and when I’m off, I pass the baton and I can just turn off the phone if I want to. Most people work seven days a month as a full-time physician for Ob Hospitalist Group, but full time is considered anywhere from five shifts upward. Those other 21 days are your days to schedule your exercise class, your mammogram, you know all the things that you put off year after year. And then most importantly, for those who still have small kids at home, it’s that time when they know you’re going to be home which is something to cherish.”
-Dr. Teresa Marlino
OBHG currently employs nearly 2,000 clinicians nationwide. Clinicians that join OBHG have a wealth of support and resources at their fingertips from the start of their career including ongoing professional leadership and development opportunities, health and wellness resources and peer support initiatives.
As a clinician-centered company, OBHG provides an unparalleled benefits package and work/life balance. OBHG also offers OB/GYN careers with travel opportunities for those who want to work in programs across the country, or opportunities to work in underserved communities.
Maternal safety champions
A unique benefit of the OB/GYN hospitalist career is that OB/GYN hospitalists have the opportunity to serve as safety leaders on the labor and delivery unit. They play a vital role in managing obstetric emergencies, evaluating patients in the obstetric emergency department (OBED), covering labor and delivery, seeing unassigned obstetrical patients and backing up community providers. In recent years, OB/GYN hospitalists’ scope of practice has expanded even further to include a greater focus on safety.
Hospitals with OB/GYN hospitalist programs see an increase in patient safety through lower C-section rates, a reduction of risk and malpractice suits, and improved patient and staff satisfaction.
Programs like OBHG’s are focused on standardization of care and reporting. As a result, there is a measurable system-wide improvement in maternal health safety and quality initiatives.
OB/GYN hospitalists at OBHG are making a difference in women’s health across the nation.
Considering an OB/GYN hospitalist career path or seeking clinician or OB/GYN jobs? Learn more about the benefits of becoming an OB/GYN hospitalist today and see open positions across the nation on our website.
Interested in bringing an OB hospitalist program to your hospital? Get in touch with us and let’s explore what that would look like for you hospital.
