Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center)
-
Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent) · Apr 2007
Hospitalists and anesthesiologists as perioperative physicians: Are their roles complementary?
In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on the role of anesthesiologists as perioperative physicians. However, a new group of physicians called hospitalists has emerged and established a role as perioperative physicians. Most hospitalists have specialized in internal medicine and its subspecialties. ⋯ These roles of the anesthesiologists and the hospitalists as perioperative physicians may be complementary. We conclude that if anesthesiologists and hospitalists work together as peri-operative physicians, with each specialty bringing its expertise to the care of the perioperative patient, care is likely to improve. It is necessary to be proactive and identify areas of future cooperation and collaboration.