Hospitalist Career Path Guide

Hospitalists are specialized physicians who focus exclusively on the comprehensive medical care of hospitalized patients. They coordinate diagnostic evaluations, treatment plans, and discharge strategies to ensure continuity of care during a patient’s hospital stay. Their work optimizes inpatient outcomes through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and constant patient monitoring.

17%

growth rate

$230,000

median salary

remote-friendly

📈 Market Demand

Low

High

The demand for hospitalists remains high across healthcare systems as inpatient care complexity grows and hospitals seek efficient, coordinated patient management. Aging populations and an increase in chronic conditions requiring hospitalization underpin consistent demand. Furthermore, healthcare’s shift toward value-based care models favors the hospitalist model, increasing their integral role in reducing readmissions and length of stay.

🇺🇸 Annual Salary (US, USD)

180,000—280,000

Median: $230,000

Entry-Level: $195,000
Mid-Level: $230,000
Senior-Level: $265,000

Top 10% of earners in this field can expect salaries starting from $280,000+ per year, especially with specialized skills in high-demand areas.

Core Functions of the Hospitalist Role

Hospitalists serve as the central clinical managers for patients admitted to the hospital, overseeing the entirety of the inpatient experience. Unlike primary care physicians or specialists who operate in outpatient or procedural settings, hospitalists dedicate their practice to acute hospital care. This unique focus allows them to quickly respond to changing patient conditions, coordinate with specialists and nurses, and streamline diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

A hospitalist’s responsibilities extend beyond direct patient care. They facilitate communication not only among specialists but also with patients’ families and outpatient providers to ensure a seamless care continuum. Hospitalists frequently play a key role in quality improvement initiatives, infection control protocols, and hospital administration processes that directly impact patient safety and efficiency.

The role requires balancing complex clinical decision-making with efficient documentation and adherence to evolving hospital policies. Hospitalists may encounter a wide variety of medical conditions—from infectious diseases and heart failure to pulmonary and renal complications—making adaptability and broad medical expertise essential. Rapid assessment skills and the ability to prioritize interventions are critical because hospital medicine often involves managing multiple acutely ill patients simultaneously.

With healthcare systems increasingly emphasizing value-based care, hospitalists contribute to reducing readmissions and improving patient satisfaction scores. Their focused presence in the hospital also enhances educational opportunities for medical students and residents, as hospitalists are often involved in teaching and mentoring within academic medical centers. Overall, this career demands resilience, critical thinking, and a passion for inpatient care in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.

Key Responsibilities
Provide continuous medical care to hospitalized patients throughout their stay.
Conduct thorough physical examinations and interpret diagnostic tests for acute conditions.
Develop, implement, and revise individualized treatment plans in alignment with best clinical practices.
Coordinate care among specialists, nurses, therapists, and support staff to optimize patient outcomes.
Monitor patient progress closely to adjust therapies and identify complications early.
Communicate effectively with patients and their families about diagnoses, prognoses, and care plans.
Manage complex cases involving multiple chronic conditions and acute exacerbations.
Perform appropriate procedures such as central line insertions, lumbar punctures, or thoracentesis as required.
Ensure accurate and timely documentation in electronic health records to facilitate care continuity.
Participate in hospital committees focused on patient safety, quality metrics, and clinical guidelines.
Lead discharge planning to ensure safe transitions to outpatient care or rehabilitation facilities.
Engage in interdisciplinary rounds and case reviews to enhance clinical decision-making.
Supervise and educate medical students, residents, and other trainees during clinical rotations.
Stay current with advances in hospital medicine and integrate evidence-based practices into daily care.
Identify and mitigate hospital-acquired infections and adverse events.

Work Setting

Hospitalists work predominantly in hospital settings including community hospitals, tertiary academic medical centers, and specialty inpatient units. Their environment is fast-paced and often high-pressure, requiring constant responsiveness to rapidly changing patient conditions. Work shifts typically cover 8 to 12 hours, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays. The role necessitates frequent walking and standing during patient rounds and interactions. Hospitalists collaborate extensively with a multidisciplinary team consisting of nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and consultants. The clinical setting demands a blend of teamwork and independent decision-making, while also balancing documentation and direct patient care. Exposure to infectious agents and emotionally charged situations involves adherence to strict protocols and resilience. Many hospitalists also contribute to teaching and administrative functions within their workplace.

Tech Stack

Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems (Epic, Cerner, Meditech)
Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS)
Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
Hospital Information Systems (HIS)
Medical Imaging Platforms (PACS viewers)
Telemedicine Software
Patient Monitoring Devices (vital signs monitors, telemetry)
Ventilator Management Systems
Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)
Order Entry Systems (CPOE - Computerized Physician Order Entry)
Mobile Clinical Apps (PEPID, UpToDate, Epocrates)
Clinical Documentation Tools and Templates
Automated Alert Systems for Medication and Lab Values
Coding and Billing Software
Communication Platforms (secure messaging, paging systems)
Medication Dispensing Systems (Pyxis, Omnicell)
Electronic Prescribing Software
Hospital Quality Improvement Dashboards
Simulation Training Systems
Clinical Research Data Systems

Skills and Qualifications

Education Level

Becoming a hospitalist requires extensive formal education and clinical training. The foundational step is completing a medical degree (MD or DO) from an accredited medical school, typically a four-year program focused on comprehensive medical knowledge and clinical skills. Upon graduation, candidates must enter and successfully complete a residency program in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine, which generally lasts three years and emphasizes inpatient and outpatient care. Hospitalist practice demands proficiency in managing acute and chronic medical conditions, so comprehensive clinical rotations in internal medicine wards, intensive care units, and emergency departments are vital.

After residency, physicians must obtain licensure to practice medicine independently in their respective states by passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX). Board certification through specialty boards such as the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) is essential for career advancement and credibility. Many hospitalists pursue additional hospital medicine-focused training or fellowships to refine inpatient care expertise and learn hospital systems management. Continuing medical education (CME) is mandatory to maintain board certification and stay current with emerging guidelines and treatments, ensuring hospitalists deliver evidence-based care.

Tech Skills

Clinical assessment and diagnostic skills
Interpretation of lab tests and imaging
Procedural skills (central line placement, lumbar puncture, thoracentesis)
Familiarity with Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems
Medication management and prescribing
Acute care and critical care management
Use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)
Infection control protocols and procedures
Clinical documentation and coding knowledge
Proficiency in patient monitoring technology
Acute care protocols for conditions like sepsis and respiratory failure
Discharge planning and transition of care
Quality improvement methodology (e.g., PDSA cycles)
Data interpretation for hospital metrics (length of stay, readmission rates)
Telemedicine application for inpatient care

Soft Abilities

Effective communication
Empathy and patient-centered care
Critical thinking and problem-solving
Collaboration and teamwork
Time management and multitasking
Adaptability to fast-paced environments
Conflict resolution and negotiation
Resilience and stress management
Leadership and mentorship
Attention to detail

Path to Hospitalist

Starting a career as a hospitalist begins with a dedicated pathway through rigorous medical education and training. First, prospective hospitalists need to complete a four-year undergraduate degree, ideally with a focus on pre-medical coursework including biology, chemistry, and physics. Maintaining a strong GPA and excelling on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) are key for acceptance into medical school.

Medical school itself is a demanding four-year program blending classroom learning with clinical exposures. The initial two years emphasize foundational sciences and clinical reasoning, while the final two focus on rotations across different medical specialties, including internal medicine. During clinical rotations, students should seek opportunities to work closely in inpatient hospital settings to gain early understanding of hospital medicine dynamics.

After graduating from medical school, the next critical step is securing a residency position in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine. These residencies typically last three years, during which trainees develop proficiency managing hospital patients. The residency experience is pivotal; aspiring hospitalists gain skills in diagnosis, procedures, patient management, and teamwork. Participation in quality improvement projects or hospitalist-focused electives can provide relevant experience.

Upon completing residency, physicians must obtain medical licensure by passing the USMLE or COMLEX exams. Though not always mandatory, many choose to pursue board certification in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine to enhance employment prospects. Additional optional hospital medicine fellowships lasting 1-2 years allow physicians to become experts in hospital systems, leadership, and advanced clinical care.

Entering the workforce as a hospitalist involves applying to hospitals, health systems, or academic centers. Networking with mentors, attending hospitalist conferences, and joining professional societies such as the Society of Hospital Medicine offer career growth opportunities. Lifelong learning through CME and staying abreast of updated clinical guidelines remain essential throughout the career. Success as a hospitalist demands commitment, resilience, and a passion for inpatient care.

Required Education

The pathway to becoming a hospitalist is anchored in medical education and specialized clinical training. The journey starts with completing an undergraduate degree, commonly in a science-related field, but not limited to it. Medical school acceptance is competitive; applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and strong interpersonal skills.

Medical school is a comprehensive four-year experience blending basic sciences, clinical knowledge, and hands-on patient care. Students rotate through major medical specialties, including internal medicine wards, which give valuable exposure to hospitalized patient care. Elective rotations focused on hospital medicine can offer focused insight into the role of hospitalists.

Residency training in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine follows medical school, lasting three years. Internal Medicine residency programs provide intensive inpatient experience managing a variety of diseases. Residents learn procedural skills such as central venous access and airway management, critical for hospitalist practice. These programs emphasize multidisciplinary collaboration and patient safety, which are pillars of hospital medicine.

While hospital medicine fellowships are not mandatory, completing one can position physicians for leadership roles. These fellowships cover advanced clinical topics, hospital systems management, quality improvement, informatics, and teaching. Continuing Medical Education (CME) is also required throughout a hospitalist’s career to maintain board certification, stay current with novel therapies, and fulfill licensing requirements.

Certification is typically obtained through the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM). Additional certifications like ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) may be required depending on the hospital setting. Some hospitalists also acquire certifications in hospital quality improvement, patient safety leadership, and point-of-care ultrasound.

Professional development is ongoing and can include participation in research, hospital committees, and medical education activities. Many hospitalists advance by gaining expertise in specific subspecialties or taking on administrative roles within hospital medicine groups.

Career Path Tiers

Junior Hospitalist

Experience: 0-2 years

Junior Hospitalists are newly qualified physicians who have recently completed residency training. At this stage, they focus on refining clinical skills, effective patient management in acute hospital settings, and becoming proficient with hospital protocols and EHR systems. The learning curve involves rapid decision-making and the ability to integrate clinical knowledge with complex patient cases. Junior Hospitalists start to participate actively in interdisciplinary rounds under the mentorship of senior physicians and contribute to quality improvement projects. They also develop vital communication skills to engage patients and families effectively.

Mid-Level Hospitalist

Experience: 3-6 years

Mid-Level Hospitalists have solid clinical experience and display increased autonomy in managing complex inpatient cases. They often take leadership roles during rounds, supervise junior colleagues and trainees, and contribute meaningfully to hospital committees. Their skill set includes advanced procedural competencies and a nuanced understanding of hospital operations. At this level, hospitalists refine their expertise in managing complex multi-system diseases and often become involved in research or teaching. Their contribution to optimizing hospital workflows and patient safety becomes significant.

Senior Hospitalist / Hospital Medicine Leader

Experience: 7+ years

Senior Hospitalists are recognized experts and leaders within hospital medicine. They oversee care quality, spearhead large-scale improvement initiatives, and mentor junior hospitalists and residents. Responsibilities commonly include administrative duties such as staffing management, protocol development, and participation in executive hospital committees. Senior Hospitalists often engage in clinical research, policy formulation, and education at the departmental or institutional level. They provide guidance during complex patient cases and lead the implementation of innovative care models.

Global Outlook

Hospital medicine is a growing specialty worldwide, creating diverse global opportunities for trained hospitalists. Countries with advanced healthcare infrastructures such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and parts of Western Europe have embraced hospitalist models similar to the U.S., expanding the demand for physicians dedicated to inpatient care. These nations often incorporate hospitalists in academic centers and community hospitals to enhance efficiency and patient outcomes.

Emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East are investing in healthcare system modernization, resulting in an increased need for hospitalists who can adapt to multicultural patient populations and evolving hospital practices. International organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and global health initiatives occasionally seek hospitalist expertise for short-term missions or consultancy roles.

Physicians interested in global careers benefit from familiarity with varying healthcare regulations, cultural competence, and adaptability to diverse resource environments. Also, licensure and board recognition processes differ internationally, necessitating credential evaluation and additional certification in some cases. Telehealth is reducing geographical barriers, allowing hospitalists to consult on inpatient care remotely in certain global contexts.

Apart from teaching hospitals in metropolitan areas, rural regions in countries like Canada and Australia increasingly rely on hospitalists to provide continuous inpatient care, addressing physician shortages. With the international healthcare landscape rapidly evolving due to demographic changes, aging populations, and pandemic preparedness needs, hospitalists are well positioned to work globally in clinical, administrative, and policy-making roles.

Job Market Today

Role Challenges

Hospitalists face intense workloads with high patient volumes, often requiring prolonged shifts and night or weekend duties. Managing acutely ill patients with multiple comorbidities means frequent exposure to complex and emotionally taxing situations. Burnout due to cognitive overload and administrative burdens, including excessive documentation requirements, represents a significant challenge. The rapid pace of hospital settings combined with the necessity to stay current on evolving clinical guidelines requires continuous learning. Resistance to change or siloed hospital departments can complicate interdisciplinary collaboration. Navigating insurance complexities and discharge barriers also add to the role’s stress.

Growth Paths

The hospitalist profession continues to expand rapidly as hospitals aim to reduce length of stay, avoid readmissions, and enhance patient experiences. Opportunities exist to specialize in subspecialty hospital medicine areas such as cardiology hospitalists, hospitalists trained in palliative care, or intensivist hospitalists. Leadership tracks allow experienced hospitalists to influence hospital operations, quality improvement, and clinical education. Technological advances such as tele-hospitalist models enable remote inpatient management and broaden practice scopes. Growth is expected not only in large academic centers but also in smaller community hospitals and integrated health systems.

Industry Trends

Hospital medicine is evolving with an emphasis on value-based care, integration of technology, team-based approaches, and patient safety enhancements. Telemedicine adoption allows hospitalists to provide consults remotely and assists with night coverage models. The rise of hospital medicine fellowships and specialized training pathways reflects growing sophistication. Data analytics and AI tools increasingly assist in predictive modeling for patient deterioration and resource allocation. Hospitalists are participating more frequently in hospital committees and policymaking to align clinical care with institutional goals. Burnout awareness programs and workflow optimization are becoming priorities.

A Day in the Life

Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Focus: Patient Rounds & Care Planning

Review overnight patient updates and new admissions
Conduct bedside rounds with multidisciplinary teams including nurses, pharmacists, and specialists
Update patient records and clinical plans in the EHR
Order and interpret diagnostic tests
Communicate daily goals and anticipate potential complications

Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

Focus: Procedures, Consultations & Documentation

Perform necessary procedures such as line placements or thoracentesis
Respond to consultation requests and coordinate with specialists
Address any acute changes or emergencies on the hospital floor
Complete detailed charting and discharge summaries
Participate in clinical meetings, teaching sessions, or quality improvement reviews

Evening/Night (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

Focus: Discharge Planning & Handoffs

Prepare discharge instructions and ensure safe transitions for patients leaving the hospital
Discuss care plans with outpatient providers and families
Handoff patient care responsibilities to night teams with thorough briefings
Review pending labs and imaging for overnight monitoring
Respond to urgent clinical issues as needed

Work-Life Balance & Stress

Stress Level: High

Balance Rating: Challenging

Hospitalist roles are demanding due to the balance of intense patient care, frequent interruptions, and administrative duties. Shifts often include nights and weekends, which can disrupt personal life. Many hospitalists report feeling pressured by patient volumes and documentation requirements, leading to stress and potential burnout. However, health systems increasingly invest in wellness programs and flexible scheduling models to enhance work-life balance. Opportunities for part-time work or split shifts may help hospitalists manage personal and professional responsibilities more effectively.

Skill Map

This map outlines the core competencies and areas for growth in this profession, showing how foundational skills lead to specialized expertise.

Foundational Clinical Skills

Core medical knowledge and abilities every hospitalist must master to provide quality inpatient care.

Patient History and Physical Examination
Interpretation of Laboratory and Imaging Results
Management of Acute Medical Conditions
Basic Procedural Skills (Central Lines, Lumbar Puncture)
Medication Prescribing and Monitoring

Hospital Systems and Informatics

Understanding of hospital operations, technology, and data for effective patient care.

Electronic Health Records Utilization
Clinical Decision Support Systems
Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Initiatives
Data Interpretation for Hospital Metrics
Infection Control Best Practices

Interpersonal and Leadership Skills

Skills required for effective teamwork, patient communication, and leadership roles.

Interprofessional Collaboration
Effective Patient and Family Communication
Time Management and Prioritization
Mentorship and Teaching
Conflict Resolution

Emerging and Specialized Skills

Additional expertise hospitalists develop to enhance clinical practice and career growth.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
Telemedicine for Inpatient Care
Hospital Medicine Leadership and Administration
Clinical Research Methods
Palliative and End-of-Life Care

Pros & Cons for Hospitalist

✅ Pros

Engaging work managing diverse and complex acute medical conditions.
Strong collaboration with interdisciplinary teams enhances professional relationships.
Opportunity to have a significant impact on inpatient patient outcomes and hospital quality metrics.
Regular work schedules with defined shifts, often allowing for more consistent time off compared to other specialties.
Numerous leadership, teaching, and research opportunities within hospital medicine.
Competitive salary reflecting specialized clinical expertise.

❌ Cons

High levels of stress and risk of burnout due to heavy patient loads and complex cases.
Shift work including nights, weekends, and holidays can disrupt personal life and circadian rhythms.
Administrative and documentation burdens reduce direct patient care time.
Emotional strain from managing critically ill patients and communicating difficult prognoses.
Potential for professional isolation when primary care physicians are disengaged from inpatient care.
Rapid pace and interruptions at work can make deep focus and thorough evaluations challenging.

Common Mistakes of Beginners

Not prioritizing tasks effectively, leading to missed critical patient issues.
Over-reliance on electronic health records without thorough bedside assessments.
Under-communicating with patients and families, causing confusion or dissatisfaction.
Failure to seek timely specialist consultation when needed.
Inadequate documentation, which affects continuity of care and legal accountability.
Neglecting self-care leading to stress and burnout early in the hospitalist career.
Overlooking the importance of discharge planning and care transitions.
Insufficient engagement in quality improvement activities and ongoing education.

Contextual Advice

Develop strong communication skills to effectively coordinate with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
Master hospital EHR systems early to streamline documentation and reduce time burdens.
Prioritize critical tasks and learn to delegate non-essential work to nursing or support staff when appropriate.
Maintain a learning mindset to stay current with clinical guidelines and hospital protocols.
Engage actively in hospital committee work and quality improvement projects to broaden your impact.
Practice resilience techniques and utilize wellness resources to protect against burnout.
Seek mentorship from experienced hospitalists to navigate career challenges and opportunities.
Build relationships with outpatient providers to facilitate smooth transitions and continuity of care.

Examples and Case Studies

Improving Sepsis Management Protocols

At a large academic medical center, hospitalists led a multidisciplinary initiative targeting early sepsis recognition and treatment. By implementing standardized screening tools, rapid response protocols, and staff education, the hospital decreased sepsis-related mortality rates by 20% over 18 months. Hospitalists coordinated data review and updated care pathways to ensure evidence-based practices.

Key Takeaway: Hospitalists can drive impactful quality improvement projects that enhance patient outcomes by uniting clinical expertise with hospital resources.

Tele-Hospitalist Program in a Rural Setting

A regional health system launched a tele-hospitalist service allowing board-certified hospitalists to provide after-hours inpatient care to several rural hospitals remotely. This model improved patient care consistency and supported limited on-site providers. Feedback highlighted reduced transfer rates and improved clinician satisfaction.

Key Takeaway: Adapting telemedicine to inpatient care addresses provider shortages and extends hospitalist expertise to underserved areas.

Mentorship Program Boosting New Hospitalist Success

An urban hospital implemented a structured mentorship program pairing junior hospitalists with senior mentors. This support, including clinical guidance and career counseling, reduced turnover rates by 15% and improved job satisfaction scores in the first year post-implementation.

Key Takeaway: Investing in mentorship strengthens hospitalist retention and professional development.

Portfolio Tips

Although hospitalists do not typically maintain traditional portfolios like creative professions, building a comprehensive professional portfolio can significantly benefit career advancement. Assemble records demonstrating clinical competencies, procedural skills, and quality improvement involvement. Documentation of case studies, patient outcome improvements, and committee participation enhances credibility in leadership pursuits.

Include detailed logs of procedural experience validated by supervisors, as procedural proficiency is often a key evaluation metric. Maintain records of Continuing Medical Education credits, certifications obtained, and any hospital medicine fellowship or training program completion. Evidence of teaching activities, such as student evaluations and educational presentations, should also be incorporated for those interested in academic hospital medicine.

Case report summaries and quality improvement project results can highlight your contributions beyond direct patient care, showcasing problem-solving skills and leadership potential. Letters of recommendation or peer evaluations strengthen the professional narrative. For physicians exploring research, include publications, abstracts, and poster presentations.

Incorporating self-reflective components on lessons learned and professional growth areas signals maturity and commitment to lifelong learning. Organizing your portfolio in digital format facilitates easy updating and sharing during credentialing, promotion reviews, or job applications. An articulate portfolio ensures you can effectively communicate your value as a hospitalist in diverse roles.

Job Outlook & Related Roles

Growth Rate: 17%
Status: Growing much faster than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Related Roles

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between a hospitalist and a general internist?

A hospitalist specializes in the care of patients during their hospital stay, focusing exclusively on inpatient medicine. General internists typically provide outpatient care and may admit their own patients to the hospital but do not manage them continuously during hospitalization.

Do hospitalists require fellowship training beyond residency?

Fellowships in hospital medicine are optional and not strictly required. Most hospitalists practice after completing Internal Medicine or Family Medicine residency. However, some choose fellowships to specialize further in hospital-based care, leadership, or quality improvement.

What are the common clinical procedures hospitalists perform?

Hospitalists often perform bedside procedures such as central venous catheter insertion, arterial line placement, lumbar puncture, thoracentesis, paracentesis, and basic airway management. The scope may vary depending on hospital policies.

How does hospitalist work-life balance compare to other medical specialties?

Hospitalists work defined shifts, often allowing for predictable scheduling, but shift work includes nights and weekends, which can challenge balance. Compared to outpatient specialists with more regular hours, hospitalists face higher stress but may have more consecutive days off.

Is hospital medicine a remote-friendly specialty?

Traditionally, hospital medicine requires in-person patient care. Emerging tele-hospitalist models provide some remote coverage options, but most hospitalists need to be physically present in the hospital.

What skills help prevent burnout in hospital medicine?

Key skills include time management, setting boundaries, effective communication, seeking mentorship, utilizing wellness resources, and maintaining work-life separation. Building resilience and managing stress proactively are crucial.

How do hospitalists contribute to hospital quality improvement?

Hospitalists lead initiatives to reduce readmissions, decrease hospital-acquired infections, improve sepsis outcomes, and optimize length of stay. Their frontline experience informs policy changes and promotes evidence-based practices.

What opportunities exist for career advancement in hospital medicine?

Advancement opportunities include senior hospitalist roles, hospital medicine leadership positions, quality improvement directors, educators, research investigators, and administrative roles within healthcare organizations.

Are there subspecialties within hospital medicine?

Yes, hospitalists may specialize in areas such as cardiology hospitalists, hospitalists focusing on palliative care, hospitalists trained in critical care, or those with expertise in hospital-based infectious diseases.

What certifications are generally required to practice as a hospitalist?

Board certification in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine is usually required, along with a state medical license. Certifications like ACLS and PALS may be required by the employing hospital.