AAFP-SHM Joint Letter on Family Physicians as Hospitalists

Insert Date

Insert Address

Dear (Insert Name):

We are writing to address (Insert Organization) policy that all hospitalists must be internists.

This policy violates policies of the AAFP and the Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) -- the national medical professional society for hospitalists). Both hold that the opportunity to participate as a hospitalist should be open to all interested physicians whose education, training and current competence qualify them to serve effectively in this role.

Not all hospitalists are internists. Recent SHM statistics show that approximately 75% of practicing hospitalists are trained in general internal medicine. Another 4% are trained in an internal medicine subspecialty, most commonly pulmonary or critical care medicine. Approximately 3% of hospitalists are trained in family medicine; about 11% are pediatricians and 3% are trained as med-peds. The remaining 3% of hospitalists are non-physician providers, usually nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Hospitalists are physicians whose primary professional focus is the general medical care of hospitalized patients. Family physicians possess unique attitudes, skills, and knowledge, which qualify them to provide continuing and comprehensive medical care to each member of the family regardless of sex, age, or type of problem. Data from a recent AAFP survey shows that 81.7% of family physicians have hospital admission privileges, 42.2% have privileges in a coronary care unit and 45.4% have privileges in an intensive care unit.

Based on the above information, we urge you to re-consider your policy and allow qualified family physicians to apply for positions as hospitalists.

Sincerely,

Rick D. Kellerman, M.D., Board Chair
American Academy of Family Physicians

Russell Holman, M.D., President
Society of Hospital Medicine