The Society of Hospital Medicine estimates there are 44,000 practicing hospitalists in the U.S. The hospitalist model of care is widely understood and utilized. Although similar, the surgicalist model of care is lesser known, despite its many benefits for hospitals and clinicians alike. It might be one of the best-kept secrets in hospital management today.
For hospitals, the surgicalist model provides the ability to serve patients with access to emergent and acute surgical care — even in difficult-to-recruit markets. The surgicalist model offers staffing predictability, optimizes patient care, and in many cases, improves financial performance. At the same time, providers enjoy fewer administrative burdens, the elimination of unpredictable on-call duty, and a restored work-life balance.