The life of an academic hospitalist

A reader queries:

What does an academic hospitalist do when not on service (7-8 mo/yr)?

Putting this question into context, what do academicians do in general? Academic medicine differs from full time practice because of the many varied responsibilities that we perform. Over the course of a typical week, most academic physicians engage in clinical work, teaching and research. Many also perform administrative duties.

Being an academic hospitalist differs from internal medicine specialties in the types of independent clinical work that one might do, and in the type of research that hospitalists do. Some hospitalists have their own hospitalist practice (seeing patients without housestaff). Many hospitalists serve on hospital committees (often important work related to quality). Most hospitalist research also focuses on quality care.

The life of an academic physician is varied. Many physicians dislike the administrative aspects, but I enjoy them.

I particularly enjoy the teaching on a ward team.

Others love getting involved in quality improvement (this activity often occurs in community hospitalist jobs).

I hope this answer makes sense. If not, keep asking questions. Thanks!