![Two Henry Ford Health team member fist bump](/-/media/project/hfhs/henryford/news/2024/wegoforit_thumb.jpg?h=168&iar=0&w=300&hash=78D749596091F23F96F489C2AF0DE428)
Hospital Medicine
What is a hospital medicine doctor?
If you or a loved one ever need to be hospitalized overnight or for an extended period of time, chances are you will be seen by a medical specialty doctor known as a hospitalist. A hospitalist is a board-certified internal medicine doctor trained to care for hospitalized patients. They do not see patients in an outpatient clinic setting. Hospitalists are available in specific inpatient units at all Henry Ford Health hospitals at all hours of the day and night. They care for inpatients who may have medical conditions such as heart failure, infections, diabetes, kidney problems or others.
Do hospitalists communicate with my primary care doctor?
Hospitalists communicate with your primary care doctor and all specialty doctors that might also be caring for you during your hospital stay. The doctor who admitted you to the hospital is the lead doctor on your case, but they are busy seeing patients in their clinic most days and are not there to check on you in the middle of the night. Hospitalists are able to carefully manage your care at all hours of the day and night. They regularly report back to your primary care or specialty doctor, and together they decide your care plan.
Henry Ford hospitalists also partner with specialty physicians to provide care following surgery or some procedures that require a hospital stay. In addition, our hospital medicine team includes palliative medicine specialists who maintain the care and comfort of patients with pain from illnesses like cancer as well as hospice patients.
Show Me
![Two Henry Ford Health team member fist bump](/-/media/project/hfhs/henryford/news/2024/wegoforit_thumb.jpg?h=168&iar=0&w=300&hash=78D749596091F23F96F489C2AF0DE428)
![External Image Henry Ford Macomb Hospital](/-/media/project/hfhs/henryford/news/2023/entrance-from-ground-thumb.jpg?h=200&iar=0&w=300&hash=73CB0E715BD50F2CF8447F766D13FF77)
Henry Ford Health Makes Largest Healthcare Investment in Macomb County History with New Patient Tower
Patient care set to begin at new $265 million ‘Janet & Jim Riehl North Tower’ later this month
![Undercover Amon-Ra](/-/media/project/hfhs/henryford/news/2023/undercover-a-r-thumb.jpg?h=168&iar=0&w=300&hash=84ACEF396F590A69E85F0DB2282EDE36)
Detroit Lions Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown Joins Henry Ford Health Roster
![Henry Ford Health Logo](/-/media/project/hfhs/henryford/news/2022/new-logo-thumbnail.jpg?h=157&iar=0&w=300&hash=9F5B1D0930750DA86EDCF91EAB9E3450)
Henry Ford Health Announces Multiple Strategic Senior Leadership Changes
CEO Bob Riney highlights expanded roles and responsibilities as foundational in healthcare transformation journey
![](/-/media/project/hfhs/henryford/henry-ford-blog/images/mobile-interior-banner-images/2024/07/aces-and-adult-depression.jpg)
The Link Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Adult Depression
Childhood can have a lasting impact on your mental health, according to a recent study. Read more.
![](/-/media/project/hfhs/henryford/henry-ford-blog/images/mobile-interior-banner-images/2024/07/bird-flu.jpg)
Do We Have To Worry About Bird Flu?
There have been a few human cases of bird flu in the United States. Learn about its symptoms and the precautions to take.
![](/-/media/project/hfhs/henryford/henry-ford-blog/images/mobile-interior-banner-images/2024/07/blister-care.jpg)
An Expert Shares What You Should Know About Blister Causes And Care
Blisters hurt. Why do they happen, and how do you care for them? Get the answers from a family medicine physician.
![](/-/media/project/hfhs/henryford/henry-ford-blog/images/mobile-interior-banner-images/2024/07/retinal-detachment.jpg)
Understanding Your Risk Of Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment can cause blindness, but who gets this condition? Find out what an ophthalmologist says about retinal detachment risks and what to watch for.