Pediatric Hospitalist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the importance of pediatric hospitalists has never been more prominent.

As medical science evolves, the demand for dedicated professionals who can manage, improve, and protect the health of our children grows louder.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a pediatric hospitalist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the inner workings of pediatric hospital care,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric hospitalist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Pediatric Hospitalist Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Hospitalists are specialized medical doctors who provide general pediatric care to hospitalized children.

They work closely with family physicians, pediatricians, and other medical specialists to ensure comprehensive health care for the young patients.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Provide inpatient care predominantly in settings such as medical wards, acute care units, intensive care units, rehabilitation centers, or emergency rooms
• Manage the health of the child, including physical, behavior, and mental health issues
• Responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and medical procedures of children ranging from infancy to adolescence
• Coordinate care with other medical-specialist physicians who are looking after the hospitalized children
• Communicate effectively with parents or guardians about child’s illness and course of treatment
• Interpret laboratory results and decide on the appropriate treatment plan
• Perform procedures such as lumbar punctures, intubation, and neonatal resuscitation
• Participate in regular departmental meetings, professional development, and continuing education
• Order diagnostic tests as necessary and interpret results, adjusting care plan as needed
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals and staff to provide consistent care to patients

 

Pediatric Hospitalist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Pediatric Hospitalist to provide comprehensive care to our young patients.

As a Pediatric Hospitalist, your responsibilities will include diagnosing and treating illnesses, medical testing, prescribing medications, and performing follow-up visits.

You should be well-versed in pediatric medicine and capable of handling a range of illnesses and health conditions.

Our ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, an empathetic nature, and a genuine passion for improving the health and lives of children.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive medical services to children in the hospital.
• Conduct medical examinations, interpret medical histories and order necessary tests.
• Communicate and collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals to manage patient care.
• Develop treatment plans and discuss them with patients’ families.
• Respond to emergencies including assisting in surgeries.
• Monitor and provide care to patients in intensive care units.
• Provide education and guidance to patients’ families regarding treatments and care needs.
• Maintain accurate case histories and medical records.
• Stay up-to-date with latest developments, advancements, and trends in pediatric medicine.

 

Qualifications

• Medical degree and state license to practice medicine.
• Completion of a residency in pediatrics.
• Board certification in Pediatrics and Pediatric Hospital Medicine.
• Proven experience as a Pediatric Hospitalist or similar role.
• Excellent understanding of pediatric diseases and epidemiology.
• Highly developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing medical education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Hospitalist
• Work Environment: Pediatric hospital setting with on-call duties.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Pediatrics Department.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $180,000 minimum to $240,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Hospitalist Do?

Pediatric Hospitalists are specialized physicians who focus exclusively on the general medical care of children and adolescents in hospital settings.

They primarily work in the pediatric departments of hospitals or other medical facilities and are highly skilled in managing the health needs of patients from birth to young adulthood.

Their day-to-day duties include diagnosing and treating a wide range of childhood illnesses, from minor health problems to serious diseases.

They work closely with patients’ families, nurses, and other physicians to provide comprehensive healthcare.

Pediatric Hospitalists are often involved in patient admissions and discharges, ensuring that the transition from hospital to home is smooth and that ongoing care plans are effectively communicated and put in place.

They also perform medical procedures as necessary and are skilled in handling emergencies and providing critical care.

Furthermore, they often play a key role in coordinating the care of pediatric patients, involving specialists as needed and ensuring that all aspects of the child’s healthcare are addressed.

Pediatric Hospitalists may also engage in teaching and research activities, continuously updating their knowledge in the dynamic field of pediatric medicine.

 

Pediatric Hospitalist Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Hospitalist should possess a unique set of skills and qualifications to cater to the specialized medical needs of children, such as:

• Extensive knowledge of pediatric medicine and child development to accurately diagnose and treat pediatric patients.
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with children and their families, providing comfort and reassurance during difficult times.
• Technical skills to perform various medical procedures, including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of pediatric patients.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals such as nurses, other physicians, and therapists to provide comprehensive care for pediatric patients.
• Exceptional attention to detail to monitor and record patients’ conditions and responses to treatments accurately.
• Problem-solving skills to make quick, effective decisions in emergency situations.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex medical information clearly to parents or guardians.
• Physical stamina and resilience to work long hours and handle potentially stressful situations.

 

Pediatric Hospitalist Experience Requirements

Pediatric Hospitalist candidates generally need to complete a residency program in Pediatrics, which usually takes about three years.

This provides hands-on clinical experience in a variety of pediatric sub-specialties and gives them the opportunity to work directly with patients and medical staff in a hospital setting.

A Pediatric Hospitalist is usually required to have 1 to 2 years of experience in a hospital or clinical setting after completing their residency.

They gain this experience by working in roles such as Pediatrician, Pediatric Internist, or Pediatric Fellow.

Candidates with more than 3 years of clinical experience have typically honed their skills in managing complex illnesses and coordinating care for their young patients.

They often have an in-depth understanding of hospital procedures and are comfortable communicating with other health professionals and patient families.

Those with over 5 years of experience often have experience in a leadership role, such as a Pediatric Department Head or a Lead Pediatric Specialist.

This experience demonstrates their ability to manage a team, oversee patient care, and make informed decisions in high-stress situations.

They may also have a proven track record of research or teaching in a relevant field.

 

Pediatric Hospitalist Education and Training Requirements

A Pediatric Hospitalist is a medical professional who specializes in the care of children within a hospital setting.

They typically have a bachelor’s degree in pre-med or a related field, followed by a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree from an accredited medical school.

The medical degree must be followed by a 3-year residency program in Pediatrics, which includes intensive training in medical and surgical care of children from birth through adolescence.

This residency program allows the pediatrician to acquire skills and experience in treating a wide range of pediatric conditions and illnesses.

Following the residency, some Pediatric Hospitalists choose to complete additional fellowship training in pediatric hospital medicine.

This is not mandatory, but it can provide further specialization and make the physician more competitive in the job market.

Licensing is a requirement for practicing medicine in all states.

This typically involves passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX).

Pediatric Hospitalists also need board certification from the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) or American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics (AOBP).

This certification demonstrates that the pediatrician has the knowledge, skills, and experience to provide high-quality care to pediatric patients.

Continued education is an important part of a Pediatric Hospitalist’s career.

They need to stay updated with the latest developments in pediatric medicine, new treatment methods, and latest research findings.

This can be done through medical journals, conferences, workshops, and certification courses.

 

Pediatric Hospitalist Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Hospitalist can expect to earn an average salary of $189,000 (USD) per year.

However, actual earnings can vary greatly depending on factors such as years of experience, additional skills, and geographic location.

 

Pediatric Hospitalist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Pediatric Hospitalist need?

Pediatric Hospitalists are required to have a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree and must be board-certified in Pediatrics.

They should have completed a residency in Pediatrics, and often have additional training or experience in Hospital Medicine.

Also, they must be licensed to practice medicine in the state where they work.

 

What are the daily duties of a Pediatric Hospitalist?

The daily responsibilities of a Pediatric Hospitalist include diagnosing and treating various conditions in children, conducting rounds to monitor the progress of patients, coordinating with other healthcare providers for comprehensive patient care, and communicating with families about the health status and treatment plans for their children.

They also perform procedures as needed and provide education and support to patients and their families.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Hospitalist?

A good Pediatric Hospitalist has excellent clinical skills and a strong knowledge base in pediatric medicine.

They are patient and empathetic, as they often work with young children and their families during stressful times.

They should have excellent communication skills to effectively explain complex medical information to families.

A good Pediatric Hospitalist is also a team player, as they often work in multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care to their patients.

 

What challenges are associated with hiring a Pediatric Hospitalist?

Hiring a Pediatric Hospitalist can be challenging due to the specialized nature of this role.

Candidates must not only have the appropriate medical qualifications and license, but also the ability to work with children, which requires a particular set of skills and traits.

Additionally, because hospitalists work in a hospital setting, they often need to be available for irregular hours, including nights and weekends, which can make it more challenging to find suitable candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unfolded the nuances of the Pediatric Hospitalist role.

Surprised?

It’s not just about routine check-ups.

It’s about shaping the future of children’s health, one patient at a time.

With our ready-to-use Pediatric Hospitalist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is a step towards a healthier future.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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