Meritus Health is hiring an Observation Medicine Physician (Observationist) to join its Hospital Medicine team, delivering protocol-driven care for adult short-stay (24–48 hour) patients in a dedicated Observation Unit. You'll focus on efficient evaluation, treatment, and safe disposition to avoid unnecessary inpatient admissions, with a closed-unit model and dedicated nursing/support staff. Standout perk: optional unit leadership/medical director responsibilities for experienced candidates.
- Dedicated Observation Unit, closed model
- Dedicated nursing and support staff
- Optional unit leadership/medical director duties
We are seeking a dedicated Observation Medicine Physician (also known as an Observationist ) to join our growing Hospital Medicine team. This is an excellent opportunity for a board-certified or board-eligible Internal Medicine or Family Medicine physician who enjoys high-quality, protocol-driven care for short-stay patients in a dedicated Observation Unit.
In this role, you will manage adult patients requiring observation status - typically 24-48 hours of evaluation and treatment - avoiding unnecessary full inpatient admissions while ensuring safe and efficient dispositions. Our Observation Unit features a closed-unit model with dedicated nursing and support staff, allowing for focused, high-throughput care.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive evaluation, management, and disposition for patients in the Observation Unit
- Develop and follow evidence-based clinical protocols for common observation diagnoses (chest pain, syncope, heart failure exacerbation, COPD/asthma, cellulitis, etc.)
- Collaborate closely with Emergency Medicine, Hospitalists, specialists, and case management to optimize length of stay and patient flow
- Perform histories and physicals, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and coordinate multidisciplinary care
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives, utilization review, and protocol development
- Maintain excellent documentation and communication with patients, families, and the care team
- (Optional) Opportunity for unit leadership/medical director duties for experienced candidates
Qualifications
- Board Certified or Board Eligible in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine
- Current, unrestricted Maryland medical license (or eligibility to obtain)
- DEA license and ACLS certification required
- Strong clinical skills in adult inpatient/acute care medicine
- Experience in hospital medicine or observation medicine is preferred, but we welcome strong new graduates and early-career hospitalists
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Passion for efficient, patient-centered care and reducing unnecessary hospitalizations