Hospitalists are doctors who work exclusively inside the hospital, treating patients with immediate and emerging medical issues. Hospitalists practice in an environment pulsing with challenges, rewards – and something else Dr. Lauren Doherty thrives on: people.
“I love my job,” she says. “I love working with the people here. I love working with the nurses, the therapists. I enjoy being here. And I really enjoy the patients. I like learning as much about them as I can in a very short period of time. It’s a challenge that I think probably all of L+M’s hospitalists really take to heart. If not, we wouldn’t be in this business.”
Hospitalists can face unique challenges with patients, because, most often, the first time they meet each other is when the patient – who, by definition, is already in a hospital bed – is already feeling the stress or discomfort from an illness or injury. So, it takes a special breed to cross that boundary of uncertainty and earn the patient’s trust and respect.
But Dr. Doherty believes that the hospitalist system has many benefits that make it not only an efficient system for L+M and many other hospitals, but also a highly effective system of care.
“I believe our hospitalists are outstanding at collaboration and teamwork,” she says. “And, when people are really sick, they love that you’re here, because patients learn quickly that one of us is always here for them, 24/7, should they need our help.”
As a hospitalist, Dr. Doherty says she really enjoys the interactions she has with staff.
“It’s such a team approach,” she says. “We’re in touch with the patients’ doctors, making consultations, and we have great relationships with the cardiologists, the surgeons, the oncologists, the gastroenterologists – we interact with pretty much everybody.”
In fact, she adds, “I don’t think there’s a physician in this hospital that, at some point, we don’t connect with.”
It’s not only the MDs, however.
“Hospitalists know all the nurses and all the HUCs (Health Unit Coordinators) and all the therapists,” Dr. Doherty emphasizes. “Our interaction with staff is what teamwork is all about. We have a great appreciation for how all the other trained professionals at L+M help us to serve the patient best. The nurses and the doctors are at the patient’s bedside as a collaborative team.”
These various dynamics flow into each day for the hospitalists at L+M, making them an integral part of care. “The camaraderie is incredible,” Dr. Doherty says. “Everyone really takes care of each other, and that, in turn, helps us to care for the patients.”
As for L+M? “It’s a great place to work and it’s a great group to work with,” she says. “That’s why I love what I do.”
To learn more about Dr. Doherty, click here.
