Locum MD (Medical Doctor), DO (Osteopathic Doctor) Hospitalist

77 consultants•Santa Cruz, CA

About The Position

This Locum Hospitalist role provides high-quality inpatient care to hospitalized adult patients with a range of acute medical conditions. The physician evaluates, diagnoses, and manages patients and coordinates care with nursing staff, consultants, and interdisciplinary teams to support safe, efficient, and patient-centered treatment throughout each hospital stay. The role includes admissions, in-house follow-up visits, and discharge planning. The daily volume is 14–16 patients, including 8–10 admissions. Case types include general medicine, some maternal-child care, and ICU. No procedures are required. The schedule is 7 a.m.–7 p.m. or 11 a.m.–9 p.m. The EMR is Cerner. Board certification is required, as are ACLS, BLS, and DEA. Travel and expenses are paid.

Requirements

Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
Completion of an accredited residency program, preferably in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine.
Current, unrestricted state medical license eligible for practice in California.
Board certification in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine; the posting states that board certification is required.
Active DEA registration.
Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications.
Strong clinical judgment, diagnostic reasoning, and decision-making skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective patient and team interactions.
Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-acuity hospital environment.

Nice To Haves

Prior hospitalist or locum tenens experience in an acute care setting.
Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and hospital documentation workflows.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive patient evaluations, histories, and physical examinations upon admission.
Diagnose and manage acute and chronic medical conditions in hospitalized patients.
Develop and implement individualized, evidence-based treatment plans.
Order, review, and interpret laboratory tests, imaging studies, and diagnostic procedures.
Coordinate patient care with consulting specialists, nursing staff, and allied health professionals.
Perform timely discharge planning and communicate care transitions to primary care providers.
Document clinical encounters accurately and in compliance with regulatory and institutional standards.
Respond promptly to clinical emergencies and rapid response calls.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives and patient safety programs.
Maintain compliance with hospital policies, medical protocols, and credentialing requirements.
Handle admissions, in-house follow-up visits, and discharges.