Jason Carris

Some physicians have an interest in teaching; some are really good at it, and some make a career out of it. For Thomas Baudendistel, MD, teaching comes second nature and, as one of his former colleagues says, is a definition of who he is.

It’s those qualities, his experience in both academic and community hospital settings, and a passion for innovation that Dr. Baudendistel, the internal-medicine residency program director for Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, Calif., hopes to infuse as CME editor of the Journal of Hospital Medicine (JHM). He was appointed to the new position in June; the first issue containing article-level CME, the answers to which will be submitted online, is scheduled to appear in October.

“Tom is a superlative educator. He has defined himself that way. He has a passion for it and a talent for it,” says Brian J. Harte, MD, FHM, chair of the department of hospital medicine at The Cleveland Clinic and a deputy editor of JHM.

Dr. Harte, who first met Dr. Baudendistel in 1996 during his residency at the University of California at San Francisco, says his former mentor “can take a submission, drill down to the most important teaching point, and challenge the readership.”

Dr. Baudendistel, who admits teaching is why he “gets out of bed in the morning,” says he wants to take advantage of the young, tech-savvy nature of most HM physicians. “JHM has been an innovative journal. I see the CME piece as being equally innovative,” he says. “I’d like to move [CME] past the pencil-and-paper phase.”

Some physicians have an interest in teaching; some are really good at it, and some make a career out of it. For Thomas Baudendistel, MD, teaching comes second nature and, as one of his former colleagues says, is a definition of who he is.

It’s those qualities, his experience in both academic and community hospital settings, and a passion for innovation that Dr. Baudendistel, the internal-medicine residency program director for Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, Calif., hopes to infuse as CME editor of the Journal of Hospital Medicine (JHM). He was appointed to the new position in June; the first issue containing article-level CME, the answers to which will be submitted online, is scheduled to appear in October.

“Tom is a superlative educator. He has defined himself that way. He has a passion for it and a talent for it,” says Brian J. Harte, MD, FHM, chair of the department of hospital medicine at The Cleveland Clinic and a deputy editor of JHM.

Dr. Harte, who first met Dr. Baudendistel in 1996 during his residency at the University of California at San Francisco, says his former mentor “can take a submission, drill down to the most important teaching point, and challenge the readership.”

Dr. Baudendistel, who admits teaching is why he “gets out of bed in the morning,” says he wants to take advantage of the young, tech-savvy nature of most HM physicians. “JHM has been an innovative journal. I see the CME piece as being equally innovative,” he says. “I’d like to move [CME] past the pencil-and-paper phase.”

Some physicians have an interest in teaching; some are really good at it, and some make a career out of it. For Thomas Baudendistel, MD, teaching comes second nature and, as one of his former colleagues says, is a definition of who he is.

It’s those qualities, his experience in both academic and community hospital settings, and a passion for innovation that Dr. Baudendistel, the internal-medicine residency program director for Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, Calif., hopes to infuse as CME editor of the Journal of Hospital Medicine (JHM). He was appointed to the new position in June; the first issue containing article-level CME, the answers to which will be submitted online, is scheduled to appear in October.

“Tom is a superlative educator. He has defined himself that way. He has a passion for it and a talent for it,” says Brian J. Harte, MD, FHM, chair of the department of hospital medicine at The Cleveland Clinic and a deputy editor of JHM.

Dr. Harte, who first met Dr. Baudendistel in 1996 during his residency at the University of California at San Francisco, says his former mentor “can take a submission, drill down to the most important teaching point, and challenge the readership.”

Dr. Baudendistel, who admits teaching is why he “gets out of bed in the morning,” says he wants to take advantage of the young, tech-savvy nature of most HM physicians. “JHM has been an innovative journal. I see the CME piece as being equally innovative,” he says. “I’d like to move [CME] past the pencil-and-paper phase.”

Burke Kealey, MD, FHM, knows exactly what he brings to the SHM board table. With more than a decade of experience as a practicing hospitalist and directing the HM service he co-founded in 1997, Dr. Kealey says he will champion the community hospitalist cause during his three-year term on the 12-seat board.

"I want to be a voice for community hospitalists, both in urban and rural settings," says Dr. Kealey, who as medical director of hospital medicine at Health Partners Medical Group in Minneapolis oversees 65 hospitalists at five hospitals in the Twin Cities and two rural hospitals in western Wisconsin.

An active SHM member since the beginning, Dr. Kealey is a familiar face in society circles. He's a facilitator for SHM's Leadership Academy and practice management faculty for the One-Day Hospitalist University. He's served as chair of SHM's Practice Analysis Committee the past three years, and he is a staunch supporter of society efforts to nurture HM leaders through education, mentorship, and guidance.

As chair of the Practice Analysis Committee, Dr. Kealey has firsthand knowledge of SHM's efforts to collect, analyze, and distribute compensation and productivity benchmarks to the specialty. The biannual survey data is critical to negotiations between community hospitals and hospital administration, especially in these choppy economic waters.

"We need to make sure we are getting good data and we must tell the story better," Dr. Kealey says. "Rural hospitalists are growing, and they are hungry for information to compare their practice to others across the nation."

Just as he does in his own practice, Dr. Kealey wants SHM to promote an atmosphere of inclusivity. "We cannot do our daily job without the nursing staff [administrative staff, therapy, etc.]," he says. "We're not a one-man show."

Burke Kealey, MD, FHM, knows exactly what he brings to the SHM board table. With more than a decade of experience as a practicing hospitalist and directing the HM service he co-founded in 1997, Dr. Kealey says he will champion the community hospitalist cause during his three-year term on the 12-seat board.

"I want to be a voice for community hospitalists, both in urban and rural settings," says Dr. Kealey, who as medical director of hospital medicine at Health Partners Medical Group in Minneapolis oversees 65 hospitalists at five hospitals in the Twin Cities and two rural hospitals in western Wisconsin.

An active SHM member since the beginning, Dr. Kealey is a familiar face in society circles. He's a facilitator for SHM's Leadership Academy and practice management faculty for the One-Day Hospitalist University. He's served as chair of SHM's Practice Analysis Committee the past three years, and he is a staunch supporter of society efforts to nurture HM leaders through education, mentorship, and guidance.

As chair of the Practice Analysis Committee, Dr. Kealey has firsthand knowledge of SHM's efforts to collect, analyze, and distribute compensation and productivity benchmarks to the specialty. The biannual survey data is critical to negotiations between community hospitals and hospital administration, especially in these choppy economic waters.

"We need to make sure we are getting good data and we must tell the story better," Dr. Kealey says. "Rural hospitalists are growing, and they are hungry for information to compare their practice to others across the nation."

Just as he does in his own practice, Dr. Kealey wants SHM to promote an atmosphere of inclusivity. "We cannot do our daily job without the nursing staff [administrative staff, therapy, etc.]," he says. "We're not a one-man show."

Burke Kealey, MD, FHM, knows exactly what he brings to the SHM board table. With more than a decade of experience as a practicing hospitalist and directing the HM service he co-founded in 1997, Dr. Kealey says he will champion the community hospitalist cause during his three-year term on the 12-seat board.

"I want to be a voice for community hospitalists, both in urban and rural settings," says Dr. Kealey, who as medical director of hospital medicine at Health Partners Medical Group in Minneapolis oversees 65 hospitalists at five hospitals in the Twin Cities and two rural hospitals in western Wisconsin.

An active SHM member since the beginning, Dr. Kealey is a familiar face in society circles. He's a facilitator for SHM's Leadership Academy and practice management faculty for the One-Day Hospitalist University. He's served as chair of SHM's Practice Analysis Committee the past three years, and he is a staunch supporter of society efforts to nurture HM leaders through education, mentorship, and guidance.

As chair of the Practice Analysis Committee, Dr. Kealey has firsthand knowledge of SHM's efforts to collect, analyze, and distribute compensation and productivity benchmarks to the specialty. The biannual survey data is critical to negotiations between community hospitals and hospital administration, especially in these choppy economic waters.

"We need to make sure we are getting good data and we must tell the story better," Dr. Kealey says. "Rural hospitalists are growing, and they are hungry for information to compare their practice to others across the nation."

Just as he does in his own practice, Dr. Kealey wants SHM to promote an atmosphere of inclusivity. "We cannot do our daily job without the nursing staff [administrative staff, therapy, etc.]," he says. "We're not a one-man show."

Dan Dressler, MD, MSc, FHM, was introduced to the hospitalist concept a decade ago during a breakout session at a Society of General Internal Medicine meeting. A resident at the time, Dressler immediately latched on to the HM concept.

“I was like, ‘Wow, this is interesting. There are a lot of fun, exciting people,’ ” he says. “I thought they had a great vision for medicine. It was the direction I wanted to go.”

Dr. Dressler joined SHM in 2000. Now he supervises the nation’s largest academic hospitalist program and is one of SHM’s newest board members. He officially joined the 12-member board at HM09 in Chicago and will serve a three-year term.

Now the director of education for the section of hospital medicine, associate professor and associate residency director in the department of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Dressler has a passion for teaching, evidence-based medicine, and quality initiatives. He’s worked in academic and community hospital settings; he’s served on SHM’s Education Committee; and he’s chaired SHM’s Core Competencies task force. “I have a huge interest in education,” Dr. Dressler says, adding he will serve as the course director for HM11 in Dallas.

His mission is to make sure all hospitalists across the country have the same baseline skills. “I consider this a new opportunity, a new challenge,” he says. “I believe SHM is a high-level, high-quality organization. It’s a group that is going to lead medicine.”

Dan Dressler, MD, MSc, FHM, was introduced to the hospitalist concept a decade ago during a breakout session at a Society of General Internal Medicine meeting. A resident at the time, Dressler immediately latched on to the HM concept.

“I was like, ‘Wow, this is interesting. There are a lot of fun, exciting people,’ ” he says. “I thought they had a great vision for medicine. It was the direction I wanted to go.”

Dr. Dressler joined SHM in 2000. Now he supervises the nation’s largest academic hospitalist program and is one of SHM’s newest board members. He officially joined the 12-member board at HM09 in Chicago and will serve a three-year term.

Now the director of education for the section of hospital medicine, associate professor and associate residency director in the department of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Dressler has a passion for teaching, evidence-based medicine, and quality initiatives. He’s worked in academic and community hospital settings; he’s served on SHM’s Education Committee; and he’s chaired SHM’s Core Competencies task force. “I have a huge interest in education,” Dr. Dressler says, adding he will serve as the course director for HM11 in Dallas.

His mission is to make sure all hospitalists across the country have the same baseline skills. “I consider this a new opportunity, a new challenge,” he says. “I believe SHM is a high-level, high-quality organization. It’s a group that is going to lead medicine.”

Dan Dressler, MD, MSc, FHM, was introduced to the hospitalist concept a decade ago during a breakout session at a Society of General Internal Medicine meeting. A resident at the time, Dressler immediately latched on to the HM concept.

“I was like, ‘Wow, this is interesting. There are a lot of fun, exciting people,’ ” he says. “I thought they had a great vision for medicine. It was the direction I wanted to go.”

Dr. Dressler joined SHM in 2000. Now he supervises the nation’s largest academic hospitalist program and is one of SHM’s newest board members. He officially joined the 12-member board at HM09 in Chicago and will serve a three-year term.

Now the director of education for the section of hospital medicine, associate professor and associate residency director in the department of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Dressler has a passion for teaching, evidence-based medicine, and quality initiatives. He’s worked in academic and community hospital settings; he’s served on SHM’s Education Committee; and he’s chaired SHM’s Core Competencies task force. “I have a huge interest in education,” Dr. Dressler says, adding he will serve as the course director for HM11 in Dallas.

His mission is to make sure all hospitalists across the country have the same baseline skills. “I consider this a new opportunity, a new challenge,” he says. “I believe SHM is a high-level, high-quality organization. It’s a group that is going to lead medicine.”

Wouldn’t you know it? The same day the February issue of The Hospitalist was being shipped to the post office, former Sen. Tom Daschle—President Obama’s “chosen one” to spearhead healthcare reform— surprised us all. Embroiled in a tax and ethics scandal, Daschle up and withdrew his nomination for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Considering our February cover story outlines Obama and Daschle’s plan for comprehensive healthcare reform—and the magazine cover has a nice picture of Obama with Daschle in the background—the timing couldn’t have been … better.

In publishing circles, it’s one of those slow-motion moments. You know, the kind of moment sitcoms rewind and show from three different angles. Do they really think we need to see Cosmo Kramer trip and fall three times? I got it.

It’s not as if we declared Thomas Dewey the next president of the United States. If nothing else, consider the February issue a collector’s item. Once I’m done writing this column, I’m going to FedEx a box of February issues to Daschle’s office. I hope he hangs one on the wall—a reminder of how close he came to history.

The fact of the matter is, I’m guessing Daschle’s departure will do little to slow Obama’s push for healthcare reform. Case in point: The day after Daschle withdrew his nomination, the House of Representatives approved legislation to provide federally funded healthcare to 4 million more Americans by expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP (see “2009: A Pivotal Year for Policy,” p. 14). The president’s first healthcare reform legislation passed Congress by a pair of two-thirds votes and will inject $35 billion into the program over the next five years. More importantly, the fact that the legislation was signed into law on Day 15 of the new administration signals Obama’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare reform.

Most in the HM community fully support the president on the idea that it’s time to change the way healthcare is delivered, revamp the way providers are paid for their services, and eliminate the term “uninsured.” Unfortunately, the president’s tidal wave of support for healthcare reform is being chipped away by a wayward economy and missteps in the confirmation process. A similar message was conveyed during a policy report to SHM’s board of directors in late January in Washington, D.C. Key HM issues, such as bundling and coordination of care, appear to be on the traditional route within the legislative process. Translation: a slower one rife with political obstacles.

At press time, Obama had not put forth a new HHS nominee. Some names thrown into the ring: Jeanne Lambrew, PhD, a deputy health adviser to Obama and Daschle’s former right hand; Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.); and Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. And a possibility from the other side of the aisle: Mitt Romney, former Massachusetts governor and presidential candidate. (OK, the Romney mention is a shout-out to the blogosphere. Massachusetts physicians would lay siege to the White House if Romney were nominated.)

Pundits are calling for an individual with many of Daschle’s key attributes: expertise in the healthcare system, knowledge of the inner workings of Washington, and confluence—not to mention influence—with the president in healthcare issues. From the looks of things—and knowing that Daschle’s place in the Obama cabinet was considered a slam dunk—the president will have the unenviable task of replacing the person he thought was most capable of being the “lead architect” to implement “our healthcare plan,” as he said in the Dec. 11 news conference introducing Daschle as his HHS nominee.

Although the task is great and the process delayed, it’s unlikely the healthcare debate is going to slide to the back burner. Although healthcare reform ideology spans the full spectrum—politically, philosophically, and economically—the healthcare debate is alive and kicking in this new administration.

We’ll just have to make sure the next HHS leader is confirmed before The Hospitalist shines the spotlight on them. TH

Jason Carris is editor of The Hospitalist.

Wouldn’t you know it? The same day the February issue of The Hospitalist was being shipped to the post office, former Sen. Tom Daschle—President Obama’s “chosen one” to spearhead healthcare reform— surprised us all. Embroiled in a tax and ethics scandal, Daschle up and withdrew his nomination for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Considering our February cover story outlines Obama and Daschle’s plan for comprehensive healthcare reform—and the magazine cover has a nice picture of Obama with Daschle in the background—the timing couldn’t have been … better.

In publishing circles, it’s one of those slow-motion moments. You know, the kind of moment sitcoms rewind and show from three different angles. Do they really think we need to see Cosmo Kramer trip and fall three times? I got it.

It’s not as if we declared Thomas Dewey the next president of the United States. If nothing else, consider the February issue a collector’s item. Once I’m done writing this column, I’m going to FedEx a box of February issues to Daschle’s office. I hope he hangs one on the wall—a reminder of how close he came to history.

The fact of the matter is, I’m guessing Daschle’s departure will do little to slow Obama’s push for healthcare reform. Case in point: The day after Daschle withdrew his nomination, the House of Representatives approved legislation to provide federally funded healthcare to 4 million more Americans by expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP (see “2009: A Pivotal Year for Policy,” p. 14). The president’s first healthcare reform legislation passed Congress by a pair of two-thirds votes and will inject $35 billion into the program over the next five years. More importantly, the fact that the legislation was signed into law on Day 15 of the new administration signals Obama’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare reform.

Most in the HM community fully support the president on the idea that it’s time to change the way healthcare is delivered, revamp the way providers are paid for their services, and eliminate the term “uninsured.” Unfortunately, the president’s tidal wave of support for healthcare reform is being chipped away by a wayward economy and missteps in the confirmation process. A similar message was conveyed during a policy report to SHM’s board of directors in late January in Washington, D.C. Key HM issues, such as bundling and coordination of care, appear to be on the traditional route within the legislative process. Translation: a slower one rife with political obstacles.

At press time, Obama had not put forth a new HHS nominee. Some names thrown into the ring: Jeanne Lambrew, PhD, a deputy health adviser to Obama and Daschle’s former right hand; Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.); and Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. And a possibility from the other side of the aisle: Mitt Romney, former Massachusetts governor and presidential candidate. (OK, the Romney mention is a shout-out to the blogosphere. Massachusetts physicians would lay siege to the White House if Romney were nominated.)

Pundits are calling for an individual with many of Daschle’s key attributes: expertise in the healthcare system, knowledge of the inner workings of Washington, and confluence—not to mention influence—with the president in healthcare issues. From the looks of things—and knowing that Daschle’s place in the Obama cabinet was considered a slam dunk—the president will have the unenviable task of replacing the person he thought was most capable of being the “lead architect” to implement “our healthcare plan,” as he said in the Dec. 11 news conference introducing Daschle as his HHS nominee.

Although the task is great and the process delayed, it’s unlikely the healthcare debate is going to slide to the back burner. Although healthcare reform ideology spans the full spectrum—politically, philosophically, and economically—the healthcare debate is alive and kicking in this new administration.

We’ll just have to make sure the next HHS leader is confirmed before The Hospitalist shines the spotlight on them. TH

Jason Carris is editor of The Hospitalist.

Wouldn’t you know it? The same day the February issue of The Hospitalist was being shipped to the post office, former Sen. Tom Daschle—President Obama’s “chosen one” to spearhead healthcare reform— surprised us all. Embroiled in a tax and ethics scandal, Daschle up and withdrew his nomination for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Considering our February cover story outlines Obama and Daschle’s plan for comprehensive healthcare reform—and the magazine cover has a nice picture of Obama with Daschle in the background—the timing couldn’t have been … better.

In publishing circles, it’s one of those slow-motion moments. You know, the kind of moment sitcoms rewind and show from three different angles. Do they really think we need to see Cosmo Kramer trip and fall three times? I got it.

It’s not as if we declared Thomas Dewey the next president of the United States. If nothing else, consider the February issue a collector’s item. Once I’m done writing this column, I’m going to FedEx a box of February issues to Daschle’s office. I hope he hangs one on the wall—a reminder of how close he came to history.

The fact of the matter is, I’m guessing Daschle’s departure will do little to slow Obama’s push for healthcare reform. Case in point: The day after Daschle withdrew his nomination, the House of Representatives approved legislation to provide federally funded healthcare to 4 million more Americans by expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP (see “2009: A Pivotal Year for Policy,” p. 14). The president’s first healthcare reform legislation passed Congress by a pair of two-thirds votes and will inject $35 billion into the program over the next five years. More importantly, the fact that the legislation was signed into law on Day 15 of the new administration signals Obama’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare reform.

Most in the HM community fully support the president on the idea that it’s time to change the way healthcare is delivered, revamp the way providers are paid for their services, and eliminate the term “uninsured.” Unfortunately, the president’s tidal wave of support for healthcare reform is being chipped away by a wayward economy and missteps in the confirmation process. A similar message was conveyed during a policy report to SHM’s board of directors in late January in Washington, D.C. Key HM issues, such as bundling and coordination of care, appear to be on the traditional route within the legislative process. Translation: a slower one rife with political obstacles.

At press time, Obama had not put forth a new HHS nominee. Some names thrown into the ring: Jeanne Lambrew, PhD, a deputy health adviser to Obama and Daschle’s former right hand; Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.); and Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. And a possibility from the other side of the aisle: Mitt Romney, former Massachusetts governor and presidential candidate. (OK, the Romney mention is a shout-out to the blogosphere. Massachusetts physicians would lay siege to the White House if Romney were nominated.)

Pundits are calling for an individual with many of Daschle’s key attributes: expertise in the healthcare system, knowledge of the inner workings of Washington, and confluence—not to mention influence—with the president in healthcare issues. From the looks of things—and knowing that Daschle’s place in the Obama cabinet was considered a slam dunk—the president will have the unenviable task of replacing the person he thought was most capable of being the “lead architect” to implement “our healthcare plan,” as he said in the Dec. 11 news conference introducing Daschle as his HHS nominee.

Although the task is great and the process delayed, it’s unlikely the healthcare debate is going to slide to the back burner. Although healthcare reform ideology spans the full spectrum—politically, philosophically, and economically—the healthcare debate is alive and kicking in this new administration.

We’ll just have to make sure the next HHS leader is confirmed before The Hospitalist shines the spotlight on them. TH

Jason Carris is editor of The Hospitalist.

Jeff Dichter, MD, admits he’s not the typical 21st-century hospitalist. He isn’t in his 30s anymore and he isn’t practicing HM full time anymore. He is, however, one of the original 300 SHM members. And after 10 years as a hospitalist, building an HM program of his own, and serving five years on SHM’s Board of Directors, Dr. Dichter is among more than 500 hospitalists in the inaugural Fellow in Hospital Medicine (FHM) class (Download the complete list as a PDF). The designation is for physicians who have devoted their career to HM and whose personal and professional activities embody both the mission and goals of SHM and the medical profession.

“The society and the profession have grown beyond my wildest expectations,” says Dr. Dichter, former SHM president and medical director of cardiovascular intensive care at Regions Hospital in Saint Paul, Minn. “I am thrilled, and continue to be thrilled, at the growth. For me, personally, I am greatly honored.”

Jenn Myers, MD, agrees the honor is especially gratifying. Dr. Myers chose a hospitalist career in 2002 after finishing her residency at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. Now an assistant professor of clinical medicine and patient safety officer at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, she says the FHM designation is both “important and exciting.”

“I think I have a focused practice in HM that is different from most of my general IM colleagues,” she says. “It’s good to have that practice recognized on a national level. … It’s also good to be part of anything inaugural.”

The first class will be inducted at HM09 next month in Chicago. Selection criteria included a minimum of five years as a practicing hospitalist, no history of professional disciplinary action, and letters of recommendation from SHM peers.

Jeff Dichter, MD, admits he’s not the typical 21st-century hospitalist. He isn’t in his 30s anymore and he isn’t practicing HM full time anymore. He is, however, one of the original 300 SHM members. And after 10 years as a hospitalist, building an HM program of his own, and serving five years on SHM’s Board of Directors, Dr. Dichter is among more than 500 hospitalists in the inaugural Fellow in Hospital Medicine (FHM) class (Download the complete list as a PDF). The designation is for physicians who have devoted their career to HM and whose personal and professional activities embody both the mission and goals of SHM and the medical profession.

“The society and the profession have grown beyond my wildest expectations,” says Dr. Dichter, former SHM president and medical director of cardiovascular intensive care at Regions Hospital in Saint Paul, Minn. “I am thrilled, and continue to be thrilled, at the growth. For me, personally, I am greatly honored.”

Jenn Myers, MD, agrees the honor is especially gratifying. Dr. Myers chose a hospitalist career in 2002 after finishing her residency at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. Now an assistant professor of clinical medicine and patient safety officer at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, she says the FHM designation is both “important and exciting.”

“I think I have a focused practice in HM that is different from most of my general IM colleagues,” she says. “It’s good to have that practice recognized on a national level. … It’s also good to be part of anything inaugural.”

The first class will be inducted at HM09 next month in Chicago. Selection criteria included a minimum of five years as a practicing hospitalist, no history of professional disciplinary action, and letters of recommendation from SHM peers.

Jeff Dichter, MD, admits he’s not the typical 21st-century hospitalist. He isn’t in his 30s anymore and he isn’t practicing HM full time anymore. He is, however, one of the original 300 SHM members. And after 10 years as a hospitalist, building an HM program of his own, and serving five years on SHM’s Board of Directors, Dr. Dichter is among more than 500 hospitalists in the inaugural Fellow in Hospital Medicine (FHM) class (Download the complete list as a PDF). The designation is for physicians who have devoted their career to HM and whose personal and professional activities embody both the mission and goals of SHM and the medical profession.

“The society and the profession have grown beyond my wildest expectations,” says Dr. Dichter, former SHM president and medical director of cardiovascular intensive care at Regions Hospital in Saint Paul, Minn. “I am thrilled, and continue to be thrilled, at the growth. For me, personally, I am greatly honored.”

Jenn Myers, MD, agrees the honor is especially gratifying. Dr. Myers chose a hospitalist career in 2002 after finishing her residency at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. Now an assistant professor of clinical medicine and patient safety officer at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, she says the FHM designation is both “important and exciting.”

“I think I have a focused practice in HM that is different from most of my general IM colleagues,” she says. “It’s good to have that practice recognized on a national level. … It’s also good to be part of anything inaugural.”

The first class will be inducted at HM09 next month in Chicago. Selection criteria included a minimum of five years as a practicing hospitalist, no history of professional disciplinary action, and letters of recommendation from SHM peers.

The author of a new study that shows 20% of Medicare patient discharges are readmitted within 30 days thinks hospitalists can—and should—take a lead role in reducing those rates by improving patient transitions from hospital to home.

The study, released today in the New England Journal of Medicine, also shows that half of nonsurgical patients are readmitted to the hospital without seeing an outpatient doctor, and the unplanned rehospitalizations cost Medicare $17.4 billion in 2004.

“This is not a problem that is limited to the elderly. Going home after being in the hospital is scary,” says Stephen Jencks, MD, MPh, a psychiatrist who worked for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for more than 20 years. “We need to treat that transition as being as dangerous as going through the operating room.”

Dr. Jencks thinks HM, because of its full-time presence in hospitals, is positioned to make a difference by working with all levels of hospital staff and maintaining relationships with primary-care physicians.

“Hospitalists should say: We are in the middle of this; we are in a position to do this; and if we don’t, a lot of people will continue to get hurt,” Dr. Jencks says. “I think if they can make the re-hospitalization problem better, they will have a real feather in their cap.”

Researchers found most patients were rehospitalized for conditions other than those they were originally hospitalized for but might have been controlled prior to discharge. Rehospitalization rates varied widely by state: Maryland, New Jersey, Louisiana, Illinois, and Mississippi had rates 45% higher than Idaho, Utah, Oregon, Colorado, and New Mexico.

Study co-author Mark Williams, MD, a professor in the division of hospital medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, also is leader of SHM’s transitional care mentoring program, Project BOOST.

The authors suggest several steps to reduce rehospitalizations: interventions to optimize the discharge process; sharing readmission information between hospitals; and physician collaboration to ensure follow-up care.

The author of a new study that shows 20% of Medicare patient discharges are readmitted within 30 days thinks hospitalists can—and should—take a lead role in reducing those rates by improving patient transitions from hospital to home.

The study, released today in the New England Journal of Medicine, also shows that half of nonsurgical patients are readmitted to the hospital without seeing an outpatient doctor, and the unplanned rehospitalizations cost Medicare $17.4 billion in 2004.

“This is not a problem that is limited to the elderly. Going home after being in the hospital is scary,” says Stephen Jencks, MD, MPh, a psychiatrist who worked for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for more than 20 years. “We need to treat that transition as being as dangerous as going through the operating room.”

Dr. Jencks thinks HM, because of its full-time presence in hospitals, is positioned to make a difference by working with all levels of hospital staff and maintaining relationships with primary-care physicians.

“Hospitalists should say: We are in the middle of this; we are in a position to do this; and if we don’t, a lot of people will continue to get hurt,” Dr. Jencks says. “I think if they can make the re-hospitalization problem better, they will have a real feather in their cap.”

Researchers found most patients were rehospitalized for conditions other than those they were originally hospitalized for but might have been controlled prior to discharge. Rehospitalization rates varied widely by state: Maryland, New Jersey, Louisiana, Illinois, and Mississippi had rates 45% higher than Idaho, Utah, Oregon, Colorado, and New Mexico.

Study co-author Mark Williams, MD, a professor in the division of hospital medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, also is leader of SHM’s transitional care mentoring program, Project BOOST.

The authors suggest several steps to reduce rehospitalizations: interventions to optimize the discharge process; sharing readmission information between hospitals; and physician collaboration to ensure follow-up care.

The author of a new study that shows 20% of Medicare patient discharges are readmitted within 30 days thinks hospitalists can—and should—take a lead role in reducing those rates by improving patient transitions from hospital to home.

The study, released today in the New England Journal of Medicine, also shows that half of nonsurgical patients are readmitted to the hospital without seeing an outpatient doctor, and the unplanned rehospitalizations cost Medicare $17.4 billion in 2004.

“This is not a problem that is limited to the elderly. Going home after being in the hospital is scary,” says Stephen Jencks, MD, MPh, a psychiatrist who worked for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for more than 20 years. “We need to treat that transition as being as dangerous as going through the operating room.”

Dr. Jencks thinks HM, because of its full-time presence in hospitals, is positioned to make a difference by working with all levels of hospital staff and maintaining relationships with primary-care physicians.

“Hospitalists should say: We are in the middle of this; we are in a position to do this; and if we don’t, a lot of people will continue to get hurt,” Dr. Jencks says. “I think if they can make the re-hospitalization problem better, they will have a real feather in their cap.”

Researchers found most patients were rehospitalized for conditions other than those they were originally hospitalized for but might have been controlled prior to discharge. Rehospitalization rates varied widely by state: Maryland, New Jersey, Louisiana, Illinois, and Mississippi had rates 45% higher than Idaho, Utah, Oregon, Colorado, and New Mexico.

Study co-author Mark Williams, MD, a professor in the division of hospital medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, also is leader of SHM’s transitional care mentoring program, Project BOOST.

The authors suggest several steps to reduce rehospitalizations: interventions to optimize the discharge process; sharing readmission information between hospitals; and physician collaboration to ensure follow-up care.

Having grown up in the shadows of the Windy City, I always wanted to work in the Sears Tower, jog along Lake Shore Drive, catch a comedy show at the Chicago Theater, and—just like every other 11-year-old boy—hop the subway to Wrigley Field for Chicago Cubs’ day games. It’s been nearly two decades since I left Chicago’s suburbs, yet I still refer to the Windy City as my home.

It’s safe to say I’m a little excited about attending my first annual meeting in my favorite U.S. city. An expanded HM09 runs May 14-17 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Chicago. The 2,000-room base hotel is the perfect location for learning and leisure. It’s just a stone’s throw from Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, museums, great restaurants, and shopping. If you weren’t able to make it to HM05 in Chicago—or aren’t familiar with the stretch of Michigan Avenue known as the Magnificent Mile—it has something for everyone, and it’s easily accessible on foot or by taxi, subway, or horse-drawn carriage.

I know times are tough, but if you can, plan to spend an extra day or two and soak up all that Chicago has to offer. May is a great time to visit Chicago: The temperature should be in the 70s, and thousands of tulips will be in full bloom. The Art Institute of Chicago is opening a new wing and admission will be free May 16-22; the 11th annual Great Chicago Places & Spaces festival is May 16 and offers hundreds of free architectural tours; and Lincoln Park Zoo (a 15-minute cab ride from downtown) is celebrating Bear Awareness Week. For you green thumbs, the Chicago Farmers Market, which offers fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers, is right around the corner from the Hyatt at Daley Plaza. Feeling ambitious? You can embark on a tour of President Obama’s Chicago; just follow the user-friendly map at www.chicagotribune.com/travel/chi-obama-chicago-htmlstory,0,506256.htmlstory.

Chicago’s nightlife offers something for every taste—beer gardens, IMAX theaters, comedy shows, and live music of all genres. If you’re a sports fan, the Cubs will be in town, and the resurgent Blackhawks could be in the NHL playoffs. If you are looking for a sports bar to watch your favorite team, look no further than Houlihan’s (right next door to the hotel) and Mother Hubbard’s (two blocks north of the hotel).

Dare I forget to mention the main reason HM09 attracts thousands of the nation’s top hospitalists—a world-class continuing medical education lineup, first-rate faculty, and endless networking opportunities? The addition of a fourth meeting day dedicated solely to clinical and practice management precourses not only allows for a less-hectic meeting schedule, but it also cements HM09 as a forward-thinking, education-focused annual conference.

In addition to a pair of powerhouse keynote speakers and the annual Awards of Excellence, SHM will induct its first class of Fellows in Hospital Medicine at HM09. Built using SHM’s Core Competencies, the FHM designation recognizes individuals who have chosen HM as a career and have the credentials to represent the emerging specialty. SHM received more than 600 applications for the FHM designation, and more than 400 hospitalists will be inducted in the first class.

It hardly seems possible, but HM09 is right around the corner. The editorial team here at The Hospitalist has a few aces up our sleeves, too. More on those in the May issue! Also, don’t forget to stop by The Hospitalist booth (listed in the program as the Wiley-Blackwell booth) to introduce yourself, exchange business cards, sign up for a cool prize, and share your ideas on the future of HM. TH

Jason Carris is editor of The Hospitalist.

Having grown up in the shadows of the Windy City, I always wanted to work in the Sears Tower, jog along Lake Shore Drive, catch a comedy show at the Chicago Theater, and—just like every other 11-year-old boy—hop the subway to Wrigley Field for Chicago Cubs’ day games. It’s been nearly two decades since I left Chicago’s suburbs, yet I still refer to the Windy City as my home.

It’s safe to say I’m a little excited about attending my first annual meeting in my favorite U.S. city. An expanded HM09 runs May 14-17 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Chicago. The 2,000-room base hotel is the perfect location for learning and leisure. It’s just a stone’s throw from Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, museums, great restaurants, and shopping. If you weren’t able to make it to HM05 in Chicago—or aren’t familiar with the stretch of Michigan Avenue known as the Magnificent Mile—it has something for everyone, and it’s easily accessible on foot or by taxi, subway, or horse-drawn carriage.

I know times are tough, but if you can, plan to spend an extra day or two and soak up all that Chicago has to offer. May is a great time to visit Chicago: The temperature should be in the 70s, and thousands of tulips will be in full bloom. The Art Institute of Chicago is opening a new wing and admission will be free May 16-22; the 11th annual Great Chicago Places & Spaces festival is May 16 and offers hundreds of free architectural tours; and Lincoln Park Zoo (a 15-minute cab ride from downtown) is celebrating Bear Awareness Week. For you green thumbs, the Chicago Farmers Market, which offers fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers, is right around the corner from the Hyatt at Daley Plaza. Feeling ambitious? You can embark on a tour of President Obama’s Chicago; just follow the user-friendly map at www.chicagotribune.com/travel/chi-obama-chicago-htmlstory,0,506256.htmlstory.

Chicago’s nightlife offers something for every taste—beer gardens, IMAX theaters, comedy shows, and live music of all genres. If you’re a sports fan, the Cubs will be in town, and the resurgent Blackhawks could be in the NHL playoffs. If you are looking for a sports bar to watch your favorite team, look no further than Houlihan’s (right next door to the hotel) and Mother Hubbard’s (two blocks north of the hotel).

Dare I forget to mention the main reason HM09 attracts thousands of the nation’s top hospitalists—a world-class continuing medical education lineup, first-rate faculty, and endless networking opportunities? The addition of a fourth meeting day dedicated solely to clinical and practice management precourses not only allows for a less-hectic meeting schedule, but it also cements HM09 as a forward-thinking, education-focused annual conference.

In addition to a pair of powerhouse keynote speakers and the annual Awards of Excellence, SHM will induct its first class of Fellows in Hospital Medicine at HM09. Built using SHM’s Core Competencies, the FHM designation recognizes individuals who have chosen HM as a career and have the credentials to represent the emerging specialty. SHM received more than 600 applications for the FHM designation, and more than 400 hospitalists will be inducted in the first class.

It hardly seems possible, but HM09 is right around the corner. The editorial team here at The Hospitalist has a few aces up our sleeves, too. More on those in the May issue! Also, don’t forget to stop by The Hospitalist booth (listed in the program as the Wiley-Blackwell booth) to introduce yourself, exchange business cards, sign up for a cool prize, and share your ideas on the future of HM. TH

Jason Carris is editor of The Hospitalist.

Having grown up in the shadows of the Windy City, I always wanted to work in the Sears Tower, jog along Lake Shore Drive, catch a comedy show at the Chicago Theater, and—just like every other 11-year-old boy—hop the subway to Wrigley Field for Chicago Cubs’ day games. It’s been nearly two decades since I left Chicago’s suburbs, yet I still refer to the Windy City as my home.

It’s safe to say I’m a little excited about attending my first annual meeting in my favorite U.S. city. An expanded HM09 runs May 14-17 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Chicago. The 2,000-room base hotel is the perfect location for learning and leisure. It’s just a stone’s throw from Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, museums, great restaurants, and shopping. If you weren’t able to make it to HM05 in Chicago—or aren’t familiar with the stretch of Michigan Avenue known as the Magnificent Mile—it has something for everyone, and it’s easily accessible on foot or by taxi, subway, or horse-drawn carriage.

I know times are tough, but if you can, plan to spend an extra day or two and soak up all that Chicago has to offer. May is a great time to visit Chicago: The temperature should be in the 70s, and thousands of tulips will be in full bloom. The Art Institute of Chicago is opening a new wing and admission will be free May 16-22; the 11th annual Great Chicago Places & Spaces festival is May 16 and offers hundreds of free architectural tours; and Lincoln Park Zoo (a 15-minute cab ride from downtown) is celebrating Bear Awareness Week. For you green thumbs, the Chicago Farmers Market, which offers fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers, is right around the corner from the Hyatt at Daley Plaza. Feeling ambitious? You can embark on a tour of President Obama’s Chicago; just follow the user-friendly map at www.chicagotribune.com/travel/chi-obama-chicago-htmlstory,0,506256.htmlstory.

Chicago’s nightlife offers something for every taste—beer gardens, IMAX theaters, comedy shows, and live music of all genres. If you’re a sports fan, the Cubs will be in town, and the resurgent Blackhawks could be in the NHL playoffs. If you are looking for a sports bar to watch your favorite team, look no further than Houlihan’s (right next door to the hotel) and Mother Hubbard’s (two blocks north of the hotel).

Dare I forget to mention the main reason HM09 attracts thousands of the nation’s top hospitalists—a world-class continuing medical education lineup, first-rate faculty, and endless networking opportunities? The addition of a fourth meeting day dedicated solely to clinical and practice management precourses not only allows for a less-hectic meeting schedule, but it also cements HM09 as a forward-thinking, education-focused annual conference.

In addition to a pair of powerhouse keynote speakers and the annual Awards of Excellence, SHM will induct its first class of Fellows in Hospital Medicine at HM09. Built using SHM’s Core Competencies, the FHM designation recognizes individuals who have chosen HM as a career and have the credentials to represent the emerging specialty. SHM received more than 600 applications for the FHM designation, and more than 400 hospitalists will be inducted in the first class.

It hardly seems possible, but HM09 is right around the corner. The editorial team here at The Hospitalist has a few aces up our sleeves, too. More on those in the May issue! Also, don’t forget to stop by The Hospitalist booth (listed in the program as the Wiley-Blackwell booth) to introduce yourself, exchange business cards, sign up for a cool prize, and share your ideas on the future of HM. TH

Jason Carris is editor of The Hospitalist.

When the groundhog pops out of the ground and sees his shadow, what does it mean again? Snow, rain, global warming? Better check Google.

One thing I don’t need a search engine to find out is that readers of The Hospitalist want more pediatric HM coverage. In fact, more than 40% of respondents to our recent reader survey specifically asked for it. More than 500 readers responded, which leads me to think the numbers are pretty accurate.

In response to the overwhelming demand, I’m pleased to announce a new addition to The Hospitalist’s editorial staff. Beginning this month, Mark Shen, MD, medical director of hospital medicine at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas, will become pediatric editor for The Hospitalist. A leading authority on pediatric issues in hospital medicine, Dr. Shen has practiced as a pediatric hospitalist in the seven years since he completed his medical training and pediatric residency at the University of Texas’ Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. With Dr. Shen serving as our guide, the editorial team will expand coverage of pediatric HM with:

• A monthly, pediatric-focused “In the Literature” review;
• More features focusing on trends in pediatric HM; and
• Dr. Shen’s semiannual column, in which he’ll concentrate on pediatric issues relevant to the entire HM community.

We’re glad to have Dr. Shen join us.

Digital Fever

What do a football star shooting himself in the leg, excessive and erroneous asthma diagnoses, and a respected hospitalist admitting to “being a slow learner” have in common? Each has been a lead story in eWire, our weekly e-newsletter that launched in October and appears in your inbox every Tuesday.

In “Taking the Pulse of Hospital Medicine,” we keep you apprised of the latest news and trends in HM in quick news “pieces,” providing you with useful tools, facts, and links to make your day a little easier. In response to your demand for more brief clinical updates, we recently added exclusive “In the Literature” reviews of clinical research and an HM blogosphere roundup. Keep a lookout online and on your phone, as more digital products are in the works.

HM 2009

Yes, SHM’s annual meeting is right around the corner. Early registration ends April 5, which might seem a long way off, but it really isn’t. For the record, I’m totally stoked. Not only will it be my first HM convention, but it will be a homecoming of sorts. I was raised outside of Chicago, in the long shadow of the Sears Tower, and have suffered as a diehard Cubs baseball fan. Sigh. The Cubbies will be in town that week, and I invite convention-goers to visit the hallowed brick house known as Wrigley Field (it’s 15 minutes from the HM09 hotel base).

But back to work. Our editorial staff is conjuring up some exciting HM09 coverage plans. In addition to previews of the big event, we’re planning special daily—yes, daily—news, features, and multimedia offerings from Chicago. Stay tuned.

And, for the record, Google directed me to a Web site that explained everything you need to know about woodchucks—er, groundhogs. When Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter. Let’s hope it doesn’t. TH

Jason Carris is editor of The Hospitalist.

When the groundhog pops out of the ground and sees his shadow, what does it mean again? Snow, rain, global warming? Better check Google.

One thing I don’t need a search engine to find out is that readers of The Hospitalist want more pediatric HM coverage. In fact, more than 40% of respondents to our recent reader survey specifically asked for it. More than 500 readers responded, which leads me to think the numbers are pretty accurate.

In response to the overwhelming demand, I’m pleased to announce a new addition to The Hospitalist’s editorial staff. Beginning this month, Mark Shen, MD, medical director of hospital medicine at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas, will become pediatric editor for The Hospitalist. A leading authority on pediatric issues in hospital medicine, Dr. Shen has practiced as a pediatric hospitalist in the seven years since he completed his medical training and pediatric residency at the University of Texas’ Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. With Dr. Shen serving as our guide, the editorial team will expand coverage of pediatric HM with:

• A monthly, pediatric-focused “In the Literature” review;
• More features focusing on trends in pediatric HM; and
• Dr. Shen’s semiannual column, in which he’ll concentrate on pediatric issues relevant to the entire HM community.

We’re glad to have Dr. Shen join us.

Digital Fever

What do a football star shooting himself in the leg, excessive and erroneous asthma diagnoses, and a respected hospitalist admitting to “being a slow learner” have in common? Each has been a lead story in eWire, our weekly e-newsletter that launched in October and appears in your inbox every Tuesday.

In “Taking the Pulse of Hospital Medicine,” we keep you apprised of the latest news and trends in HM in quick news “pieces,” providing you with useful tools, facts, and links to make your day a little easier. In response to your demand for more brief clinical updates, we recently added exclusive “In the Literature” reviews of clinical research and an HM blogosphere roundup. Keep a lookout online and on your phone, as more digital products are in the works.

HM 2009

Yes, SHM’s annual meeting is right around the corner. Early registration ends April 5, which might seem a long way off, but it really isn’t. For the record, I’m totally stoked. Not only will it be my first HM convention, but it will be a homecoming of sorts. I was raised outside of Chicago, in the long shadow of the Sears Tower, and have suffered as a diehard Cubs baseball fan. Sigh. The Cubbies will be in town that week, and I invite convention-goers to visit the hallowed brick house known as Wrigley Field (it’s 15 minutes from the HM09 hotel base).

But back to work. Our editorial staff is conjuring up some exciting HM09 coverage plans. In addition to previews of the big event, we’re planning special daily—yes, daily—news, features, and multimedia offerings from Chicago. Stay tuned.

And, for the record, Google directed me to a Web site that explained everything you need to know about woodchucks—er, groundhogs. When Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter. Let’s hope it doesn’t. TH

Jason Carris is editor of The Hospitalist.

When the groundhog pops out of the ground and sees his shadow, what does it mean again? Snow, rain, global warming? Better check Google.

One thing I don’t need a search engine to find out is that readers of The Hospitalist want more pediatric HM coverage. In fact, more than 40% of respondents to our recent reader survey specifically asked for it. More than 500 readers responded, which leads me to think the numbers are pretty accurate.

In response to the overwhelming demand, I’m pleased to announce a new addition to The Hospitalist’s editorial staff. Beginning this month, Mark Shen, MD, medical director of hospital medicine at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas, will become pediatric editor for The Hospitalist. A leading authority on pediatric issues in hospital medicine, Dr. Shen has practiced as a pediatric hospitalist in the seven years since he completed his medical training and pediatric residency at the University of Texas’ Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. With Dr. Shen serving as our guide, the editorial team will expand coverage of pediatric HM with:

• A monthly, pediatric-focused “In the Literature” review;
• More features focusing on trends in pediatric HM; and
• Dr. Shen’s semiannual column, in which he’ll concentrate on pediatric issues relevant to the entire HM community.

We’re glad to have Dr. Shen join us.

Digital Fever

What do a football star shooting himself in the leg, excessive and erroneous asthma diagnoses, and a respected hospitalist admitting to “being a slow learner” have in common? Each has been a lead story in eWire, our weekly e-newsletter that launched in October and appears in your inbox every Tuesday.

In “Taking the Pulse of Hospital Medicine,” we keep you apprised of the latest news and trends in HM in quick news “pieces,” providing you with useful tools, facts, and links to make your day a little easier. In response to your demand for more brief clinical updates, we recently added exclusive “In the Literature” reviews of clinical research and an HM blogosphere roundup. Keep a lookout online and on your phone, as more digital products are in the works.

HM 2009

Yes, SHM’s annual meeting is right around the corner. Early registration ends April 5, which might seem a long way off, but it really isn’t. For the record, I’m totally stoked. Not only will it be my first HM convention, but it will be a homecoming of sorts. I was raised outside of Chicago, in the long shadow of the Sears Tower, and have suffered as a diehard Cubs baseball fan. Sigh. The Cubbies will be in town that week, and I invite convention-goers to visit the hallowed brick house known as Wrigley Field (it’s 15 minutes from the HM09 hotel base).

But back to work. Our editorial staff is conjuring up some exciting HM09 coverage plans. In addition to previews of the big event, we’re planning special daily—yes, daily—news, features, and multimedia offerings from Chicago. Stay tuned.

And, for the record, Google directed me to a Web site that explained everything you need to know about woodchucks—er, groundhogs. When Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter. Let’s hope it doesn’t. TH

Jason Carris is editor of The Hospitalist.

Starting a new job—any new job—brings with it trepidations. What’s the boss going to be like? Is there a strict dress code? Am I in over my head? When is payday? Did I make the right choice in taking it?

The nervous energy can be overwhelming. Only the strong survive the first day of human resources training, the endless line of personal questions from new co-workers, and the information technology grunts explaining your computer will be ready in a few days.

Fortunately, I made it through the first day, the second day, and the first week as the new editor of The Hospitalist. Whew! With newbie formalities out of the way, my attention is focused on settling into a routine and learning how best to lead the editorial charge for this news magazine. To that end, I want to say I’m excited to be on board!

Let’s start with a little background about me: I’ve been a writer, copy editor, and section editor for nearly two decades. The majority of my professional experience has been in the newspaper industry where I’ve worked in news, sports, and business departments at papers big and small.

To clear this up right away: I am not a doctor and—admittedly—not an expert in hospital medicine. In fact, except for the births of my two sons, I have spent very little time in or around hospitals the past 20 years. I do know, however, hospital medicine is a growing field, and I am thrilled to jump on this train as it leaves the station.

Some of you may believe a solid knowledge of medicine is a pre-requisite to edit a hospital medicine-focused magazine. For me, though, news is news. An editor may not understand every nuance of the subject matter, but he sure knows a good story when he sees one. My expertise is in developing a story, from concept through research and writing, all the way to presentation and publication. I hope my lack of medical background, in some ways, actually will allow me to bring a fresh set of eyes and editing to the content.

All of this said, my best asset in this new role is my editorial partner: Physician Editor Jeffrey Glasheen, MD. As a practicing hospitalist and leader of a hospital medicine group, Dr. Glasheen is on the front lines of hospital medicine, possesses a strong knowledge of all things SHM, and deals directly with the issues facing all of you dear readers. His passion for his role as physician editor inspires me. No doubt I will lean on him as I learn the ins and outs of hospital medicine.

Others I will look to for guidance include Editorial Director Lisa Dionne here at Wiley-Blackwell; the staff at SHM; and members of Team Hospitalist. Finally, I look to you for ideas and feedback. Who better to inform The Hospitalist pages? This magazine has a narrow focus (hospital medicine), but its readership is diverse and the trends are plentiful.

Because this is the November issue of an election year, I would like to commit to a non-partisan platform of fairness in reporting. I also believe in accurate, straightforward writing, and will maintain high standards at all levels when editing the magazine.

Now, for my first big announcement as editor: In addition to receiving the monthly magazine, you now receive our recently launched weekly electronic publication: the TH eWire. In the eWire, Associate Editor Stephanie Cajigal and I take the “pulse” of hospital medicine and offer up critical news and information we think you will value.

Once again, I am thrilled to be here and eager to make contact with as many hospitalists as possible in the coming months. I encourage you to share your opinions, offer up a story idea, or impart constructive criticism about anything and everything you see in The Hospitalist.

Regardless of the reason, I look forward to hearing from you. TH

Jason Carris is editor of The Hospitalist magazine. Send questions and comments to [email protected].

Starting a new job—any new job—brings with it trepidations. What’s the boss going to be like? Is there a strict dress code? Am I in over my head? When is payday? Did I make the right choice in taking it?

The nervous energy can be overwhelming. Only the strong survive the first day of human resources training, the endless line of personal questions from new co-workers, and the information technology grunts explaining your computer will be ready in a few days.

Fortunately, I made it through the first day, the second day, and the first week as the new editor of The Hospitalist. Whew! With newbie formalities out of the way, my attention is focused on settling into a routine and learning how best to lead the editorial charge for this news magazine. To that end, I want to say I’m excited to be on board!

Let’s start with a little background about me: I’ve been a writer, copy editor, and section editor for nearly two decades. The majority of my professional experience has been in the newspaper industry where I’ve worked in news, sports, and business departments at papers big and small.

To clear this up right away: I am not a doctor and—admittedly—not an expert in hospital medicine. In fact, except for the births of my two sons, I have spent very little time in or around hospitals the past 20 years. I do know, however, hospital medicine is a growing field, and I am thrilled to jump on this train as it leaves the station.

Some of you may believe a solid knowledge of medicine is a pre-requisite to edit a hospital medicine-focused magazine. For me, though, news is news. An editor may not understand every nuance of the subject matter, but he sure knows a good story when he sees one. My expertise is in developing a story, from concept through research and writing, all the way to presentation and publication. I hope my lack of medical background, in some ways, actually will allow me to bring a fresh set of eyes and editing to the content.

All of this said, my best asset in this new role is my editorial partner: Physician Editor Jeffrey Glasheen, MD. As a practicing hospitalist and leader of a hospital medicine group, Dr. Glasheen is on the front lines of hospital medicine, possesses a strong knowledge of all things SHM, and deals directly with the issues facing all of you dear readers. His passion for his role as physician editor inspires me. No doubt I will lean on him as I learn the ins and outs of hospital medicine.

Others I will look to for guidance include Editorial Director Lisa Dionne here at Wiley-Blackwell; the staff at SHM; and members of Team Hospitalist. Finally, I look to you for ideas and feedback. Who better to inform The Hospitalist pages? This magazine has a narrow focus (hospital medicine), but its readership is diverse and the trends are plentiful.

Because this is the November issue of an election year, I would like to commit to a non-partisan platform of fairness in reporting. I also believe in accurate, straightforward writing, and will maintain high standards at all levels when editing the magazine.

Now, for my first big announcement as editor: In addition to receiving the monthly magazine, you now receive our recently launched weekly electronic publication: the TH eWire. In the eWire, Associate Editor Stephanie Cajigal and I take the “pulse” of hospital medicine and offer up critical news and information we think you will value.

Once again, I am thrilled to be here and eager to make contact with as many hospitalists as possible in the coming months. I encourage you to share your opinions, offer up a story idea, or impart constructive criticism about anything and everything you see in The Hospitalist.

Regardless of the reason, I look forward to hearing from you. TH

Jason Carris is editor of The Hospitalist magazine. Send questions and comments to [email protected].

Starting a new job—any new job—brings with it trepidations. What’s the boss going to be like? Is there a strict dress code? Am I in over my head? When is payday? Did I make the right choice in taking it?

The nervous energy can be overwhelming. Only the strong survive the first day of human resources training, the endless line of personal questions from new co-workers, and the information technology grunts explaining your computer will be ready in a few days.

Fortunately, I made it through the first day, the second day, and the first week as the new editor of The Hospitalist. Whew! With newbie formalities out of the way, my attention is focused on settling into a routine and learning how best to lead the editorial charge for this news magazine. To that end, I want to say I’m excited to be on board!

Let’s start with a little background about me: I’ve been a writer, copy editor, and section editor for nearly two decades. The majority of my professional experience has been in the newspaper industry where I’ve worked in news, sports, and business departments at papers big and small.

To clear this up right away: I am not a doctor and—admittedly—not an expert in hospital medicine. In fact, except for the births of my two sons, I have spent very little time in or around hospitals the past 20 years. I do know, however, hospital medicine is a growing field, and I am thrilled to jump on this train as it leaves the station.

Some of you may believe a solid knowledge of medicine is a pre-requisite to edit a hospital medicine-focused magazine. For me, though, news is news. An editor may not understand every nuance of the subject matter, but he sure knows a good story when he sees one. My expertise is in developing a story, from concept through research and writing, all the way to presentation and publication. I hope my lack of medical background, in some ways, actually will allow me to bring a fresh set of eyes and editing to the content.

All of this said, my best asset in this new role is my editorial partner: Physician Editor Jeffrey Glasheen, MD. As a practicing hospitalist and leader of a hospital medicine group, Dr. Glasheen is on the front lines of hospital medicine, possesses a strong knowledge of all things SHM, and deals directly with the issues facing all of you dear readers. His passion for his role as physician editor inspires me. No doubt I will lean on him as I learn the ins and outs of hospital medicine.

Others I will look to for guidance include Editorial Director Lisa Dionne here at Wiley-Blackwell; the staff at SHM; and members of Team Hospitalist. Finally, I look to you for ideas and feedback. Who better to inform The Hospitalist pages? This magazine has a narrow focus (hospital medicine), but its readership is diverse and the trends are plentiful.

Because this is the November issue of an election year, I would like to commit to a non-partisan platform of fairness in reporting. I also believe in accurate, straightforward writing, and will maintain high standards at all levels when editing the magazine.

Now, for my first big announcement as editor: In addition to receiving the monthly magazine, you now receive our recently launched weekly electronic publication: the TH eWire. In the eWire, Associate Editor Stephanie Cajigal and I take the “pulse” of hospital medicine and offer up critical news and information we think you will value.

Once again, I am thrilled to be here and eager to make contact with as many hospitalists as possible in the coming months. I encourage you to share your opinions, offer up a story idea, or impart constructive criticism about anything and everything you see in The Hospitalist.

Regardless of the reason, I look forward to hearing from you. TH

Jason Carris is editor of The Hospitalist magazine. Send questions and comments to [email protected].