Hospitalist Jill Slater Waldman, MD, SFHM, Watched the Field Grow Up But Thinks Peers Deserve More Credit

A: More respect for the field and understanding of our skill set and knowledge base.

Q: As a group leader, why is it important for you to continue seeing patients?

A: As a director, I believe keeping my skill set current is important for myself as well as my partners. I have always said I would never ask them to do something I would not do, so I get to practice what I preach. I also think it enables me to keep perspective when discussing plans with administration or reviewing complaints.

Q: As a hospitalist, seeing most of your patients for the very first time, what aspect of patient care is most challenging?

A: You are meeting a person on what is likely the worst day of their life. Trying to find the best approach for each individual is still a challenge.

Q: What aspect of patient care is most rewarding?

A: Seeing the relief on a patient’s face when you tell them they will get better and explain their treatment plan.

Q: Are you on teaching service? If so, what aspect of teaching in the 21st century is most difficult? And what is most enjoyable?

A: Teaching in the 21st century is challenging with all the new regulations. We have a family physician residency at our hospital, and the blind dedication we had as residents is just not present in a group of physicians who have grown up with duty hour restrictions and protected time.

Q: What is your biggest professional reward?

A: Our group has virtually no attrition and has been intact for more than five years.

Q: You received your SFHM designation five years ago. What does that public recognition mean to you?

A: It was a mark of respect and recognition for expertise in this new field. A very proud moment.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: Hopefully, working as a part-time nocturnist two nights per week and caring for some grandbabies and going on medical missions. TH

Richard Quinn is a freelance writer in New Jersey.