Job detail

Physician - Observationist

Meritus Health

#Patient Flow #DEA License #Quality Improvement #Acute Care #Clinical Documentation #Physician #Family Medicine #Board Certified #Board Eligible

Quick overview

The Observationist will manage the evaluation, treatment, and disposition of adult patients within a dedicated observation unit. They will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to follow evidence-based protocols and ensure efficient patient flow.

Requirements summary

Candidates must be board-certified or board-eligible in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine with a valid Maryland medical license. A DEA license and ACLS certification are required, along with strong clinical skills in acute care medicine.

postgraduate degreeTeamworkCommunicationDocumentationQuality ImprovementDiagnostic TestingAcute CareFamily MedicineInternal MedicineUtilization ReviewClinical ProtocolsHospital MedicinePatient DispositionMultidisciplinary CarePatient-centered CareObservation Medicine

Job description

Observation Medicine Physician (Observationist)

📍 Meritus Medical Center | Hagerstown, MD

💰 Competitive Compensation + Signing Bonus Potential

Position Highlights
Dedicated Observation Unit role with closed-unit model
Ideal for a Family Medicine physician who enjoys broad-scope, protocol-driven inpatient care
Manage 24–48 hour observation stays to avoid unnecessary full admissions
Strong emphasis on efficient, high-quality, patient-centered care
Board Certified/Eligible in Family Medicine
Collaborative environment with EM, Hospital Medicine, and specialty support
Opportunity for unit leadership/medical director role (for experienced candidates)
Growing academic health system with new medical school and residency programs

Clinical Practice This role focuses on high-quality, protocol-driven care in a dedicated Observation

Unit

Observation Unit Services
Comprehensive evaluation, management, and disposition for adult observation patients
Follow evidence-based protocols for common conditions (chest pain, syncope, heart failure exacerbation, COPD/asthma, cellulitis, dehydration, etc.)
Perform histories and physicals, order and interpret diagnostics, and coordinate care
Work closely with Emergency Medicine, specialists, and case management for safe, timely discharges

Patient Population Adult patients requiring short-term observation (typically <48 hours), including a broad spectrum of conditions commonly seen in Family Medicine:
Acute exacerbations of chronic diseases (CHF, COPD, diabetes)
Chest pain and syncope evaluation
Infectious processes (cellulitis, UTI, pneumonia)
Minor abdominal pain, headache, and other undifferentiated complaints
Post-procedure or transitional care needs

Typical Clinical Volume
High-throughput observation unit with focused patient census

Physician - Observationist

Quick overview

Requirements summary

Job description

Unit

Benefits

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