Hospital Medicine

Hospitalists are physicians who limit their practice to the hospital setting. The hospitalists at North Mississippi Medical Center hospitals in Tupelo, Amory, Eupora, Pontotoc and West Point, Miss., and Hamilton, Ala., are physicians and nurse practitioners, whose role is to serve patients who do not have a physician on staff at NMMC.

Hospitalists are experienced and skilled in managing the unique medical needs of hospitalized patients. They care for the patients' needs and are available to meet with families as needed. These providers work closely with the patient's primary care physicians to keep them up to date on the patient's condition and treatment. When patients are ready to leave the hospital, hospitalists inform their physicians about any changes in medication, follow-up care and other needs.

Since its introduction at North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo in 1998, the program has been praised for its effectiveness by patients, physicians and The American Journal of Medicine. On average, hospitalists' patients have a shorter length of stay and lower health care costs.

Hospitalists fill an important role for physicians in outlying communities who refer patients to NMMC hospitals. They follow up with referring physicians, are available for phone consultations and help coordinate patients' care while they are hospitalized.

Infectious Disease Hospitalists

Infectious disease hospitalists see inpatients at NMMC-Tupelo by referral. They are internal medicine physicians who have completed fellowship training in the medical specialty of infectious disease. They determine the cause of infection and best approach to treatment.

Neurohospitalists

Patients hospitalized with neurologic conditions at NMMC-Tupelo are referred to neurohospitalists. These physicians are neurologists. They care for inpatients with neurologic disorders, including but not limited to strokes, seizures, epilepsy and neuromuscular disorders.

OB/GYN Hospitalists

The OB/GYN hospitalist program at the North Mississippi Medical Center Women’s Hospital ensures that the doctor is always in. OB/GYN hospitalists enhance patient safety and outcomes, providing a critical safety net during emergencies or when OB/GYNs are not physically present in the hospital.