How to Join a Hospitalist Society

Network with other hospitalists through a hospitalist society.

According to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine, since 2006, almost all areas of the U.S. have included hospitalists as a major component of the health care system. If you primarily treat patients in a hospital, instead of having a separate practice, joining a hospitalist society can help you network with other hospitalists. Membership to a hospitalist society typically includes access to publications, training and meetings. As long as you qualify for membership, it's easy to join.

Things You'll Need

• Letter from a hospital administrator
• Application form

Instructions

1. Decide which hospitalist society you want to join. There are a number of hospitalist societies that you can join, such as the Society of Hospital Medicine and the Academic Hospitalist Academy through the Society of General Internal Medicine. Each has different membership dues and associated benefits. Try asking other hospitalists in your hospital which society they belong to in order to get opinions.

2. Get a letter of status from a hospital administrator. This shows that you work primarily at the hospital and that you are eligible for membership into the society. Most societies accept doctors and residents. Medical students can typically join for free, but they are not voting members of the society.

3. Go to the website of the hospitalist society you wish to join and fill out their application form. The application asks for basic information such as your address, your educational information and information about your practice.

4. Submit your application along with your hospital letter.

5. Pay the dues fee. This is an annual fee for your membership. In some cases, the fee decreases over time.

References

• ModernMedicine.com: Hospitalists Providing Care for More Older Patients

Resources

• Society of Hospital Medicine: Become a Member
• About the American Hospitalist Academy