Physician - Observationist

Hospital MedicineIncludes callFull-Time

Compensation

Pay not disclosed

Listing transparency2 of 6 stated

Ask the employer about the pay range, the work setting and weekend coverage.

Employment & setting
Full-Time
Call expectations
Includes call
Weekends
Not specified
Posted 5mo ago

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated Observation Medicine Physician (also known as an
Observationist) to join our growing Hospital Medicine team. This is an excellent
opportunity for a board-certified or board-eligible Internal Medicine or Family
Medicine physician who enjoys high-quality, protocol-driven care for short-stay
patients in a dedicated Observation Unit.

In this role, you will manage adult patients requiring observation status —
typically 24–48 hours of evaluation and treatment — avoiding unnecessary full
inpatient admissions while ensuring safe and efficient dispositions. Our
Observation Unit features a closed-unit model with dedicated nursing and support
staff, allowing for focused, high-throughput care.

Key Responsibilities

* Provide comprehensive evaluation, management, and disposition for patients in
the Observation Unit
* Develop and follow evidence-based clinical protocols for common observation
diagnoses (chest pain, syncope, heart failure exacerbation, COPD/asthma,
cellulitis, etc.)
* Collaborate closely with Emergency Medicine, Hospitalists, specialists, and
case management to optimize length of stay and patient flow
* Perform histories and physicals, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and
coordinate multidisciplinary care
* Participate in quality improvement initiatives, utilization review, and
protocol development
* Maintain excellent documentation and communication with patients, families,
and the care team
* [Optional] Opportunity for unit leadership/medical director duties for
experienced candidates

Qualifications

* Board Certified or Board Eligible in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine
* Current, unrestricted Maryland medical license (or eligibility to obtain)
* DEA license and ACLS certification required
* Strong clinical skills in adult inpatient/acute care medicine
* Experience in hospital medicine or observation medicine is preferred, but we
welcome strong new graduates and early-career hospitalists
* Excellent communication and teamwork skills
* Passion for efficient, patient-centered care and reducing unnecessary
hospitalizations

Qualifications

Education
Professional certificate or licensure

Certifications

Board Certification

Key Skills

Patient DispositionDiagnostic Testing

Hospital Medicine — Physician Career Context

Of the 40 active Hospital Medicine listings this role was benchmarked against, 5% are remote, 60% have no call, 30% require no weekends.

Hospital Medicine pay on WeekdayDoc is up 5.3% vs. the prior quarter (through Aug 2026).

The cost-of-living index for Maryland is 105.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 62.9% of Maryland clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Hospital Medicine Jobs

21 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution19 jobs · 13 employers

3
<$300k
9
$300k-340k
4
$340k-445k
3
$445k+

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks17 jobs · 13 employers

401k / retirement match
88% this job
Sign-on bonus
29%
Loan repayment
24%
CME allowance
24%
Relocation assistance
18%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Physician - Hospital Medicine

Med America · West Covina, California

$275k-$900k
#2

Hospitalist - Medicine - Nocturnist

GBMC HealthCare · Towson, Maryland

$1K - $675K
#3

Physician- Acute Care

$300k-$500k
#4

Physician, Hospitalist (Sacramento, CA) - Supplemental

$173.04-$213.04/hr
+ 19 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

1.5/ 10
Listing-based score

A signal to investigate—not a guarantee about the workplace.

  • Includes call
Meritus Health logo

About Meritus Health

Hospitals and Health Care
Hagerstown, Maryland
1,001-5,000 employees

Benefits & Perks

Health Insurance
Dental
Vision
Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off
Malpractice Coverage