A hospitalist is a primary care physician specializing in the care of patients admitted to the hospital. Hospitalists are assigned to SGMH by different medical groups. The role of the hospitalist is to coordinate your care in the hospital, monitoring your progress and assisting with your discharge planning. The hospitalist also facilitates consultations with other specialists as medically necessary. The hospitalist assumes the role of your primary care physician while you are in the hospital and will communicate with your primary physician as needed.