Q: You were inducted into SHM’s inaugural class of physicians who received Fellow in Hospital Medicine (FHM) distinction. What does that recognition mean to you?
A: I was very honored to be in the inaugural class, and I’m excited to see them offer that distinction. I think that’s very important. It allows SHM to recognize a greater variety of leaders beyond those who make it their focus to write and speak.
Q: What’s next for you professionally?
A: I’m enjoying the respite, as much as it is one. I’m sure I’ll get involved again with a physician leadership role. When I started, there was some concern no one would be a hospitalist forever. The thinking was you’d do it for a year or two, burn out, and do something else. The biggest question I had in 1999 was, Can HM be a career? Ten years later, it’s nice to see that question answered. TH
Mark Leiser is a freelance writer based in New Jersey.