intensivist
A physician who is board-certified or board-eligible in a medical specialty, such as surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, or anesthesiology, and who also receives special education, training, and subspecialty certification, specifically in caring for critically ill or injured patients. Intensivists may be assigned to the intensive care unit (ICU) on a full-time basis and work with other critical care team members to provide their patients with ongoing and consistent care. These physicians know and understand how specific treatments affect all the organ systems, avoid duplication of procedures and medications, and honor the patient's preferences regarding medical treatment as well as end-of-life care (when appropriate). Intensivists may also coordinate the administrative environment of the ICU by setting policies, developing protocols, and facilitating communication among primary care physicians, specialists, patients, and their families.
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Last modified at 9/8/2009 9:06 AM by Committee
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