How to Be a Great Inpatient Consultant in 7 Easy Steps

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How to Be a Great Inpatient Consultant in 7 Easy Steps

Leah Croll, MD

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October 18, 2021

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Admit it: The sound of your pager going off often triggers a sinking feeling. Like virtually everyone else in the hospital, you are busy and tired. You're dreading the idea of a new consult.

That's normal. But you also know that complex patients frequently require multiple eyes on their case, especially from specialists. And being a good inpatient consultant is so much more than cultivating expertise in your chosen field. Here's what it takes to be a great inpatient consultant.

1. Accessibility

A good consultant is easy to reach. Their colleagues in the hospital can rely on them to return pages and calls as soon as possible. They make themselves approachable and available.

2. Professionalism

When it comes to inpatient practice, phone etiquette is everything. It's human nature to feel frustrated with endless consults, but a true professional doesn't allow that frustration to intrude on decorum. They remember what it feels like to be on the other end of the line, especially as a medical student or intern. It's simply unhelpful to snap at a colleague who is just asking for your help.

3. Patience

This is a tough one, but it's so true. A truly exceptional consultant resists the urge to judge a consult question too quickly.

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