Hospital medicine is a fast-paced, high-stakes specialty that is increasingly dependent on Board Certified Physician Assistants/Associates (PAs). A recent study found that PA hospitalists doubled in numbers from 2013 to 2022, helping to fill critical gaps in care, though many are experiencing increased levels of burnout.

For Clinton Billhorn, MSPAS, PA-C, CAQ-HM, the immediacy and impact of hospital medicine are what initially drew him to the profession, even as he navigates its personal challenges.

“Hospital medicine has such high job satisfaction for me,” he said. “I can see in real-time the impact my medical decisions have on patients and can adjust treatments accordingly.”

Building Trust in Critical Moments

What keeps Billhorn, 32, going is something deeper.

“Patients and their families are entrusting you to care for their loved ones while they’re vulnerable,” he said. “You have to build trust quickly. You don’t have years of rapport; you have hours, sometimes minutes.”

Billhorn’s PA journey didn’t begin in a hospital. After graduating in November 2018, he spent his first two and a half years in urgent care. But something was missing.

“I desired more in-depth clinical assessment and management of acute illness,” he said.

Click Here to Read the Full Article