An intensivist, also known as a critical care doctor, is a medical practitioner who specializes in the care of critically ill patients, most often in the intensive care unit (ICU).[1][2] Intensivists can be internists or internal medicine sub-specialists (most often pulmonologists), anesthesiologists, emergency medicine physicians, pediatricians (including neonatologists), or surgeons who have completed a fellowship in critical care medicine. The intensivist must be competent not only in a broad spectrum of conditions among critically ill patients but also with the technical procedures and equipment (i.e. mechanical ventilators) used in the intensive care setting.[3]
Occupation | |
---|---|
Synonyms | Critical care doctor |
Occupation type | Specialty |
Activity sectors | Medicine |
Description | |
Education required | Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine |
Fields of employment | Hospitals, Intensive care unit, CVICU, Surgical ICU |
References
- ^ "Merriam Webster: Medical Dictionary".|
- ^ Cunha, John. "What Does a Critical Care Medicine Doctor Do?". eMedicineHealth.
- ^ "Subspecialty Careers: Critical Care Medicine".