Healthcare Clinician Roles
| Care Team Member | Role |
| Addiction Medicine | – Develop a treatment plan for addiction focused on an individual’s goals. – Start medications for opioid use disorder, such as methadone and buprenorphine |
| Hospital Medicine | – A health care clinician who works exclusively in the hospital and is the “quarterback” of the care team. – Coordinates the specialists needed in an individual’s care – Decides what medications an individual should take during their hospital admission |
| Infectious Disease | -Determines what type of antibiotic is needed. -Determines duration of antibiotic treatment needed |
| Cardiac Surgeon | – If your care involves surgery on your heart, a cardiac (heart) surgeon may be involved in your care. – They can help answer questions regarding the need for surgery, risks, and benefits. |
| Nurse | – Provides bedside care in the hospital, such as checking vitals and providing medication. |
| Social Worker | – Help with community resources – Help apply for health care insurance – Help place referrals in the community |
| Case Manager | – Coordinates discharge planning once an individual is ready to leave the hospital – This may include a rehab stay to help build strength |
| Other Subspecialty | – Additional specialists may be involved in the care team depending on medical needs – Feel empowered to ask an individual their role if one is unsure of their job on the care team |
| Primary Care | – Follow up with a primary care clinician is important after leaving the hospital – They help be sure that an individual fully recovers from their illness |
Note: Many of these care teams may involve physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants to help provide care to an individual in the hospital.