Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 1 72 Can you describe the role of hospitalists in treating COVID-positive patients? Hospitalists take care of patients admitted to the hospital, so we specialize in what is known as hospital medicine and have training in internal or family medicine. Our jobs entail treating patients with a range of acute medical conditions including heart attacks, exacerbated lung conditions, diabetic complications, kidney failure, strokes, and multiple infectious illnesses – to name a few. We also collaborate with our surgical colleagues in the medical management of various surgical issues, and now COVID has been added to the list of conditions we treat. My team has been at the frontlines of our battle against COVID. When I say my team, it includes our providers, nursing staff, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, maintenance and laundry staff, chaplains, transitional care coordinators, dietary and nutritional counselors, laboratory and radiology technicians, palliative care specialists, security staff, our administrative colleagues, and more. Each one of these departments plays a vital role in the overall care of our COVID patients. They all deserve recognition, and as hospitalists, we wouldn't be able to do our job if it weren't for their support and dedication. What does your role as medical director involve? I lead a team of more than 25 healthcare providers who have dedicated their lives to acquiring the skills to treat acutely ill patients. There has never been a time in our lives when hospitalists' services are needed as much as they are now that we have so many patients in the hospital, and my team is motivated to live up to our community's expectations during these crucial moments. My role is to ensure the hospitalist department functions smoothly and to guide our team safely through these diffi cult times. My philosophy of leadership has been to lead with example and motivation. My work has been made easy thanks to the exceptionally talented and dedicated team I work with; everyone has stepped up to the challenge and gone far beyond expectations. I have been fortunate to lead such an amazing group of healthcare providers. On the Frontlines of Montana's COVID-19 Pandemic with Dr. Tauqeer Rahat Dr. Tauqeer Rahat is a hospitalist physician and the medical director for the hospitalist program at Benefi s Health System. healthcare providers.

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