Doctors Who Thought They Were Done—But Found New Opportunities After Retirement

3. Hospitalist

The role of a hospitalist is relatively new, having only emerged in 1996, but it is quickly becoming a sought-after position. A hospitalist is a doctor who specializes in managing the care of hospitalized patients, typically working within a single hospital. By focusing on a specific hospital, hospitalists become highly familiar with the facility and its procedures, helping to streamline patient care. Research has shown that hospitalists can reduce both the length of hospital stays and the likelihood of readmissions.

A significant portion of hospitalists (around 78%) have training in general internal medicine, making them well-suited for the role if they have experience in inpatient care. For doctors coming out of retirement, working as a hospitalist, particularly in locum tenens positions, offers fewer administrative burdens and the potential for more flexible hours. However, be prepared for the possibility of working non-traditional hours, including nights and weekends.