Podiatric Hospitalist: Better Care Model

A multidisciplinary team approach has become essential to modern hospital care, bringing together professionals from different specialties to collaborate on patient management. A Podiatric Hospitalist (PH) is a board-eligible or board-certified Doctor of Podiatric Medicine dedicated to the evaluation and management of acutely hospitalized patients with foot and ankle conditions. PHs play a vital role in this collaborative model, particularly in managing different conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and the lower extremities. Beyond serving as the gatekeepers for prevention and management of diabetic foot ulcers, PHs facilitate high-quality and efficient management of diverse lower extremity disorders including infection, trauma, sport-related injuries and chronic conditions related to diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, and autoimmune disorders. We present a care model, informed by our institutional experience, that positions the PH as a consultative and co-management member of a multidisciplinary foot and ankle and limb-salvage team, with the goal of advancing high-value care that improves outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and patient satisfaction. By integrating specialized lower extremity expertise into collaborative patient management, PHs help improve patient outcomes, enhance coordination of care, and support both preventative and surgical management strategies across multiple clinical settings. This collaborative approach enhances the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery in hospitals. As the demand for limb salvage and high-value inpatient care continues to grow, the PH represents a practical and timely addition to multidisciplinary foot and ankle care.