Special to IFN
For decades, it was standard practice for primary care providers to manage the care of their patients both in-clinic and at the hospital. This all changed in the mid-1990s when patients and hospital staff realized the need for 24/7 access to on-site providers. Thus, the hospitalist role was introduced, changing healthcare forever.
As a second-year internal medicine resident at Medical College of Georgia in 2004, Dr. Mahdi Ajjan discovered his calling to become a hospitalist during an interaction with a young patient in his care.
“We admitted people on a daily basis due to HIV and AIDS complications, and this is when the protocol for treatment had just started,” explained Ajjan.
“Unfortunately, there was still a stigma associated with HIV and AIDS. I had a patient that had been abandoned by his family and friends. I had admitted him several times, and on his last visit, he was very sick with pneumonia. He told me he was afraid of dying after he had been put on comfort care and asked me to stay with him.”
Two hours later, the patient passed away peacefully with Ajjan by his side. That moment altered Ajjan’s path forward.
“That’s really what shaped my incentive to be in a hospital where people need a caring hand the most. I decided to become a hospitalist after that.”
Today, Ajjan is the founder and CEO of Optimed Hospitalists, a group of family and internal medicine providers contracted at multiple healthcare facilities in the Greater Charlotte region, including Iredell Memorial Hospital.
“It’s an honor to help and partner with Iredell Health System,” expressed Ajjan. “I’ve built friendships with so many people here, and I love my job.”
The hospitalist model has changed patient outcomes for the better.
“We have a standard of care. For example, when someone comes in with a difficult concern, our experience helps us know when to call for a consultation and what terminology to use when explaining to the patient. Another example would be someone coming in with a stroke. We know when to order a CT and determine what medications they need. This specialization and standard of care saves time and greatly improves outcomes.”
There is a stigma surrounding hospitalists concerning their bond with patients. Ajjan shares that, while the patient-hospitalist relationship is different than that of one with a family doctor, it’s still incredibly special.
“Our bond is walking the walk with the patient. The typical person doesn’t come to the hospital unless they absolutely need it. It’s an honor to take care of someone during this crisis and assure them that you’ve got them. We are a bright spot …a little bit of consistency in a scary situation.”
Ajjan touts the skill and care of the OptiMed team at Iredell Memorial.
“Just know that, if you are ever admitted to Iredell Memorial Hospital, you are in good hands,” he said.
LEARN MORE
For more information about OptiMed, visit optimeddoctors.com.
About Iredell Health System
Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Davis Medical Center; Iredell Davis Behavioral Health Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; Iredell Home Health; Iredell Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center; Community and Corporate Wellness; Occupational Medicine; the Iredell Physician Network and more. Iredell Memorial Hospital is the largest nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. The comprehensive healthcare organization has 391 licensed beds; more than 2,000 employees; and has approximately 365 healthcare providers representing various specialties. Centers of excellence include Women’s and Children’s; Cardiovascular; Cancer; Surgical Services and Wellness & Prevention. The health system’s Iredell Mooresville campus is home to the area’s only 24-hour urgent care facility, as well as an ambulatory surgery center, imaging center, rehabilitation services, and physician practices. The mission of Iredell Health System is to inspire wellbeing. For a comprehensive list of services and programs, visit www.iredellhealth.org.