A hospitalist is a doctor who works only in a hospital setting. Hospitalists care for patients who are staying in the hospital to recover from an illness or a surgery. Most hospitalists are also internists, and many primary care doctors are hospitalists. Some of them also work in subspecialties or have work in other areas early in their careers. Hospitalists coordinate care for patients admitted in the hospital. They play the role of Primary care doctors in hospital settings.

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has gone through additional training to provide more advanced medical and diagnostic care to patients with all different kinds of illnesses. These medical professionals generally hold at least a master’s degree, so they have a comprehensive basis of medical knowledge to help patients suffering from chronic and acute conditions. They may work in hospitals, intensive care units, hospice centers, and even doctor’s offices, depending on their specialty.