Comment & Controversy

It’s safety first in our laborist program, lifestyle improvement second or third

“THE LABORISTS ARE HERE, BUT CAN THEY THRIVE IN US HOSPITALS?” BY JANELLE YATES (AUGUST)

I do not agree with the comments of Dr. Raksha Joshi, Medical Director of the Monmouth Family Health Center, who was quoted in Ms. Yates’ article as saying that convenience to solo practitioners was a selling point for the laborist program at Monmouth Medical Center. The laborist group at Monmouth Medical Center—a separate entity from Monmouth Family Health Center, Dr. Joshi’s employer—was implemented purely for patient safety. The number of patients in the hospital at any one time was excessive for the resident staffand doctor of the day, with a resident complement totaling eight and more than 4,200 births annually. The laborists are now considered the backup for private practice physicians, providing 24/7 coverage 365 days a year—for which they are compensated by the hospital. (There is cross coverage on an as-needed basis.)