Exploring the OB Hospitalist Model in Obstetrics w/ Dr. Maliha Sayla | Women's Health Ep. 122

Summary for practice owners

Dr. Maliha Sayla describes moving from traditional private practice into a full-time OB hospitalist role and then becoming a labor and delivery medical director. The conversation gives OB-GYN owners a grounded look at a staffing model that separates office work from continuous labor and delivery coverage. Sayla explains why the traditional arrangement can strain physicians who are expected to manage clinic, inbox, call, and hospital care at once. A dedicated hospitalist role treats labor and delivery as its own job, with focused presence on the unit and scheduled time away from work. For an owner, the model raises practical questions about coverage design, physician recruitment, handoffs, and the relationship between office-based clinicians and hospitalists. The episode also explores how leadership can address skepticism from colleagues and assess the model through operational outcomes, emergency preparedness, staffing, and return on investment. Simulations and drills are part of the broader discussion, as are resident teaching and the potential to create flexible career paths for physicians who enjoy obstetrics but want a different schedule. The speakers consider how a hospitalist service may support consistent coverage and collaboration, while recognizing the need to build acceptance among physicians and patients. Owners working with hospitals or considering new coverage arrangements can use the episode to frame a local business case: clarify responsibilities, determine how the model fits the practice’s call structure, and agree on measures for evaluating performance. The emphasis is on thoughtful implementation and teamwork, not a one-size-fits-all recommendation.

Owner takeaways

• 4:14 Map the competing office, inbox, call, and delivery responsibilities that a hospitalist model could separate.
• 7:20 Address physician concerns by explaining the coverage model and how collaboration will work.
• 10:31 Use drills and emergency preparation as concrete parts of labor and delivery operations.
• 20:05 Evaluate staffing and return on investment together when considering a hospitalist or OB-ED service.
• 30:43 Explore whether focused hospital coverage can create a sustainable career path for obstetricians.

Why it made the list

It explores labor and delivery coverage design, physician workload, emergency readiness, and hospitalist economics. It made the list with 45 views.

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This video is published by BackTable Women's Health on YouTube. Obstetricians.com is not affiliated with the creator, and inclusion is not an endorsement by either party. Watch it on YouTube.