intensivists

Intensivists are physicians who specialize in the care of critically ill patients and lead teams in intensive care units (ICUs). They diagnose and treat life-threatening conditions such as sepsis, respiratory failure, shock, and multi-organ failure, and coordinate complex treatment plans that involve multiple medical specialties.

Most intensivists complete a residency in internal medicine, pediatrics, anesthesiology, surgery, or another primary specialty, followed by a fellowship in critical care medicine. Board certification in critical care is offered by the boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties and equivalent organizations in many countries. Training covers mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic support, infection control, nutrition, and ethical decision-making.

In the ICU, intensivists lead multidisciplinary teams that may include nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and other specialists. They determine ventilation strategies, monitor organ function, adjust medications, manage fluids and blood pressure, and coordinate with surgeons or subspecialists for procedures and discharges. They also participate in advance care planning and palliative care when appropriate.

Intensivists work in medical, surgical, or mixed ICUs and may care for adult, pediatric, or neonatal patients, depending on training. They collaborate with colleagues from anesthesia, internal medicine, pediatrics, and surgery and integrate evidence-based protocols and quality-improvement initiatives.

The role has grown with advances in organ support, subspecialty care, and population aging. Demand for critical care services remains high during pandemics and routine complex care, driving ongoing research, tele-ICU programs, and efforts to improve outcomes and efficient resource use.