Honoring Our Hospitalist Team at Saint Mary’s

At Saint Mary’s Regional Health System, healing is more than a job—it’s a calling. No one understands that better than Dr. Ahmad Yousaf, Founder and CEO of Rock Medical Group—the dedicated team of hospitalists who care for patients at Saint Mary’s.

In honor of National Hospitalist Day, observed earlier this month, we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the vital work of our hospitalist team and the critical role they play in patient care.

What is a hospitalist?

Hospitalists are physicians and advanced practice providers who specialize in the care of hospitalized patients. Unlike primary care doctors who see patients in outpatient settings, hospitalists work exclusively within the hospital. They oversee patient care from the moment of admission to discharge—providing around-the-clock medical attention, coordinating care with specialists, managing treatment plans, and serving as a compassionate point of contact for patients and their families during some of life’s most uncertain moments.

Dr. Yousaf describes the hospitalist’s role as a deeply meaningful one:

“I love my job,” he shared. “I get to walk into a room and immediately become part of people’s families, help through difficult times, and become a reliable source of information and guidance during the most vulnerable parts of their lives. It’s rewarding in a way that I do not think I could find in another type of position.”

That connection—built on trust, compassion, and presence—is what makes hospitalist care unique.

“The longer I’ve done this, the more I’ve realized this truth: God didn’t give us doctors the ability to fix everything—but He gave us the tools to walk hand-in-hand with our patients through illness, honoring their dignity and quality of life every step of the way.”

Hospitalists care for patients with a wide range of medical needs—from sudden illness and post-surgical recovery to the management of complex chronic conditions. Their goal is simple but powerful: to help patients heal and return home to the people they love.

“There’s nothing sweeter to a hospitalist than seeing a sick patient go home feeling better,” said Dr. Yousaf. “We’re humbled and honored by the trust patients and their families place in us.”

At Saint Mary’s, hospitalist care is provided through Rock Medical Group—a team of skilled clinicians who are not only experts in hospital medicine, but also deeply committed to the health and well-being of the River Valley.

“We want the Saint Mary’s community to know who we are,” Dr. Yousaf said. “Rock Medical Group is here to help make our communities healthier. We often meet you in difficult moments, but we hope you’ll see us as a pillar to lean on—a physician group you can count on for high-quality care, and as members of your community who are invested in Russellville and beyond.”

This month—and every month—we are proud to recognize the compassion, commitment, and skill of our hospitalists. Thank you for being here when it matters most.