Location & Practice Overview

Practice Setting Hospital-based inpatient pediatrics
Care Model Acute-care pediatric hospitalist service
Position Type Per diem hospital coverage
Service Focus Inpatient management of hospitalized children and adolescents
Geographic Base San Francisco hospital environment within Kaiser Permanente Northern California
System Context Integrated physician-led group practice supporting hospital units

Responsibilities

  • Perform comprehensive admission evaluations and ongoing clinical assessments of hospitalized pediatric patients
  • Develop, implement, and adjust individualized inpatient treatment plans based on clinical response
  • Order and interpret laboratory studies, imaging, and other diagnostics within scope of practice
  • Coordinate consultations with pediatric subspecialists and incorporate recommendations into the care plan
  • Communicate clinical findings, treatment plans, and condition changes with parents and caregivers
  • Manage discharge planning, transitions of care, and timely inpatient documentation

Qualifications & Requirements

Candidates must meet core credentialing standards for independent inpatient pediatric practice in California.

Education
MD or DO degree with completion of an accredited Pediatrics residency
Board Status
Board certification or board eligibility in Pediatrics
Licensure
Active California medical license or eligibility to obtain one
Clinical Capability
Ability to provide independent inpatient pediatric medical care
Preferred Experience
Prior pediatric hospitalist or strong inpatient pediatric experience
Additional Credentialing
Facility-specific privileging required before starting shifts

Compensation & Benefits

Pay is structured hourly for shifts worked. Benefit eligibility for per diem physicians differs from career or associate roles and should be confirmed directly with the employer.

  • Hourly rate of $200–$220 for per diem shifts worked
  • No RVU-based productivity targets
  • Physician-led practice model with reduced administrative overhead
  • Access to established clinical infrastructure and specialty support
  • Electronic medical record environment with AI-based charting support
  • Benefit details for the per diem arrangement available upon inquiry

Schedule & Work Environment

Employment Structure Per diem shifts based on hospital coverage needs and physician availability
Shift Flexibility Daytime inpatient coverage with possible overnight, weekend, or extended shifts depending on staffing model
Work Location On-site hospital-based pediatric inpatient units
Coverage Model Shift-dependent hospitalist coverage without a fixed conventional schedule
Documentation Environment Advanced electronic medical record system
Team Setting Multidisciplinary hospital units with structured support

Patient Population & Clinical Setting

The hospitalist cares for hospitalized children and adolescents requiring inpatient evaluation and treatment for acute medical conditions. Exact age range and clinical mix follow the hospital’s pediatric service admissions.

Age Group Children and adolescents
Common Presentations Acute respiratory illness, infections, dehydration, asthma exacerbations, gastrointestinal conditions, fever
Acuity Inpatient-level acute and chronic disease exacerbations
Care Episode Admission through discharge or transfer
Team Structure Collaboration with nurses, advanced practice professionals, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, case managers, and social workers
Escalation Recognition of clinical deterioration and transfer to higher levels of pediatric care when needed

About The Permanente Medical Group, Inc.

The Permanente Medical Group, Inc. is an independent, physician-led medical group that delivers care exclusively to Kaiser Permanente members in Northern California. It partners with Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Health Plan under a longstanding integrated model focused on coordinated clinical practice.

Organization Type Physician-led multispecialty medical group
System Affiliation Kaiser Permanente Northern California
Physician Workforce Approximately 10,000 physicians
Members Served More than 4.6 million in Northern California
Facilities 21 medical centers and numerous clinics across Northern and Central California
Founding Established in 1948

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior pediatric hospitalist experience required?
Prior pediatric hospitalist experience is preferred. Strong inpatient pediatric experience from residency or subsequent practice may also support candidacy. Final determination occurs during credentialing.
Does this role include outpatient primary care?
No. The position is limited to inpatient pediatric hospitalist coverage.
How does compensation work for a per diem hospitalist?
Physicians are paid an hourly rate of $200–$220 only for shifts actually worked. There is no guaranteed minimum number of hours.
Are overnight or weekend shifts part of the per diem coverage?
Shift types depend on hospital staffing needs. Daytime coverage is primary, but overnight, weekend, or extended shifts may be available depending on the current model.
What credentialing steps are required before starting?
Candidates must complete standard medical staff credentialing and obtain facility privileges. An active California medical license (or eligibility) and board certification or eligibility in Pediatrics are required.
Do per diem physicians receive the same benefits as full-time physicians?
Benefit eligibility for per diem arrangements differs from regular career or associate positions. Specifics should be confirmed with the employer.

Pediatrics Hospitalist (Per Diem) in San Francisco, CA

Board-certified or board-eligible pediatricians seeking flexible inpatient work can take on per diem hospitalist shifts in San Francisco through The Permanente Medical Group. The role centers on direct management of hospitalized children and adolescents within an integrated hospital setting, offering hourly compensation of $200–$220 without a fixed full-time schedule or RVU targets. Clinicians practice alongside multidisciplinary teams and pediatric subspecialists while using an electronic medical record that includes AI-based charting support.

Apply for This Position

Submit your application for Pediatrics Hospitalist (Per Diem) at The Permanente Medical Group, Inc.

Continue to Official Application Direct submission to The Permanente Medical Group, Inc.