What is a Hospital Medicine Physician?
Your primary care doctor, an emergency doctor or another specialist refers you to a hospitalist at Faith Regional Health Services. Hospitalists specialize in internal medicine and are trained to care for hospitalized patients.
An assigned hospitalist is available on site - 24 hours a day, seven days a week - to respond to your medical needs and to answer any questions that you or your family may have.
Hospitalists are Part of Your Healthcare Team
As members of the Faith Regional Health Services team, hospitalists work with your primary care doctor, surgeon, specialists, nurses and other medical professionals in managing your hospital care. The hospitalist will:
- Communicate with your primary care doctor and give updates on any change in your condition.
- Make arrangements for your discharge and prescribe your home medications.
- Contact your primary care doctor before you leave the hospital.
- Send a summary report to your doctor’s office.
To Contact a Hospitalist
To speak with your hospitalist while you or a family member are in the hospital, ask your nurse to page the doctor. If your assigned hospitalist is not on duty, then another hospitalist who is knowledgeable of your medical care will visit with you. You may also contact a hospitalist after you have returned home if you have questions about your hospital stay. Leave a message at (402) 844-8211 and we will return your call. For all other medical concerns (including prescriptions), please call your primary care physician.
Hospital Medicine Coordinator
 Ruth Vacha, RN, MS Registered Nursing Degree from Clarkson College of Nursing; Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Midland Lutheran College; Master of Science Degree in Community Health and Wellness
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A Note from Our Hospital Medicine Director:
Dear Patient and Family,
We consider it a privilege to care for your medical needs during your stay at Faith Regional Health Services where your health is our first priority. Our Hospital Medicine Service is dedicated to providing an uncompromising level of excellence in medical care while demonstrating compassion, teamwork and patient-centered service. Thank you for letting us be an important part of your healthcare team.
--Joe Metcalf II, M.D.
 Director, Hospital Medicine Service
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Jocelyn Bailey, M.D.Medical Degree from University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC); Internal Medicine Residency at UNMC. Board eligible in Internal Medicine.
Julie Fletcher, M.D. Medical Degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC); completed Primary Care and Internal Medicine Residencies at UNMC. Board certified in Internal Medicine.
John Huscher, M.D. Medical Degree from University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC); Family Practice Residency at UNMC. Board Certified in Family Medicine. 
Pranitha Prodduturvar, M.D. Medical Degree from the Government Medical College in India; Internal Medicine Residency at St. Joseph's Hospital in Chicago; Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the University of Chicago. Board Certified in Internal Medicine. 
Abbie Ray, M.D. Medical Degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center; Internal Medicine Residency at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center.