An
intensivist is a
physician (
M.D. or
D.O.) who specializes in the care of critically ill patients, most often in the
intensive care unit (ICU). Intensivists can be internists (pulmonologists, emergency medicine physicians, or other sub-specialist), anesthesiologists, pediatricians (including neonatologists), or surgeons who have completed a fellowship in
critical care medicine. The intensivist must be competent not only in a broad spectrum of conditions common among critically ill patients but also with the technical procedures and devices (i.e.
mechanical ventilators) used in the intensive care setting.