Intensivist

An intensivist is a physician who specialises in the care of critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). In the UK, intensivists are usually consultants who have trained in intensive care medicine, either as their primary specialty or dual-accredited alongside another specialty such as anaesthesia, respiratory medicine, renal medicine or cardiology. They lead the multidisciplinary ICU team and take overall responsibility for the management of each patient in the unit.

Following [cardiac arrest](/glossary/cardiac-arrest/), the intensivist coordinates the post-resuscitation care pathway, including [targeted temperature management](/glossary/targeted-temperature-management/), haemodynamic optimisation, ventilator management, neurological monitoring and prognostication. They work closely with the cardiologist (who may have performed emergency coronary angiography), the neurologist or neurophysiologist (who interprets EEG and evoked potential data for prognostication), and other specialists as needed. The intensivist also plays a central role in communicating with families about prognosis, treatment decisions and, where relevant, end-of-life discussions.

The intensivist-led ward round typically takes place at least twice daily, bringing together nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, dietitians and junior doctors to review each patient’s progress, adjust treatment plans and set goals for the day. This structured approach ensures that the many simultaneous aspects of post-arrest ICU care (sedation, ventilation, nutrition, fluid balance, organ support) are reviewed comprehensively and consistently.

For families visiting a loved one in the intensive care unit, the intensivist or their senior team members are usually the main point of contact for medical updates. Most ICUs offer formal family meetings at regular intervals and at key decision points, such as before neurological prognostication is completed. Families are encouraged to ask questions and to raise any concerns directly with the nursing or medical team at any time.