French hospitalist practice in surgery in France in 2026: Opportunities for developing medical-surgical “co-management” in perioperative medicine

In 2026, the French healthcare system faces multiple challenges: significant demographic pressure, an increase in comorbidities (including among younger patients), the integration of new technologies, changes in professional practices, and the growing hyperspecialization of physicians. All of this has a particular impact on the management of high-risk surgical patients. In light of this, the implementation of “hospital medicine” in surgical departments appears to be a potential solution to the challenges of perioperative care through the “co-management” model, in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals. This review article analyzes the added value of this cross-disciplinary approach (significant reduction in average length of stay, postoperative medical complications, and costs; increased patient and staff satisfaction), its integration with geriatric perioperative units, and the roles that “hospitalists” can fulfill in surgical departments, to the benefit of all. Although promising, this model still requires formalized studies to establish stable funding mechanisms and institutional recognition.