Hospital Care in Northern New Jersey

A hospitalist discusses a care plan with a patientAt Bergen Medical Associates, we want the best possible care for patients when they are in the hospital. Our team of practitioners specializes in inpatient care, coordinating medical treatment for primary care patients during their hospital stays. Serving patients in convenient locations throughout northern New Jersey, these board-certified hospitalists and primary care physicians work together for the greater health and well-being of patients.

What Is a Hospitalist?

A hospitalist is a doctor on staff at the hospital who monitors a patient’s condition, maintains continuity of care, and ensures quality treatment. As part of their work coordinating care and communicating with other medical professionals, hospitalists also speak with the patient and their families. They will perform the initial history and physical exam at intake to the hospital, and they will visit patients during daily rounds.

If patients or their family members visit the emergency room, they should notify the staff that they are patients at Bergen Medical Associates. That way, the hospital care team will be notified. If a primary care physician refers a patient for hospital admission, hospitalists will already be notified. The electronic health records system used by Bergen Medical Associates allows instant digital sharing of vital medical information, accessible by all in-house physicians, as well as hospitalists.

For Primary Care Patients

To always provide a top-notch patient experience, the internal medicine primary care physicians at Bergen Medical Associates want to be informed of all medical care received by their patients during a stay in the hospital. In addition, they want to coordinate this care and facilitate communication with all the doctors and medical providers involved.

With the assistance of hospitalists, Bergen Medical Associates can assure that primary care patients receive appropriate care in the hospital and that it keeps in step with their longer-term health goals. The insights and knowledge offered by primary care doctors can positively impact the course of treatment while patients are under hospital care.

Hospitalists at Bergen Medical Associates

Bergen Medical Associates provides primary care patients with a dedicated team of hospital care practitioners, including:

Jenny Ayala, M.D.

After receiving her medical degree from Saba University School of Medicine, Netherlands Antilles, Dr. Ayala completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Brookdale University Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, followed by a fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center. Dr. Ayala is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine and speaks fluent Spanish.

Axel Fuertes, M.D.

Axel Fuertes, M.D., brings a broad clinical background and a strong commitment to thoughtful, evidence-based inpatient care to his role as a hospitalist at Bergen Medical Associates. He has extensive experience evaluating and managing a wide range of acute and complex medical conditions, applying strong clinical decision-making and interdisciplinary coordination to support safe transitions of care. Fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Haitian Creole, he is able to communicate directly with patients and families across a broad range of backgrounds. He places particular importance on clear communication, helping patients and their families understand their medical conditions and treatment plans. Dr. Fuertes earned his medical degree from the National University of Córdoba in Argentina and completed his Internal Medicine residency at Hackensack University Medical Center – Palisades Medical Center. Prior to his residency training in the United States, he practiced as an attending physician in Argentina, providing acute and urgent medical care in emergency settings. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Fuertes maintains an active academic interest in cardiovascular medicine and research. He has contributed to more than 25 peer-reviewed publications in areas including heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiovascular therapeutics, and artificial intelligence in cardiology, with research presented at national scientific meetings of the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology. Dr. Fuertes is a member of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Cardiology.

Madaser Saleem, D.O.

Madaser Saleem, D.O. is a hospitalist with Bergen Medical Associates, where he provides comprehensive, patient-centered care to adults during hospitalization. He collaborates closely with physicians and care teams across the practice to ensure coordinated treatment, seamless transitions of care, and optimal outcomes. Dr. Saleem earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, New Jersey. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Bayonne Medical Center in Bayonne, New Jersey, where he gained extensive experience managing a broad spectrum of acute and chronic conditions in the inpatient setting. Following his training, Dr. Saleem has worked as a hospitalist, caring for patients with complex medical needs and a wide range of conditions. He has also served in a Medical Director role, providing clinical leadership, supporting care coordination, and helping to enhance the quality and efficiency of inpatient services. Dr. Saleem is board certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is committed to clear communication with patients and their families, helping them understand their conditions and treatment plans while providing compassionate, attentive care.

Find Expert Medical Care at Bergen Medical Associates

Along with a team of internal medicine primary care physicians, Bergen Medical Associates gathers multiple specialties at one practice. This system is convenient for patients, and it provides them with swift referrals to specialists in gastroenterology, gynecology, allergy and immunology, sports medicine, interventional pain management, and other medical specialists.

With locations throughout northern New Jersey, patients can choose an office that is easily accessible. With a team of hospitalists, Bergen Medical Associates can provide coordination, communication, and excellent medical care both inside and outside the hospital. For more information, contact Bergen Medical Associates today.