David Goldberg, MD

Biography

An advocate for patients in the hospital — and at home

When patients are admitted to the hospital, David Goldberg, MD is there to help them get on the path to recovery that will take them back home.

Goldberg is a hospitalist with the VCU Department of Internal Medicine and a member of the VCU Health Home Hospital team. Home Hospital allows some patients to be treated for certain medical conditions in the comfort and security of your home. Doctors like Goldberg conduct their visits virtually, with in-person visits from a nurse and medic. 

As a hospitalist, Goldberg cares for a wide range of health issues, such as COVID-19, heart problems, liver problems, skin and bloodstream infections, and other conditions. For example, if someone comes in for a heart failure exacerbation, he’s the primary doctor responding to the patient while coordinating with our cardiology team.

He was one of the first frontline medical workers in Virginia who received the initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in order to care for people with the virus. He advocates for his patients to keep up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations and take steps to reduce their risk for COVID-19.

Goldberg’s goal is to give patients the type of treatment in the hospital that lessens their chance of having to come back. “I work to be the best advocate I can for each patient to make sure they get the care they need,” he says.

He looks at what caused a person’s need for hospital care, knowing that social determinants of health often play a role. For example, a patient may come in with extremely high blood pressure because they could not afford their medications. Goldberg works closely with members of the health care team, including clinical pharmacists, social workers, and care coordinators to set patients up for success.

Goldberg considers every patient to be a central part of their own care team, so he explains the rationale for each test and treatment they undergo. He discusses why you’re in the hospital — and what steps need to be taken to get you home.

For patients who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, he makes sure their families know about community resources available to help them and their loved one. He often refers them to the new VCU Richmond Brain Health Initiative for additional support.

“When they’re in the hospital, I treat patients the way I would like members of my own family to be treated,” he says.

Advice to patients: “Advocate for yourself. And if you ever have a question or concern, don’t hesitate to bring it up.”