A Day in the Life of an ICU Physician
Spotlight on Jennifer Williams
Jennifer Williams, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Medicine - Pulmonary, Allergy & Critical Care Medicine.
June 13, 2025
The only thing predictable in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU) is its unpredictability, says Jennifer Williams, MD. Clinical assistant professor in the Department of Medicine’s Division of Pulmonary, Allergy & Critical Care Medicine, Williams is a critical care physician, also known as an intensivist, who works in ICUs on the Main Campus and at Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley.
A “typical” day
Williams begins her day by checking in with the night intensivist to review any overnight events, then coordinates the day’s coverage with the other daytime intensivist on duty. Each intensivist is responsible for a specific unit — either focusing on post-surgical patients or those with critical conditions such as septic shock and acute hypoxic respiratory failure. After seeing her patients, Williams leads rounds with a multidisciplinary team. Throughout the day, she coordinates new ICU admissions from patients throughout the hospital as well as those transferring from other hospitals.
From the moment Williams enters the ICU, her regular workflow could be interrupted, and she could find herself in an adrenaline-soaring situation reminiscent of the Max TV series The Pitt — rushing to a code blue to resuscitate a patient who has gone into cardiopulmonary arrest or who needs immediate intubation to breathe.
We asked Williams for a glimpse into her life as an ICU physician.
"When you’re in a life-or-death situation, there is no room for error. You must be fast in your decision-making, while having the humility to rely on your team. The emotional weight of the ICU is immense, and we’re called to show up with steady minds and hands."
What qualities do you think a physician needs to work in the ICU?
Working in the ICU requires both intellectual rigor and emotional resilience. When you’re in a life-or-death situation, there is no room for error. You must be fast in your decision-making, while having the humility to rely on your team. The emotional weight of the ICU is immense, and we’re called to show up with steady minds and hands.
How do you prepare mentally and/or physically for your ICU shift?
For me, this can start the day before, getting myself into the right mindset, creating some kind of mental reserve. Before I leave for work in the morning, I try to fit in walking or jogging — either outside or on a treadmill at the gym. I find it gives me energy and can really help as a stress outlet. We don’t have much control of our time in the ICU, so it helps me to try and have a routine and block out some time for myself.
What keeps an ICU running smoothly?
Teamwork is non-negotiable in the ICU. This includes contributions from other physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, care managers, and more, as well as patients and their families. No one practices critical care medicine alone — our strength lies within our collective group. Communication and shared commitment to excellence are key.
You wear many hats — working in multiple ICUs and serving as School of Medicine faculty. How do you make it all work?
When I’m scheduled for a seven-day stretch in the ICU, my days begin just after 6 am and extend into the evening. At home, I try to dedicate myself to being fully present, showering my children with love. I’m fortunate to have support from my husband — my family is truly my dream team. And the ability to compartmentalize allows me to be fully focused at work, while also being engaged at home.
What do you enjoy most about working in the ICU?
First and foremost, I enjoy working as an intensivist because it involves being part of a collaborative team. Being an ICU physician is intense, demanding, and deeply human. But I think that’s what drives us and gets us out of bed in the morning — it’s a privilege to stand at the edge of life with our patients, doing everything in our power to bring them back or, as a team, guiding them and their families with dignity and grace when they unfortunately reach their end of life.
What inspired you to be an intensivist?
My father was a large influence on me pursuing medicine. He weathered multiple illnesses and ultimately passed away. So, when I step into the ICU, it’s very personal. When I have a moment in the ICU that hits home, I lean into empathy. I allow that vulnerability to guide my compassion, hopefully offering families the support I once needed. And I remember what my dad used to say to me, “Keep your focus and persevere through every challenge.”
Do you watch the TV show, The Pitt?
No. A long time ago I loved watching shows like ER and House. But once I got into medicine, my preferences for television content shifted because I needed a healthy separation from work. I enjoy watching sports, especially soccer and basketball. And I really enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, curling up on the couch with a blanket by the fire, and watching dark comedy crime dramas, like Bad Monkey and The White Lotus.