an advanced peoplecare case study

Any physician would be in elite company to be nominated for an award to recognize superior patient care. Such awards are routinely given to top physicians at facilities across the country. But the number of locum tenens physicians to be nominated for such a prestigious award in any given year could be in the single digits.

Add Dr. Okafor to that list.

Dr. Okafor is a locum tenens physician who regularly works assignments for Interim Physicians recruiter Jackie Byrd. He was recently nominated as “Physician of the Quarter” at a southern Missouri medical center. Tina, the facility’s Medical Director, was so impressed by his nomination that she phoned Frank Phillips, Vice President of Quality Assurance at Interim Physicians, to congratulate the doctor and Interim Physicians on the honor.

During the conversation with Frank, she explained several instances where Dr. Okafor went well beyond his expected role as a locum tenens physician.

One particularly hot evening, the facility’s Emergency Department was bursting at the seams, with new patients arriving by the minute. After a grueling day, Dr. Okafor’s shift was ending, and he could have headed home to prepare for his next locum tenens assignment.

Instead, he decided to stick around and assist the night physicians and nursing staff. Dr. Okafor stayed on the job for an extra two hours to help the staff transition from day to night shift, helping dozens of additional patients along the way. And he did it for no extra pay!

The Medical Director explained that, as a result of such extraordinary service, Dr. Okafor had been nominated for the Physician of the Quarter award. This award is given to a physician, nurse, allied provider and other staff members within the Emergency Department. Anyone can nominate a candidate for the award, including other staff, physicians and even patients. Dr. Okafor had been nominated by another doctor at the facility who recognized his generous acts.

“For a locums physician who only covers seven to eight shifts a month at a facility, to be nominated for such a great award is simply amazing,” Frank said. “He certainly went above and beyond.”

While Dr. Okafor didn’t ultimately win the award, it was remarkable nonetheless. The Medical Director added that she would love to have Dr. Okafor come aboard permanently because he exhibits the qualities of an exceptional doctor and has the work ethic and caring personality to match.

At Interim Physicians, we have a phrase for that – Advanced PeopleCare!

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