a Family Practice Locum Tenens Success Story

A community hospital with several outpatient clinics in the heart of Texas needed a permanent Family Practice physician, but not just any physician. They were seeking a provider who believed wholeheartedly in the community health model – someone who cared deeply about the mission of serving the local community, including the poor and disadvantaged.

Having had great success working with Interim Physicians for years, Tammy, the hospital's hiring director, called up Christa Bartik, one of our Division Managers in the Atlanta area. "Great rapport" barely begins to describe Christa's relationship with Tammy.
"She will call me at any time of the day, even late at night," Christa laughs. That kind of bond is pretty typical between Interim's people and our clients and physicians.

Although Tammy preferred a permanent Family Practitioner, she knew that a temporary locum tenens assignment would give her a chance to evaluate a provider on a trial basis and allow time to woo the candidate into a permanent position.

With almost 20 years specializing in finding "perfect fits," Christa was able to quickly identify a Family Practice physician in California who might be willing to try a stint in Texas. Dr. Karen had worked in multiple community health facilities in California. She thoroughly enjoyed caring for people in need, and loved the feeling of making a direct impact on the community. Christa presented her to Tammy.

Busy-bee Tammy was even willing to interview Dr. Karen on a Sunday afternoon. Shortly after, Dr. Karen jetted to the Lone-Star State to begin her three-month assignment. Halfway through, she had already become emotionally attached to the community hospital and the local culture, and accepted a permanent position. Karen credits her fantastic locums assignment -- 40 hours a week with no call -- with allowing her time to familiarize herself with the local culture and to get her new home in order. Her husband, who relocated at the conclusion of the assignment, was thankful for that, too!

Now the community hospital is expanding, adding several new providers at a new facility that will open in a few months. Christa's number is at the top of the list when Tammy is ready to start a new candidate search. Tammy is such a fan of Christa's that she invited Christa to the new building's christening. It would be a great opportunity for these two friends to meet face-to-face. "I'm deeply honored and feel privileged to be so instrumental in my client's success," Christa said.

Since then, Interim Physicians has placed several other locums providers at the client's facilities, proving once again the value proposition of locum tenens staffing.

Read more success stories from Interim Physicians