Some physician staffing challenges are tough. Others are borderline impossible. This one? The client called it a unicorn.
When a large community hospital in Texas reached out needing the ultra-rare combo of a radiologist trained in diagnostic, interventional, and mammography, Interim Physicians didn’t blink. We rolled up our sleeves and got to work. One month later, we weren’t just their staffing partner. We were their preferred staffing partner.
Meeting a Rare Radiology Need
Multi-modality providers like the one this client wanted aren’t just rare; they’re becoming mythical creatures. As newer radiologists lean into deeper specialization, professionals with broad, cross-functional expertise are being dubbed “unicorns.”
It would be a challenge, but this assignment was a high-stakes opportunity to establish a long-term partnership founded on trust and results.
A Fast, Focused, and Flexible Approach
The facility’s request came through a provider referral and was immediately assigned to seasoned Interim recruiters Jonathan Alexander and Sam Carithers. The pair knew that finding the right radiologist for the job would not be a walk in the park, but their experience gave them hope.
Working in close collaboration with “Team IP’s” credentialing and account management colleagues, both submitted strong candidates who hit the mark sooner than expected. The hospital thought it would be a miracle if Jonathan and Sam could find one qualified radiologist; instead, they delivered two such unicorns. Within 30 days, one was credentialed and already on-site.
The first job with a client is always a chance to make a good first impression. And because Interim delivered quickly and with quality, it became a trust-building moment. Now, our team is their first call when they need a position filled.
Preferred Status and Repeat Business
The search had been granted to three locum agencies. Interim’s service stood out. Not only was the position filled quickly, but the radiologist we found impressed everyone, including a notoriously critical physician who offered unsolicited praise.
Just two weeks after placement, the hospital’s CEO reached out directly to us with a request for a locum tenens anesthesiologist. While some health systems send out mass emails to all vendors, he called Interim Physicians first. That’s a game-changer.
How To Earn “First-Call” Status in Under a Month
Here’s how Interim Physicians secured that all-important first-call status:
- Placed a triple-trained radiologist in less than 30 days
- Earned “preferred status” after a single placement
- Received a follow-up job order just two weeks later
- Opened the door to new roles across East Texas through direct CEO outreach
It’s Never Just About Filling One Job
With multiple positions now in play, Interim Physicians isn’t just staffing one hospital, but has built a relationship with a key regional leader. As executives swap success stories across systems, that early trust has the potential to unlock even more opportunities across East Texas.
Our role was never just about filling a job. It was about proving that we’re a true partner, ready to deliver any time. Whether it’s a hard-to-find specialist or a high-volume need, our team brings urgency, precision, and strategy to every assignment. That’s how we continue to deliver for the clients who count on us.
