Since helping pioneer locum tenens in 1979, Interim Physicians has been a trusted partner to health systems nationwide.
When a micro hospital system with a strong national presence decided to enter the competitive Missouri market, they knew they needed expert support to staff their first facility. With no prior experience using temporary physician staffing, their first call was to Interim Physicians.
The Challenge: Expanding to a New Market Without a Staffing Plan
The client, which operates several ERs nationwide, was launching a new micro hospital in Missouri. The organization had never used outside recruitment or locum tenens providers and lacked the in-house physician power to staff the new site. They were uncertain about the process, how long recruitment would take, and how to structure a contract.
Account Executive Tyler Smith, who led the partnership, remembers their initial approach: “The client actually came to Interim — it was a testament to our reputation and online presence. But they had never used locums, so we needed to start from the ground up.”
The system’s biggest hesitation centered on speed and quality: Could Interim quickly provide physicians for their new site? They needed immediate reassurance and guidance on this unfamiliar staffing model.
The Solution: Education, Transparency, and a Proven Pipeline
Interim Physicians provided hands-on education to help the client understand how locum tenens could be a strategic advantage rather than a temporary fix.
Tyler focused on demystifying the model: “I explained that locum tenens means ‘to hold one’s place.’ It doesn’t have to be a permanent solution; it just ensures patients are being cared for while the organization takes time to recruit the best permanent fits, rather than hiring out of urgency.”
To address concerns about speed, Tyler set clear expectations about the recruitment process. “The biggest concern was whether we’d be able to provide physicians quickly. I had to explain that while it’d be great if we had a ‘stockroom’ of providers ready to go, recruitment takes time.” He emphasized that Interim is committed to quality matches and thoughtful placements, ensuring any provider is a strong fit.
The key confidence builder was demonstrating Interim’s proven track record in Missouri. “Interim Physicians President Shawn Mullen reiterated that if they needed a hospitalist, we could send 20 submittals within 24 hours because of our pipeline there,” Tyler explained. This demonstrated that Interim could deliver both speed and reliability. Furthermore, when contract concerns arose, Tyler and his teammate Shawn met directly with the client’s attorney to negotiate terms, ensuring a smooth, tailored agreement.
The Partnership: A Foundation for Rapid Growth
Since the initial communication and contracting phase, the relationship has expanded significantly. The client initially planned to staff a single micro hospital but has now expanded its focus to three new locations. This rapid expansion solidifies Interim’s role as a key partner.
Tyler described the growing opportunity: “That level of expansion shows the momentum they have. It’s a positive sign because there’s a lot of future meat on the bone with this client.” As the client continues to grow and requires 24/7 ER coverage across multiple states, Interim Physicians is positioned to support their ongoing, accelerating needs.
