Category: Locum Tenens

If you’re seeking a job in general medicine, you might think your options are limited to clinics or hospitals. However, the field offers a variety of career paths beyond traditional settings. Whether you’re beginning your career or searching for new opportunities, there are many roles that can match your skills and interests.

In this blog, we’ll explore various career paths in general medicine, each providing opportunities to grow and make a significant impact in healthcare.

1. Clinical Roles in Diverse Settings

While many general medicine professionals work in hospitals or private practices, other clinical settings offer unique opportunities:

• Urgent Care Centers: Provide immediate care for non-life-threatening conditions in a dynamic environment.
• Community Health Clinics: Serve underserved populations, addressing diverse health needs.
• Long-Term Care Facilities: Care for elderly patients or those with chronic conditions in a stable, long-term setting.
• Home Health Services: Offer in-home medical care, including routine check-ups and chronic condition management.

These roles allow you to choose a setting that matches your preferences and career goals.

2. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

FQHCs are community-based providers that receive federal funding to deliver primary care to underserved populations. Working at an FQHC offers:

• Diverse Clinical Roles: Provide a wide range of medical services in areas with limited access to healthcare.
• Public Health Outreach: Collaborate with local health departments to promote health initiatives, disease prevention, and education.
• Telemedicine Integration: Use telehealth to reach rural or underserved patients, expanding patient access to care.

3. Veterans Hospitals

Veterans Hospitals, part of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), provide care specifically to military veterans and offer unique opportunities:

• Specialized Clinical Roles: Serve veterans with unique health needs related to their service, such as PTSD or chronic conditions.
• Leadership Positions: Take on roles like Medical Director or Quality Improvement Coordinator to impact care delivery and participate in federal healthcare initiatives.
• Public Health and Policy: Engage in public health research and initiatives focused on veterans’ health, such as mental health and chronic pain management.

4. Telemedicine Opportunities

Telemedicine is rapidly growing, offering new job prospects for general medicine professionals:

• Virtual Consultations: Diagnose and treat patients remotely from home or office.
• Remote Monitoring: Support patients who require continuous monitoring for chronic conditions through digital platforms.

Telemedicine provides flexibility, a better work-life balance, and the ability to reach patients in underserved areas.

5. Public Health and Community Outreach

General medicine professionals can make a substantial impact in public health through roles like:

• Public Health Physician: Manage community health programs and promote wellness.
• Health Educator: Develop programs to educate the public on topics like nutrition and disease prevention.
• Epidemiologist: Analyze health data, monitor outbreaks, and devise prevention strategies.

These roles allow you to address health concerns at the community or population level.

6. Clinical Research and Trials

For those interested in advancing medical knowledge, clinical research offers many opportunities:

• Clinical Research Coordinator: Oversee clinical trials, ensuring protocols are followed.
• Research Physician: Contribute to the development of new treatments and therapies.
• Medical Science Liaison (MSL): Connect with healthcare professionals to share insights about new treatments or medications.

These positions keep you at the forefront of medical innovation and patient care.

7. Healthcare Administration and Leadership

If you enjoy organizational work and leadership, consider roles in healthcare administration:

• Medical Director: Oversee clinical operations, ensuring high standards of patient care.
• Healthcare Manager: Manage teams, resources, and budgets to deliver efficient care.
• Quality Improvement Coordinator: Enhance patient outcomes through data analysis and best practice implementation.

These roles blend clinical knowledge and leadership to impact patient care and organizational success.

8. Corporate Healthcare Opportunities

General medicine professionals are often sought in corporate settings:

• Occupational Health Physician: Develop workplace wellness programs and advise on health regulations.
• Pharmaceutical or Biotech Companies: Work as a medical advisor or product manager.
• Health Insurance: Serve as a medical reviewer or consultant for policy development and case management.

These roles offer a chance to utilize your medical expertise in non-clinical environments, often with opportunities for career growth.

Conclusion

General medicine offers a diverse range of career paths, each with its own rewards and challenges. Whether you’re interested in a clinical position, administrative role, or a unique career path, there are plenty of opportunities to find a job that suits your skills and aspirations. Keep exploring and stay open to new opportunities—the field of general medicine is full of possibilities.

Momentum is your First Stop for General Medicine Opportunities

If you’re actively looking for a new job in general medicine, Momentum is here to help you find the right fit. As a leading healthcare recruiting company, we regularly post job openings across the USA, from clinical roles to leadership positions. Stay updated with our listings and take the next step toward your ideal job in general medicine today!

Sources:

bouve.northeastern.edu
dhcs.ca.gov
openai..com

To address critical shortages in the U.S. healthcare workforce, the Biden-Harris administration recently announced a substantial investment of nearly $100 million to expand the number of healthcare providers, including nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and behavioral health professionals. This funding, administered through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), will be used to recruit and train healthcare professionals in underserved communities, offering significant growth in job opportunities for healthcare providers across various fields.

Key elements of this initiative include over $19 million dedicated to increasing the nursing workforce in acute and long-term care settings, as well as nearly $12 million aimed at boosting the number of primary care physicians in high-need areas like rural and tribal communities. Additionally, the funding will enhance behavioral health services by providing more than $63 million to train peer support specialists and community health workers to support families impacted by the opioid crisis. Pediatric care will also benefit from an additional $4.6 million aimed at integrating mental health services into pediatric practices.

Strengthening the Nursing Workforce

A significant portion of the funding—over $19 million—is allocated to expanding the nursing workforce, particularly in acute and long-term care settings. This initiative is expected to increase the number of qualified nurses, which includes nurse practitioners (NPs) who can provide a range of services in both primary and specialty care. Nurse practitioners play an especially vital role in delivering primary care services, often serving as the primary healthcare provider in rural and underserved areas. This push to increase their numbers will create more job openings, ensuring that communities lacking healthcare access receive the support they need.

More Opportunities Await for APPs and Physicians

With nearly $12 million directed toward boosting the number of primary care physicians, this funding is also aimed at placing more doctors in high-need areas such as rural and tribal communities. In addition to physicians, the growing demand for Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) like nurse practitioners and physician assistants (PAs) will see a rise in job openings, as they are critical in providing accessible primary care. APPs can fill gaps in healthcare services, often performing roles traditionally held by physicians, making their recruitment a priority in high-need regions.

Addressing Behavioral Health Needs Amid the Opioid Crisis

Another key focus of the funding is addressing the mental health needs of families impacted by the opioid crisis. Over $63 million has been allocated to train peer support specialists, behavioral health workers, and other community-based providers. This is especially critical given the rising demand for mental health services. Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), PAs, and other mental health providers will play an essential role in supporting children and families affected by substance use disorders. This aspect of the funding presents a wealth of opportunities for professionals specializing in mental and behavioral health to find employment in both clinical and community settings​

Find Your Perfect Healthcare Job with Momentum

At Momentum, we specialize in healthcare recruitment and are excited to connect qualified professionals with the many opportunities generated by this new federal initiative. Whether you’re a nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant, or behavioral health provider, we have a wide range of job openings that align with the areas covered in this article, including primary care, mental health, telemedicine, and underserved community placements. We’re dedicated to helping healthcare providers find fulfilling roles that make a real impact. Explore our latest opportunities and let us help you take the next step in your healthcare career.

Sources:

voice.ons.org
hhs.gov
openai.com

You love the patients, the collaboration, the compassion, and the work of modern medicine . You may even love the paperwork and reports, but you’re looking for something bigger in your field. Something that requires a bit more leadership, and a bit more troubleshooting the larger problems. You’re not alone, and in fact, clinicians make excellent healthcare leaders because they know the ins and outs of it all. What’s available in the field of healthcare leadership is abundant and worth exploring. So, where do you go from here?

As a clinician, long hours, demanding patients, and quick thinking is a part of the job description. In healthcare leadership, the same applies. Anyone who’s visited a healthcare facility in the last four years has probably noticed a lot of changes. The pandemic brought with it not only a significant crisis, but significant changes in the structure, staffing, and care of patients. As a healthcare leader, the job requires one to think on their feet, and give support and morale to the people they are leading.

Healthcare Program Manager

One of the most important leadership positions is a healthcare program manager. In this role the manager is responsible for planning, developing, and executing what patients need most in their particular program. A program manager collaborates with medical staff to oversee and strategize care. They are also responsible for budgets, negotiating contracts, and making adjustments as needed.

Nurse Management

For those who are nurses looking for leadership roles, a nurse management position may be the right move. In the role of nurse manager, the leader is essentially in charge of making sure everything runs smoothly, from the nursing staff, to the implementations they are making, to budgets, and the patients they are helping. Communication, role modeling, and teamwork are tremendous assets for this position as they will help prevent burnout and turnover of the team.

If managing a team seems a little too contained for you, consider the role of clinical administrator. In this role, you would be overseeing all of the day-to-day operations of an entire healthcare facility. Scheduling, budgeting, compliance with healthcare regulations, and maintaining balance between patient care and operations are some highlights of the position. You would also be in charge of recruiting and hiring the medical professionals to create the amazing workforce of your facility.

CEO

If it’s vision and innovation that calls, then going even beyond management leadership roles may suit you. Becoming the Chief Executive Officer of a hospital or medical system is a big job, but a rewarding one. Studies show that CEOs play a dramatic role in how patients receive the experience of their stay. Promoting a positive environment, setting strategic goals, and executing change within a whole system is only part of the enormous work of a CEO. Although the CEO wears many hats, it’s their leadership that keeps everything running smoothly and new ideas implemented.

There are so many avenues to consider as a clinician and medical facilities need excellent professionals as their backbone. Becoming a leader in the medical field means not only can you put your expertise to work but you are the one steering the ship. 

Your Healthcare Recruiting Partner: Land that Dream Job with Us

At Momentum, we specialize in healthcare recruiting, connecting talented professionals with exceptional career opportunities. We are proud to offer a wide range of healthcare leadership positions across various disciplines, from clinical management to executive roles. Whether you’re an experienced leader or looking to step into a leadership position, we have opportunities that align with your career goals. Join us and take the next step in your healthcare leadership journey with confidence, knowing that our team is here to support you every step of the way.

The United States is projected to face a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, according to the AAMC. The report highlights the need for increased investments in training new physicians to mitigate these shortfalls. Although smaller than previous estimates, the projected shortage underscores the critical need for sustained funding for graduate medical education (GME). Without additional investments, the physician shortfall could worsen.

Key drivers include population growth and aging, with the U.S. population expected to grow by 8.4% by 2036 and the elderly population (65 and older) increasing by 34.1%, significantly boosting healthcare demand, particularly for specialists.

A significant portion of the current physician workforce is nearing retirement, further exacerbating the shortage, as approximately 42% of clinical physicians are aged 55 or older.

Addressing the shortage requires lifting the federal cap on Medicare support for GME. The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act proposes increasing Medicare-supported residency positions by 14,000 over seven years, building on previous investments. This legislation aims to expand and diversify the physician workforce, improving healthcare access, especially in underserved communities.

Despite increased medical school enrollment, the shortage persists, emphasizing the need for expanded GME. The AAMC continues to advocate for these changes to ensure the healthcare system can meet future demands.

AMA National Address: What Needs to be Done

In a national address, AMA President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., MPH, highlighted the growing physician shortage and health system crisis. He cited strains on physicians including administrative burdens, burnout, attacks on science, healthcare consolidation, a broken Medicare payment system, and worsening health crises. Ehrenfeld proposed five steps to address the crisis, aligning with the AMA Recovery Plan for America’s Physicians:

1.     Pass meaningful Medicare payment reform
2.     Reduce administrative burdens, especially the inefficient prior authorization process
3.     Pass bipartisan legislation to expand residency training, support student loans, and facilitate foreign-trained physicians
4.     End the criminalization of healthcare
5.     Ensure physicians aren’t penalized for addressing their mental health needs.

Ehrenfeld emphasized the urgency of the physician shortage, already impacting millions, and warned it would worsen. He shared personal anecdotes illustrating physician burnout and the negative effects of legislative overreach. With 83 million Americans lacking sufficient access to primary care, the shortage hits especially hard in underserved areas, leading to critical healthcare gaps.

Latest Job Postings for Physicians

For those seeking new opportunities, we have multiple job listings available on our job blog. Whether you’re looking for locum tenens or a permanent position, Momentum Healthcare Staffing is here to help. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to call us. We’re dedicated to supporting you in finding the right fit for your career.

Sources:

Aamc.org
ama-assn.org
openai.com

If you’re in the medical field (or even if you aren’t) you know there’s a high demand for excellent practitioners right now. Shortages around the country are leaving hospitals and private practices alike understaffed, with an estimated 83 million Americans living in areas without a primary care provider. The news isn’t all storm clouds, though, especially for nurse practitioners, who have several avenues and a high demand in each one.

Because of the versatile nature of their training, nurse practitioners are able to jump into a lot of different positions and roles. Although they are not doctors, nurse practitioners are able to perform physical exams, order and interpret lab results, x-rays, and tests, diagnose and treat illness and conditions, prescribe medication, perform long-term care, and provide counseling and education on wellness. In some states, nurse practitioners can even open and operate their own private practice independent of doctors.

FNP: Family Nurse Practitioner

One of the highest in-demand positions for a nurse practitioner right now is a family practice nurse practitioner. 17,000 to 48,000 physicians are estimated to leave family medicine by the year 2034, leaving especially rural areas in great shortage. An FNP provides patients with care just as a physician would, with special attention towards preventative care and overall health. Patients are able to see a nurse practitioner for regular physical exams, medicine prescriptions, and chronic illness management.

Psychiatric Care

After COVID, psychiatric care and mental health services skyrocketed, as did the need for more medical professionals. However, even before the pandemic, nurse practitioners were in high demand for psychiatric mental health roles. In this line of specialty, a nurse practitioner would focus on mental health issues in the same way a psychiatrist does; counseling, providing treatment plans, and prescribing medication as needed. Illnesses and disorders that a nurse practitioner can address are depression, anxiety, substance abuse, dementia, autism spectrum disorder, and many more.

Geriatric Care

One of the most skill-demanding positions a nurse practitioner can hold is in the adult gerontology acute care field. This particular field doesn’t just focus on adults, but older adults who are experiencing complex health issues in an in-patient setting such as a hospital or long-term care facilities. As the population ages, this particular role is in very high demand. NPs who serve the elderly community have a deep understanding of the aging process and how it is affected by medicine. They are also an advocate for their patients and their families in support of their treatment plans and decisions.

Pediatric Primary Care

Lastly, nurse practitioners are highly needed in the area of pediatric primary care. They treat children from birth to age 21 and specialize in the health and wellness of their young patients. Pediatric nurse practitioners are able to assess and treat, prescribe medicine, and council patients and families. Many PCPs work in a physician’s office, but they can also work in hospitals, community health centers, urgent care centers, long-term care facilities, or behavioral health service centers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, PNPs have a job outlook of  38% until the year 2032.

Although these are some of the most in-demand positions for a nurse practitioner this year, there are so many other areas and specialties for NPs to explore, and each one needs incredible, compassionate, and well-trained professionals. Nurse practitioners can take their pick.

Best NP Job Board and Recruiting Company

As a healthcare recruiting company, we understand the crucial role nurse practitioners play in today’s medical landscape. With a growing demand for healthcare services across various specialties, it’s essential to have qualified, compassionate, and skilled professionals to fill these roles. Whether you are a nurse practitioner seeking a new opportunity or a healthcare facility in need of exceptional talent, we are here to help. Momentum’s healthcare recruiting team specializes in connecting healthcare professionals with organizations that value their expertise and commitment to patient care. Contact us today to learn how we can support your career or staffing needs in this evolving field.

Sources:

Nursingprocess.org
Bls.gov
Forbes.com
psychologytoday.com
nurse.org
nursejournal.org
openai.com

Federal legislation such as the ICAN Act (H.R. 8812 and S. 5212) aims to remove practice barriers for Nurse Practitioners (NPs). If passed, these bills would expand NPs’ authority to perform more comprehensive healthcare services, including roles traditionally reserved for physicians. This includes certifying the need for inpatient services, performing physical exams in skilled nursing facilities, and more​​.

Additionally, other states are enacting healthcare-related laws. For example, Missouri introduced bills (MO SB79 and MO HB271) to grant full practice authority to NPs, allowing them to work independently without physician oversight. ​

In April, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed a staffing law to address the healthcare worker shortage. This legislation mandates that hospitals adhere to specific staffing standards and establish staffing committees, including nursing staff and administrators, by January 1. These committees are responsible for approving annual staffing plans, which must be submitted to state officials by 2025. Hospitals falling below 80% compliance with these plans are required to report their noncompliance. Subsequently, the state departments of health and labor and industries will assign corrective action plans to these hospitals. Failure to comply with these corrective plans could result in fines of $50,000 per month​

These changes reflect ongoing efforts to address healthcare access and provider shortages across the country

$25 Minimum Wage – SB 525

Sen. Maria Elena Durazo proposed delaying the $25 minimum wage for California’s lowest-paid health care workers to align with the state fiscal year and allow more time for budget discussions. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who signed the law last fall, suggested a delay due to the state’s budget shortfall. With the wage increase set for June 1, many health workers remain uncertain about their pay raises, though some have already been notified of increases.

Newsom’s recent budget proposal indicates ongoing negotiations to adjust the wage law, with a promised deal before the budget is signed. SEIU-UHW, the union behind the law, launched an ad campaign emphasizing the importance of the wage increase amid worker confusion. The governor proposed tying wage increases to the state’s budget, facing a $27.6 billion deficit, with the wage hike potentially costing around $4 billion annually, although the UC Berkeley Labor Center estimates lower costs.

Despite potential changes, some employers are proceeding with the wage increases. The California Hospitals Association and the California Kidney Care Alliance confirmed compliance with the law, and health workers are set to receive between $18 to $23 an hour starting next month, with the full $25 phased in over the years. Some health systems, like UC Health and Kaweah Health Medical Center, have already raised wages to stay competitive and retain employees.

The $25 minimum wage law for California’s lowest-paid healthcare workers specifically applies to a wide range of workers in the healthcare sector. This includes:

•         Hospital workers
•         Dialysis clinic workers
•         Home health aides
•         Nursing assistants
•         Medical technicians
•         Support staff such as janitors and food service workers within healthcare facilities

The law is aimed at ensuring that these essential but often underpaid workers receive a living wage, which will be phased in over several years until it reaches $25 per hour.

Professional Healthcare Staffing Agency

As new staffing legislation underscores the critical need for adequate healthcare staffing, our role as a healthcare staffing company becomes even more vital. By ensuring hospitals can meet the mandated staffing standards, we help improve patient care and reduce the burden on existing healthcare workers. Momentum’s team of experienced professionals is ready to support hospitals in forming effective staffing committees, devising robust staffing plans, and maintaining compliance to avoid hefty fines. Partner with us to navigate these regulatory changes seamlessly and ensure your facility is well-equipped to provide exceptional patient care. Together, we can address the healthcare worker shortage and build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system.

For more information on how we can assist, contact us today.

Sources:

Calmatters.org
beckershospitalreview.com
nurse.org
openai.com

Choosing a new position in family medicine is a critical decision that can significantly impact both a physician’s professional satisfaction and personal well-being. Given the broad scope and demanding nature of family medicine, it is essential for physicians to be selective in their job search. The right position should align with their career goals, provide a supportive work environment, and offer a balanced lifestyle. Being choosy allows family medicine physicians to find opportunities that not only enhance their professional growth but also ensure they can deliver high-quality care to their patients while maintaining a fulfilling personal life. Making an informed and thoughtful choice can lead to long-term job satisfaction and a successful, sustainable career in family medicine.

When finding a new position in family medicine, doctors need to consider several specific factors to ensure the role aligns with their professional and personal needs. These factors include:

Practice Setting:

Determine if the practice is in a solo, group, or multi-specialty setting.

Evaluate the size and structure of the practice, and how it fits with your preferred work style.

Patient Population:

Understand the demographics and health needs of the patient population.

Consider if the practice serves a community with diverse medical needs that align with your expertise and interests.

Workload and Schedule:

Clarify the expected patient volume and types of cases handled daily.

Inquire about the work schedule, including typical hours, on-call duties, and weekend shifts.

Clinical Support and Resources:

Assess the availability and quality of support staff, including nurses, medical assistants, and administrative personnel.

Evaluate access to diagnostic and treatment resources, including electronic health records (EHR) systems.

Professional Development:

Look for opportunities for continuing medical education (CME) and professional growth.

Check if the practice supports participation in conferences, workshops, and additional certifications.

Compensation and Benefits:

Review the salary structure, including base pay, bonuses, and incentives in the city where the position is located. As of May 21, 2024, the average annual salary for a Family Physician in California is $208,231. This equates to roughly $100.11 per hour, $4,004 per week, or $17,352 per month.

Examine the benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, malpractice insurance, and any loan repayment programs.

Work-Life Balance:

Investigate the practice’s policies on work-life balance and flexible scheduling.

Consider the potential for part-time work or job-sharing arrangements if desired.

Practice Management and Autonomy:

Understand the level of autonomy you will have in patient care decisions.

Evaluate the administrative workload and the practice’s approach to managing it.

Community and Lifestyle:

Consider the location of the practice and the quality of life in the surrounding community.

Look for amenities such as good schools, recreational activities, and housing options that suit your lifestyle.

Organizational Culture:

Assess the practice’s culture and values to ensure they align with your own.

Evaluate the collegiality and supportiveness of potential colleagues.

Reputation and Stability:

Research the practice’s reputation within the medical community and among patients.

Consider the financial stability and long-term viability of the practice.

Quality of Care and Patient Philosophy:

Ensure the practice’s approach to patient care aligns with your own philosophy and standards.

Look for practices that prioritize high-quality, patient-centered care.

Permanent vs. Locum Tenens Placement:

Decide if you prefer a permanent position or a locum tenens placement.

Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of each, such as job stability versus flexibility and variety.

By carefully evaluating these factors, family medicine doctors can find positions that not only advance their careers but also support their overall well-being and job satisfaction.

Family medicine offers the opportunity to provide comprehensive, lifelong care, build a practice that reflects your interests, emphasize preventive health, enjoy job stability and a balanced life, address social health determinants, continuously learn, gain community support, and find personal fulfillment in helping patients thrive. Looking for a new family medicine position at the perfect hospital, private practice, VA center, or urgent care? Search now or give Momentum a call.

Sources:

aafp.org
ziprecruiter.com
openai.com

The aging U.S. population is driving rapid growth in the healthcare sector, particularly in roles like home health and personal care aides. These positions, which typically require a high school diploma, are projected to see substantial increases in demand over the next decade. The shift towards in-home care has been accelerated by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made nursing homes less desirable for many. While nurse practitioner roles are also experiencing significant growth in most states, the highest job opportunities in healthcare in the coming years are expected to be in home health and personal care aide positions, particularly in states like California. This analysis, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, sheds light on the evolving landscape of healthcare employment in the U.S.

Healthcare Sector Added 56,000 New Jobs in April

In April, the healthcare sector added 56,000 new jobs, marking a 22% decrease from March but consistent with monthly averages over the past year. Despite the slowdown, healthcare accounted for nearly one-third of the 175,000 jobs created in the larger economy for April.

The healthcare industry has rebounded to pre-pandemic employment levels, with significant job growth observed particularly in ambulatory care services and hospitals. However, despite this growth, demand for healthcare services continues to outpace job creation. Challenges include the need to adapt to changing patient preferences, embrace technology, and address labor shortages. Job openings in healthcare and social assistance are at a high, indicating a persistent gap between demand and supply. Nursing and residential care facilities still face a hiring lag due to patients seeking alternative care options. Healthcare organizations may need to explore collaborations, technology integration, and operational efficiencies to meet increasing demand with limited resources.

Finding Your Dream Healthcare Job with Momentum

Find your perfect healthcare match with us! We’re currently working with amazing hospitals and private practices to fill a variety of openings in the areas of neonatal care, anesthesiology, dentistry, physical medicine and much more. Find all openings at momentumhcs.com/jobs.

Sources:

Thedesertreview.com
Healthleadersmedia.com
Advisory.com
openai.com

Physician assistants in Oregon have successfully advocated for a rebranding, choosing to be called physician associates instead. This shift, effective from June, marks a significant milestone as Oregon becomes the first state to permit PAs to adopt this title officially. The move is driven by the desire for recognition amidst a growing physician shortage. While the change won’t affect their pay, it aims to clarify their professional status and role in healthcare. However, critics argue that it may create confusion among patients and blur distinctions between different healthcare providers. Nonetheless, the evolution of titles and roles in healthcare reflects broader trends, with projections suggesting that advanced practice providers like PAs will outnumber primary care physicians by 2031.

What do Physician Assistants Do?

Physician assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of licensed physicians. They are trained to perform a wide range of medical tasks, including conducting physical examinations, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, assisting in surgeries, prescribing medications, and providing patient education and counseling. PAs work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and primary care practices, and collaborate closely with physicians and other members of the healthcare team to deliver comprehensive patient care. Their role bridges the gap between nursing and medicine, allowing them to contribute significantly to patient management and healthcare delivery.

There is currently an abundance of excellent opportunities for physician assistants (PAs) across various healthcare settings, making it an exciting time to pursue a career in this field. As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, so does the need for skilled and knowledgeable PAs to provide quality patient care. The job outlook for physician assistants is highly promising, with a projected growth rate of 27% from 2022 to 2032, significantly exceeding the average for all occupations.

Hospitals, clinics, physician practices, urgent care centers, and specialty clinics all offer diverse opportunities for PAs to contribute their expertise. Additionally, advancements in telemedicine and digital healthcare platforms have created new avenues for PAs to engage with patients remotely, further expanding their scope of practice. Moreover, the increasing recognition of PAs as vital members of the healthcare team has led to greater autonomy and responsibility in their roles.

2024 Locum Tenens and Permanent Job Board for Physician Assistants

 With competitive salaries, flexible work schedules, and opportunities for career advancement, the landscape for PAs is filled with possibilities for professional growth and fulfillment. Whether one is interested in primary care, emergency medicine, surgery, or a specialized area of medicine, there are countless pathways available for PAs to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field. Search permanent and Locum Tenens jobs now at momentumhcs.com/jobs

Sources:

Axios.com
bls.gov
journalofethics.ama-assn.org
Openai.com

It isn’t unheard of, as a parent, an older individual, or a single person to have a few trips to an urgent care center each year. The reasons could range from a fever to an unusually upset stomach to even more serious things like allergic reactions. Urgent care centers are set up to treat a variety of ailments and conditions with nurses, doctors, and specialists. However, since the outbreak of COVID19, it’s been difficult for urgent care centers to obtain and hold onto permanent medical staff, leaving centers vulnerable to mistakes, burnout, and even shut-downs. When an unfortunate illness or emergency occurs, patients need excellent medical techniques, excellent environments, and most importantly, excellent treatment with caring medical professionals.

Quitting their Jobs

During the harshest days of COVID19, medical staff experienced an unprecedented amount of patients. Patient numbers skyrocketed over 58% the normal volume for urgent care centers in 2020. The increase in stress for medical professionals lead to burn out across the country. According to Heath Care Dive, over 230,000 medical professionals quit their positions in 2021, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other clinicians. Another 117,000 clinicians left the profession all together during the same time, along with 53,000 nurse practitioners. “Internal medicine, family practice, clinical psychology, chiropractic and psychology faced the greatest turnover throughout 2021, according to the report,” says the article. Even more disturbing, a new report told by Forbes claims that 47% of all healthcare workers plan to leave their current jobs by 2025.

Urgent Cares are Unique

In the case of urgent care centers, staffing is exceptionally important because of the unique business model. Staffed with a skeletal team, urgent care centers essentially depend on the volume of patients, particularly flu season, to make profits. Labor is the highest cost in these facilities. According to The Journal of Urgent Care Medicine, recruiting and keeping medical staff were specific to urgent care centers. Rising turnover for urgent care centers, as well as the hiring of temporary staff, may contribute to medical errors, discontent at work for staff members, and a transitory environment.

When it comes to providing steady, reliable, and excellent staff, a big solution is an agency, says verywellhealth. Searching for the right fit, both for the urgent care center and the medical professional is time consuming; time that could be much better spent focusing on the health of patients, says the article. A staffing agency alleviates the process of filling roles temporarily or permanently, and some agencies also help with training, credentialing, and software and vendor management. A staffing agency can also help fill specific gaps in medical staff. Urgent care centers nationwide are especially in need of x-ray technicians, who can bridge the gap between emergency center and doctor’s office. It also helps medical professionals look for exactly what they want in a work environment, increasing morale and retention.

In our rapidly changing world it can be difficult to find consistency, and in the medical world, it couldn’t be more important. Piecing together the right professionals to the right environments can be a huge benefit for all medical centers, and especially urgent care centers. When the bottom line is excellent patient care, the solution is excellent medical staff.

Hiring a Staffing Agency for your Urgent Care Facility

With Momentum, you can feel at ease knowing that we are a trusted hiring partner who handles the entire scope of recruiting the best talent for your urgent care center. That includes permanent and temporary positions for: physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and more.