Category: Physician Assistant Staffing Company

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

Medical directors play a pivotal role in healthcare facilities, but those in hospice have a special kind of personality. It takes a unique person to work with patients who know they’re dying and to give them the care they deserve.

In general, medical directors oversee and manage the facility’s operations and staff, directly influencing the quality of patient care.

Physicians may be directly responsible for their patient’s medical care, but how they treat and care for their patients reflects on the facility and everyone who works there. Medical directors must keep things running smoothly to maintain their facility’s standards and ensure the best patient care.

Medical Directors Are Business People 

Medical directors run a facility’s business side, ensuring the medical side remains top-notch.

They work with vendors to keep their stock supplied, they maintain the budget, and they ensure government and insurance compliance, among many other things.

Creating A Good Work Environment

Medical directors are also responsible for maintaining the best possible working environment for their physicians and other staff. Facilitating a good work environment includes ensuring the staff feels supported and keeping an excellent physical environment with up-to-date equipment.

They develop and uphold the facility’s policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Medical directors continually work to improve their facilities. The medical field is highly competitive, and science is constantly changing, so medical directors must stay on top of their game to keep their facilities running at the highest standards.

Likewise, this means that medical directors push their staff to continually learn, whether it be in-facility medical training, scientific research, or other educational tools.

Why Are Medical Directors Needed In Hospice Care?

Hospice patients are some of the most vulnerable in the medical community. As such, medical directors are essential in regulating their facilities and staff so patients reach the end of their lives with peace and dignity.

What Do Hospice Medical Directors Do?

One study observed six medical directors working in hospice care over two years to understand their responsibilities better. Here are the primary responsibilities these medical directors were observed performing:

•     Consulting and maintaining communication with physicians
•     Work with the patient’s primary physician to determine life expectancy
•     Approve cases for hospice admission
•     Education of staff
•     Helping with care plans
•     Maintaining quality assurance
•     Handling budget issues
•     Work as a primary physician as needed

Interestingly, most medical directors in hospice care work only a few hours a month, meaning they are not involved in the day-to-day activities.

While the job of a medical director in other settings sometimes involves communicating directly with the patient and their family, hospice medical directors rarely interact with those receiving care in their organizations.

So You Want To Be A Medical Director In Hospice Care?

Becoming a medical director is not a linear path. It’s a complex career with many responsibilities, and medical directors come from various medical and professional backgrounds.

Medical Directors Come From Many Backgrounds

Some medical directors begin their careers as physicians, eventually expanding their jobs to include running a facility as medical directors.

Others are hospital administrators with less of a medical background and more of a professional one. Others may be leaders of specific units, such as hospice, or clinical directors.

It’s common for medical directors to earn a master’s degree in public health, health administration, or other healthcare-related fields.

Certifications For Hospice Medical Directors

While certifications aren’t always necessary depending on the organization, they are wonderful for educating current and prospective medical directors and can improve the quality of their work.

The American Academy Of Hospice And Palliative Medicine

The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine offers medical directors and physicians certification in hospice care. Hospice regulations are complex, and knowledge of hospice care is constantly evolving. The certification helps prepare hospice medical directors by expanding their skills and expertise.

The Hospice Medical Director Certification Board

Other facilities may require prospective hospice medical directors to pass the Hospice Medical Director Certification because hospice care requires unique skills and knowledge that typical medical directors may not have.

To be eligible for the HMDCB certification exam, you must have a license to practice medicine in the United States or Canada, have participated in at least 400 hours of hospice “activities,” and conform to the HMDCB’s code of conduct.

The Qualities Of A Good Hospice Medical Director 

Various qualities are helpful for someone pursuing a hospice medical director career, but organizations typically seek the following skills:

Professionalism. Situations in healthcare can be stressful, especially in situations where the patient is nearing the end of their life, like in hospice. A medical director must be able to remain professional, no matter what complications may arise.

Respect. Likewise, patients nearing the end of their lives want respect and dignity—they don’t want to be treated like a number. Medical directors must also treat their staff with respect since the staff can make or break an organization.

Responsibility. Medical directors have many duties, including maintaining patient care, policies and procedures, and adequate work conditions for their staff.

Integrity. Caring about people and wanting to do the right thing is invaluable for anyone working in the healthcare industry, even if they aren’t hands-on with the patient’s care.

Empathy. A significant part of a medical director’s job is ensuring that physicians and other staff members provide the best patient care. They must look out for the patient’s best interest, evaluate the quality of care, and recognize areas where care is lacking.

Will You Become A Hospice Medical Director?

The road to becoming a hospice medical director may be long, but it’s rewarding in all the best ways. You’ll be responsible for maintaining an amazing facility where the staff feels supported, and the patients feel cared for.

If you have the right qualities and the drive to work hard, becoming a hospice medical director might be your calling.

We have Openings for Hospice Medical Directors

Momentum Healthcare Staffing is all about connecting medical professionals to their dream jobs. If you’re seeking a rewarding career as a Hospice Medical Director, please reach out to us today or visit our job board to learn more. We can help match you to the position that aligns with your professional and personal goals.

U.S. News & World Report ranked the Physician Assistant (PA) profession as the #2 Best Health Care Job, #4 Best STEM Job, and #5 among the 100 Best Jobs in its 2024 rankings. AAPA President Folusho E. Ogunfiditimi emphasized that this consistent recognition over seven years highlights PAs’ dedication to patient care and their essential role in healthcare teams. The PA profession’s future looks promising with a projected 26.5% employment increase from 2022 to 2032, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Despite advancements in technology and AI, the PA role remains vital due to its focus on personalized patient care.

Physician Assistant Benefits

Bethel University explains why being a physician assistant can have many benefits such as:

Versatility: PAs can work in various medical fields and settings, from clinics and hospitals to public health and medical missions, addressing the need for healthcare professionals, especially in underserved areas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 27% increase in PA roles by 2032.

Quicker Entry into Workforce: PAs can start their careers faster and with less debt than physicians, bypassing the lengthy and expensive education required for doctors.

Fulfilling Career: PAs engage in direct patient care, diagnosing and treating patients, which provides a high level of job satisfaction.

Competitive Salary: The median annual salary for PAs was $126,010 in 2023, making it a financially rewarding career.

Specialization Flexibility: PAs can specialize in various fields without lengthy residencies and can switch specialties based on their interests and community needs.

Collaborative Work Environment: PAs work closely with multidisciplinary teams and, in many states, do not require a supervising physician, allowing for a collaborative and team-based approach to patient care.

Work-Life Balance: PAs often have more predictable hours and opportunities for part-time or flexible schedules, aiding in maintaining a work-life balance.

Lifelong Learning: PAs engage in ongoing professional development, staying current in the medical field and participating in community health initiatives, potentially influencing public health and education.

2024 American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Digital Salary Report

The 2024 American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Digital Salary Report revealed that base compensation for Physician Associates/Assistants (PAs) increased by 5.8% in 2023, rising from $120,000 in 2022 to $127,000. AAPA President Folusho E. Ogunfiditimi highlighted the growing demand for PAs, with the profession expected to see a 27% employment growth from 2022 to 2032. Key findings from the report include:

37% of PAs worked in hospital settings, earning a median compensation of over $130,000.

PAs who felt professionally fulfilled tended to have higher median compensation.

90% of PAs received professional development funds.

The top three states for PA base salaries were California ($150,000), Alaska ($141,000), and Hawaii ($140,000).

The report, based on responses from 12,207 PAs, is a comprehensive resource on PA compensation, covering various aspects such as base salary, bonuses, and benefits, with detailed breakdowns by experience, specialty, setting, and employer.

PA Jobs Available Right Now

Looking for opportunities in the Physician Associate/Assistant (PA) field? Look no further! Momentum has a multitude of listings tailored to your preferences and career aspirations. Whether you’re seeking positions in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings, explore our extensive listings to find the perfect fit for you. Your next career move awaits!

Sources:

globenewswire.com

openai.com