Docs Who Care/DOCS Emergency Medicine Newsletter Summer 2014 Issue 29

No longer... The best kept secret

inside this issue pg 2

A Welcome Transition

Dr. Mom

pg 3

A Partnership Unfolds

pg 4

Serve to Lead

Resident Moonlighting 101

pg 5

The Inside Scoop

pg 6

Message from the

President and CEO

OUR MISSION: Docs Who Care and DOCS Emergency Medicine are a group of physicians and other health

care providers who partner with community hospitals to provide clinic and emergency department staffing,

hospital inpatient care, and other administrative services.

A WELCOME TRANSITION

Physicians often don’t do well with retirement,

and I was no exception. When I retired, it was

the right time. I was tired of working every day,

and I had a buyer for my practice. It did not

take long before I was restless and bored.

WILLIAM SOPER, M.D.

M y entire life was about becoming a doctor. I knew from

the time I was 12 years old that medicine was the ca-

reer I wanted. So, I did what you are supposed to do - work

hard. I even took college classes at the junior college when I

was in high school. I went to college and on to medical

school. During my first year of medical school this crazy thing

happened, I got pregnant with my first child. I was now a

mother! Toward the end of medical school, I was blessed with

my second child.

I joined a family medicine program and near the end of that three years found my-

self facing one of the biggest decisions of my life: what the heck do I do next? I

knew that I truly enjoyed spending time with my patients, but I found myself at a

crossroads between the demands of clinic and spending more time with my beautiful babies. Even though my whole

life had been geared toward becoming a doctor, when I became a mom my life changed. It was not all about being a

doctor, I wanted to be “Dr. Mom.”

It was during that time that I was introduced to Docs Who Care. Most companies are about the company business

and their bottom line, but I truly feel that I, as a physician, matter to them. Working with DWC has been less about

filling the spots that they need filled and more about allowing me to create the life that I want for my family. I feel as

though I have the best of both worlds and can be both the mother my children deserve and the physician I’ve always

wanted to be.

I missed patient contact and the intellectual stimula-

tion and decision-making of patient care. I missed

the medical environment and the association with other

medical professionals who were actively providing care.

And, I was surprised to find I missed the need to keep

on learning.

My friend, Gary Coulter, former CEO, at Docs Who Care

had been telling me for years that I would find a good

“home” with his company. DWC has been the perfect

solution for my stagnation. Most patients have prob-

lems similar to those I saw in my office, but without the

grind of daily obligations.

We spend several months each year in Florida but

when I am in Kansas City, I typically work 6 - 8 shifts

each month in Trenton, Fairfax, or Cameron. As long as

I plan a few months in advance with the tremendously

helpful DWC staff, I can work my schedule around any

conflicts – grandkids’ birthdays, graduations, etc. In

addition, now that I am in the “retiree set,” I find I am

not alone in having a nagging worry about whether my

retirement funds will outlive me, which seems to be a

concern for most retirees.

I had some trepidation about ATLS, ACLS and PALS

certifications. I was faced with what I’m afraid were

short term memorization challenges; however, much of

it stuck with me, and the knowledge of knowing where

I can look something up is always reassuring.

I am thankful Gary encouraged me to work with DWC.

It has been a great solution for me at this stage of my

career, and I plan to continue as long as my knees and

cerebral cortex will allow me.

Dr. MOM KIANA LONG, D.O.

I have the best of

both worlds and

can be both the

mother my chil-

dren deserve and

the physician I’ve

always wanted to

be.

2: Docs Who Care

KAM DENNILL, PA-C, DWC PROVIDER SINCE 2011

M y first assignment with DOCS Emergency Medicine took

me to Winterset, IA, in July 2011. True to small town

Iowa hospitality, the staff, at Madison

County Memorial Hospital (MCMH)

went the extra mile to make me feel

welcome. At that first encounter, a

solid foundation was laid for what has

developed into a sturdy union. I was

most impressed by how well the staff

from the various departments worked

together to provide quality patient care

in the ED. The comradery and efficient

workflow process between the ED

staff, lab and radiology staff results in impressive diagnostic

turn around times second to none.

Overall MCMH is a great Critical Access Hospital to work in as

an ED provider.

A PARTNERSHIP UNFOLDS IN IOWA MARCIA HENDRICKS, CEO

3: Docs Who Care

MICHELLE SIEBRECHT, PA-C, DWC PROVIDER SINCE 2011

I was recently asked to fill out a

health history form. On the form

they asked what I did to relieve

stress. Oddly, the first thing that

came to mind was work. Not just

any work, specifically, working in

the ED at Winterset, IA. I am sure

the provider reading that form, will

certainly think I am crazy.

When DOCS Emergency Medicine

started working in Winterset, I was

a bit nervous to take on another

new ED. I could not be more

pleased with what I have found at this hospital. Not only are

the nurses above and beyond my expectations, the physi-

cians are always there when you need them, no matter what

time of day it is. The other support staff, lab, x-ray, and the

front office staff is great to work with. I always feel that we

have a great team and the patient is coming out on top.

As a Critical Access Hospital with a small medical staff, Madison County Memorial had struggled keeping

consistent, high quality coverage for our community for several years before we signed our long-term

agreement with DOCS Emergency Medicine in December 2011. Since our partnership began, we have

seen consistently high patient and staff satisfaction scores. Our relationship has resulted in schedules which are

timely and consistent, as well as confidence among our staff in the quality of provider that they will be working with. Most

importantly, our clinical outcomes are meeting our patients’ expectations! We have been very pleased with the professional-

ism and competence of the staff at DOCS and look forward to a longstanding relationship.

SERVEtoLEAD

F ulfilling and flexible, that’s what midlevel providers are saying about

working for Docs Who Care and DOCS Emergency Medicine. Physician

assistants and nurse practitioners have the opportunity to fulfill two major

purposes - medicine and family life. With their focused training, midlevels

are increasingly being used to render services, particularly in rural commu-

nities. It is the passion for medicine and helping those who have medical

needs that makes life exciting for these vital providers. This passion does

not have to come at the expense of family, friends, and other priorities in

life. While serving through DWC, midlevel providers partner with hospitals

and lead the way to a balance between medicine and family life.

The rewarding part of medical work is direct contact with patients. More

than 50 midlevel providers, impacting hospitals across Iowa, Kansas, and

Nebraska, have discovered that working with DWC allows them to spend

more time with patients than in traditional employment positions.

Not only will midlevels experience opportunities to serve in rural America,

but they will also have the support of a medical director who is available

24/7 to provide backup supervision. In addition, medical directors may be

able to offer supervision to hospital-employed midlevels.

It takes a servant leader to help others in their time of need, and we have

many opportunities for you to make a difference as a DWC provider.

“ Working with Docs

Who Care has been a

truly wonderful

experience. Helping

both the patients and

the providers has been

rewarding. My only

wish is that I had done

it earlier in my career.

Don Nebelung, PA-C

DWC Provider since 2010

4: Docs Who Care

RUTH LAIL, REGIONAL COORDINATOR

D ocs Who Care has great moonlighting opportunities for residents. Through the years we have worked with many

residents from residency programs all over the Midwest. As long as you have completed at least 18 months of resi-

dency and have the approval of your residency director, we welcome the opportunity to work with you for moonlighting

assignments.

Providers must have a valid active status state license, DEA, state narcotics certification (if needed) as well as ATLS,

ACLS, and PALS certifications. For residents in Kansas, you will have to secure professional liability coverage and we can

help steer you in the right direction to obtain a quote. For those seeking to work in Colorado, Missouri, Iowa, or Nebras-

ka, we have a liability policy available for a small hourly fee.

Docs Who Care has many weekend and PRN opportunities that will work with your residency schedule. Of course, we are

always willing to be flexible to accommodate call duty hour restrictions, as well.

R E S I D E N T M O O N L I G H T I N G 1 0 1

“

“

It is always good to have the “inside

scoop.” As you consider all the practice

options available today, it can be very

insightful to know a little “inside scoop”

about the organization, culture, service,

mission, and practice philosophy.

F ortunately, the “inside scoop” on Docs Who Care and

DOCS Emergency Medicine is no secret. Just ask our

physicians, providers, and the hospitals with whom we

serve and partner. If you are interested in working with

DWC, we welcome the opportunity to have you speak

with our medical directors and fellow team members.

Having their “inside scoop” will provide a greater per-

spective about how Docs Who Care can be of benefit in

helping you achieve your personal and professional

goals.

Another great way to get the

“inside scoop” is our book,

“It’s All About the Heart - The

Culture of Docs Who Care.”

Cover to cover, this book pro-

vides a glimpse into the cul-

ture of DWC as seen through

the eyes of our hospitals, phy-

sicians, and midlevels. Their

words say it best:

“I am proud to be a small

part of an organization

defined by service,

compassion, excellence, and quality of care.”

Joe Metcalf, M.D. DWC provider since 2008

5: Docs Who Care

THE INSIDE SCOOP JANINE SMITH, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR OF RECRUITING

The entire team of Docs

Who Care staff and

physicians creates their

uniquely positive culture. Brian Evans, CEO

Clarke County Hospital, Osceola, IA

DOCS Emergency Medicine Partner since 2009

With DWC, career possibilities and opportunities are end-

less. We encourage you to explore the “inside scoop,” and

find out for yourself what it is like to be part of the unparal-

leled DWC culture of service, excellence, and quality.

If you would like a copy of our “Culture Book,” or more in-

formation on how to get the “inside scoop, “ contact Janine

Smith at jsmith@docswhocare.com or call (913) 397-

7800.

Working with DWC has been a blessing to me in regards to my career and

my personal life. I am able to fill a need by helping small town communi-ties thrive and then return home and have time and energy to fulfill needs

and goals for myself and my family. Thank you to ALL of the DWC

community for your support! You are all amazing!

Lisa Warren, PA-C, DWC Provider since 2007

As I write this article, I am working 10 days in the rural community of

Gordon, Nebraska, for Docs Who Care. Gordon’s Critical Access Hospi-

tal and clinic is typical of the small rural areas we serve throughout the

Midwest. I am doing everything a traditional family physician does in a

small town - seeing patients in the clinic, covering the Emergency Room,

and caring for inpatients. Although I am here for only 10 days, I am im-

mersing myself in the community, eating in its restaurants, and making

lots of new friends. As I have said many, many times, I feel I have the

best of both worlds - an inspiring, fulfilling job that is quite flexible, al-

lowing me to be involved in lots of non-medical things, like Heart to

Heart medical missions, or spending time with my family and grandkids.

Here in Gordon, I have found a committed staff of nurses and hospital

employees, and three terrific but overworked providers - one doctor and

two midlevels. Fewer and fewer doctors, PA’s, and ARNP’s are willing to

make their stake in a rural community and take up fulltime practice.

Like many small rural communities we serve, they are in desperate

need of help. And yet, the shortage of doctors and other medical pro-

fessionals is only increasing throughout rural America.

The situation in Gordon is not unique. Rural hospitals and clinics across

the Midwest find themselves in very similar situations. Some do find

medical professionals that are willing to stay and “put down roots” in

small rural towns, while others struggle to find and keep permanent pro-

viders. This is exactly why DWC has existed for the past 19 years and

why we are committed, now more than ever, to finding quality and de-

pendable healthcare professionals to meet the great need of hospitals

and clinics, like the one I am serving this week in Gordon.

Thank you to all who have joined me in this mission of serving the peo-

ple of rural America. Never doubt for one moment that your work is not

valued. Your presence in rural communities is making a huge impact!

Now, would you do me a favor? Would you be willing to tell other

healthcare professionals about DWC? Let them know there is a growing

need for providers. Call us, and we will tell you about areas in need and

how you can make a major impact on a small community. DWC may be

considered one of those “best kept secrets” - but it shouldn’t be. Let’s

spread the word. Gordon, Nebraska, and many other communities, will

be eternally grateful.

Gary B. Morsch, M.D.

President and CEO

THE SECRET IS OUT

DOCS WHO CARE

DOCS Emergency Medicine

1337 South Fountain Drive

Olathe, KS 66061

(913) 397-7800

GORDON, NEBRASKA

population 1,612 -

located in the north-

west quadrant of

Nebraska, less than

30 miles from the

South Dakota border.

This small rural town

occupies just 0.9

square miles of land.