c o n n e c t i o n s

While it’s not unusual for rural areas to have a volunteer emergency medical

service, Greeley County started tapping into an innovative source for new volunteers – the local high school – about six years ago.

After receiving training and being certified, the students may only be able to serve for six months or a year, but the pro-gram has reaped benefits in the number of high school students who have chosen health care careers because of it, accord-ing to Randy Cardonell, as-sistant director of Greeley County Ambulance Service and director of Greeley County Emergency Management.

“Our philosophy has been, no matter where they go they can play a role in helping some-one,” said Cardonell, who first got emergency medical technician training 15 years ago as a way to help the community.

His own son Brad went through the train-ing as a high school student and is now one of several from the area who are pre-med majors at the University of Kansas. Two other local high school students are now enrolled at KU School of Medicine.

“They have been a tremendous asset in stimu-lating interest locally in medical professions,” he said. “Several students who have graduated in the last six years are in the medical field or some stage of it. Three students currently are waiting to turn 18 so they can obtain certification. We’re

very proud of that.”

To stimulate interest, the lo-cal hospital and EMS sponsor a Career Day at the local high school that highlights various medi-cal professions. The volunteer EMS also plays an active and

somewhat high-profile role in the

community, which increases interest by volun-teers, Cardonell reported. “A lot of students have seen us at ball games or take care of their friends. We try to maintain a very open dialogue with them. EMS is a good starting point to get into a medical field and you don’t have to wait until college.”

Volunteers are required to go through 240 hours of training. Cardonell enjoys teaching the EMS classes: “It’s always a joy taking those young kids and watching them develop and change. It’s a maturing type of class. When they

Rural Health Education and Services Vol. 15 No. 3 Winter 2008

­What’s­Inside­.­.­.

Page 3Collaboration Helps Diabetics Page 5Dental Care Providers in Kansas

Page 7Kansas Recruitment Center - Job listings Page 15TransformMED Update

Page 16Stories from Greensburg

Page 18Recruiting Rural Physicians

Page 19Background Checks Greeley County’s all-volunteer EMS

Continued on page 4

Rural Volunteer EMS Providing a needed service and more

Kansasc o n n e c t i o n s

National Rural Health Association Visits KUMC

Alan Morgan, the CEO of the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) spoke to students, faculty, staff and supporters at the University of Kansas Medical Center on Jan. 16. He was invited by the Rural Medicine Interest Group (RMIG) and spoke on current issues affecting rural health.

One of the issues, Morgan said, is the dis-connection be-tween policies in Washington that strive at keeping hos-pitals in rural communities open and run-ning. He spoke of the need to attract new medical professionals back to those commu-nities and the success of recruiting students from rural areas to then go back and work in their home towns.

Morgan encouraged audience members to get involved in the process through an advocacy group such as the NRHA, to show the importance of rural health care and keep lawmakers accountable.

Morgan is in charge of advising and help-ing the voice of the 15,000-member NRHA be heard by Washington lawmakers. He has a unique look into the future of rural health care and we were thankful to have him visit the campus.

Kansans Earn Positions at AHA Congratulations to Tom Bell, president &

CEO, Kansas Hospital Association (KHA),

and Robert Moser, MD, medical chief of staff, Greeley County Health Services, for earning their spots on the American Hospital Association (AHA) Section for Small or Rural Hospitals governing council.

Bell has been appointed as a representative from the state hospital association executive forum.

Dr. Moser was named the American Acad-emy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Liaison to

the AHA Section for Small or Rural Hospitals govern-ing council for a three-year term starting January 2008. As a rural provider and rural health care advocate, Dr. Moser says he is very excited to represent the AAFP in this manner.

The governing council in-cludes 18 elected members who are chief executives of some of the country’s lead-ing small or rural hospitals.

The council also has ex-officio members representing the National Rural Health Association, American Academy of Family Physicians and a hospital trustee member.

Members of the governing council work on behalf of the nation’s small or rural hospitals and serve as key contacts and resources for small or rural hospitals in their regions. In addition, members of the governing council work with the AHA, regional and state as-sociation staff to build section visibility and assist in member recruitment and retention.

The Section for Small or Rural Hospitals provides a home for more than 1,600 AHA hospital constituents, while adding value to AHA membership through its many func-tions and services. The AHA and Section monitor the challenges confronting Critical Access Hospitals and communicates them

2

From The Director . . .Lorene R. Valentine

Kansas Connections is published four times a year by the University of Kansas Medical Center, Rural Health Education and Services, Kansas City and Wichita. KUMC is an AA/EO/Title IX Institution.

(316) 293-2649DIRECTOR

Lorene R. ValentineEDITOR

Marena FrazierEDITOR /GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Amanda Gardner

http://ruralhealth.kumc.edu

Continued on back page

Kyle Goerl, Rural Medicine Interest Group president; Shane Thoreson, Speaker Presentation Coordinator;Alan Morgan, CEO of the NRHA; and Michael Kennedy, MD, RMIG Advisor

3

Collaboration Helps Diabetics

D iabetes is the eighth-leading cause of death in Kansas. Almost 50 percent of

Kansans are at increased risk for diabetes be-cause of risk factors including age, obesity and sedentary lifestyle. Children born in the year 2000 will face a one in three chance of devel-oping diabetes at some time in their life.

Rural area health centers are working to change these statistics and improve the care for patients with diabetes. More than 350 health profes-sionals are participating in the Kansas Diabetes Quality of Care Project.

The project started as part of a collaboration between the Kansas Diabetes Prevention and Control Program (DPCP) and the Wichita Quality of Care Coalition. The purpose was to implement new re-sources to increase the quality of care for patients with diabetes in Kansas. Chris Tilden, director, Office of Local and Rural Health at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Marti Macchi, M.Ed., direc-tor, Special Studies with the Office of Health Promotion at KDHE are collaborating on the project. Macchi and her staff have presented this project at numerous national conferences.

The demonstration project in the Wichita community was started in the summer of 2002, after a model for diabetes care qual-ity improvement was developed. Four diverse practices were selected for the pilot project and successfully implemented the Diabetes Electronic Management System (DEMS) into their services. DEMS is a database application system that monitors care for patients with diabetes.

The pilot was extremely successful with the diabetes quality of care continuing to improve in Wichita. The project was implemented throughout the state. As of June 2007 there are 44 funded organizations involved in the project, with 83 sites statewide. More than 350

health professionals are participating in nearly 50 percent of Kansas’ counties. The range of participating organizations are extremely diverse including private practices, safety-net

clinics, local health departments, home health agencies, the Farmworker program, the Ameri-can Indian Health Clinic and more.

These organizations put into practice the Chronic Disease Electronic Management System (CDEMS). This is an upgraded version of the DEMS that assists health care providers in tracking the care of patients with chronic health conditions. Printed progress notes, patient lists, and summary reports generated from the registry database can alter the way services are delivered and measure quality improvement efforts. Diabetes practice teams use clinical information from CDEMS to ad-dress needed system change at the practice level resulting in better care for patients with dia-betes such as: tracking medication adherence; scheduling foot exams, eye exams, and vac-cinations; and implementing other preventive care services. There are now more than 8,000 patients with diabetes who are being tracked by

Cheyenne Rawlins Decatur Norton Phillips Smith Jewell Republic Washington Marshall Nemaha Brown

Doniphan

Sherman Thomas Sheridan Graham Rooks Osborne Mitchell

Cloud Clay Riley Pottawatomie Jackson

Atchison

Ellis Russell Lincoln Ottawa

Dickinson Geary

Wabaunsee

Shawnee

Jefferson Leavenworth

Greeley Wichita Scott Lane Ness Rush Barton

Ellsworth Saline

Morris

Lyon

Osage Douglas Johnson

Hamilton Kearny Finney Hodgeman Pawnee

Stafford

Rice McPherson

Chase Coffey

Franklin Miami

Marion

Anderson Linn

Stanton Grant Haskell

Gray Ford

Edwards Pratt

Reno Harvey Butler Greenwood Woodson Allen Bourbon

Morton Stevens Seward Meade Clark

Kiowa

Comanche Barber

Kingman

Harper

Sedgwick

Sumner Cowley

Elk

Chautauqua

Wilson

Montgomery

Neosho

Labette

Crawford

Cherokee

Wallace Logan Gove Trego Wyandotte

Kansas Diabetes Quality of Care Project Sites

Continued on page 4

Kansasc o n n e c t i o n s

4

start they think it’s all lights and sirens. A real maturation occurs.”

The Tribune-based Greeley County Ambulance Service has 16 active volunteers (two on-call at all times) and two ambulances to serve the 835 square miles in the county. They respond to between 100 and 120

calls per year in addition to providing standby services for fires and school sporting events. While the personnel are volunteers, the county provides the ambulances and upkeep.

Greeley County has another innova-tive health care-related project under way. Todd Burch, CEO of Greeley

County Health Services, and Robert Moser, a long-time local physician, have formed Response Systems, which already has created five new jobs in the community and received a con-tract from eight Louisiana hospitals to provide emergency evacuation services in the event of a hurricane.

The business was started when they built a decontamination trailer for the hospital after they could not find a reasonable one available for purchase. They were surprised to find a demand for such vehicles and responded to a few requests for proposals. To provide hospital evacuations, they’ve retrofitted school buses with cots that can hold up to 20 patients in each bus.

Greeley County was featured re-cently in an article titled “New Direc-tion for Rural Survivability” published in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services. According to the article, the health care system has been the county’s only growth industry over the past two decades.

EMS continued from front page

Diabetes continued from page 3

the CDEMS.Also, patients are being seen by

doctors a lot faster, as some practices are scheduling group visits for patients with diabetes. This way, advice can be given to all of them at once, cutting down on time.

In 2006, an estimated 210,000 adult Kansans had diabetes, with minorities at greatest risk. Sharon Goolsby of the KDHE Center for Health Disparities points out that 12.9 percent of adult African-Americans in Kansas surveyed reported having been diagnosed with diabetes. This is more than any other minority group. This compares with 6.4 percent of Caucasians in the same survey. In addition, 10.7 percent of adult Hispanics have been diagnosed

with diabetes. In 2004, the direct and indirect cost

of diabetes in Kansas was nearly $1.4 billion and the difference in health care costs between controlled and uncontrolled diabetes is immense. Macchi found that patients with a hemoglobin Alc level of a normal 6 percent spend $8,576 on health care over a three year period, whereas dia-betes patients at the same hemoglobin Alc level who have hypertension and heart disease spend $38,726 on health care over a three year period. These numbers show how important it is for patients’ health to be monitored.

In the future, those involved in the project wish to continue adding orga-nizations, provide technical assistance

to practices to further improvements in diabetes indicators and collaborate with other chronic disease programs. In addition, they plan to broaden the Diabetes Quality of Care Project to include a hypertension quality of care component as a specific intervention directed toward non-diabetic patients with high blood pressure and will develop an established infrastructure to direct population-based care for people with high blood pressure.

For more information on the Kansas Diabetes Quality of Care Project con-tact Marti Macchi, M.Ed. at 1000 SW Jackson, Suite 230 Topeka, KS 66612, or (785) 291-3743, or email: MMac-chi@kdhe.state.ks.us.

55

Kansas is suffering from a severe lack of dental care providers with only one

dentist for every 2,557 residents.This number comes from a report released

in November from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. It is far below the national average, which is one dentist for every 1,650 persons. Only 17 states have fewer dentists per capita than Kansas. The problem is especially dire in rural areas and low-income neighborhoods. A Kansas Health Institute Study shows 10 counties in the state have no dentists at all. Also, 36 counties in Kansas have been designated as Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration.

The Kansas Oral Health Plan, a collabora-tion of Oral Health Kansas (OHK) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environ-ment (KDHE), includes the establishment of a statewide recruitment system for dentists and dental hygienists by 2009 in their workforce plan in an attempt to increase the number of dentists practicing in Kansas.

Some organizations have suggested student loan forgiveness as well for dental students committing to practice in a rural Kansas area. Also better Medicaid reimbursement rates for dentists willing to help low-income patients is another proposal as well as more lenient laws allowing dentists to open more satellite offices.

Some believe the lack of a dental school in Kansas is part of the problem. Kansas has a population of 2.7 million people with no den-tal school, whereas Nebraska has 1.5 million people with two dental schools. The Kansas Health Institute study included policy options for increasing dentists in Kansas. One of those policies was to build a dental school or an in-state extension of an existing dental school.

In the summer of 2005, Sedgwick County commissioned Triangle Associates of St. Louis, Missouri, on behalf of OHK, to conduct a study regarding the possibility of establishing an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency program. This is a one-year, post-doctoral training program for dentists. The study proved that an AEGD is not only

possible in Kansas, but can also improve the dental health situation in Kansas.

Wichita State University is working to make this a reality with plans underway to begin a residency program in Kansas this year. The one-year residency will start with four residents. They will provide ser-vices for approximately 8,000 visits a year. A quarter of those visits will be targeted specifically to people who currently have limited or no access to dental care, such as the uninsured, under-insured and low-income Kansans. The second-year resi-dency option will place participat-ing dentists in underserved rural areas of the state.

OHK say a residency program like this will not only serve the immediate needs in the community, but it also increases the likelihood of dentists considering Kansas as a permanent location for practice. Teresa Schwab, director, OHK, says most Kansans go to Missouri for dental school and research shows where stu-dents finish school is usually where they stay. “The AEGD program will help us get back those students,” said Schwab.

Another point suggested by Schwab to increase dental care in Kansas is the supple-menting of dental hygienists to do more in the community. This includes the extended care permits law passed in 2003, allowing hygienists to go to schools, boys and girls clubs and se-nior centers for cleanings, sealants, education,

Dental Care Providers in Kansas How bad is the shortage and will it get better?

Continued on page 6

Kansasc o n n e c t i o n s

6

We’re chipping away at an iceberg. One thing may not help the problem completely, but every little bit

contributes to dental health care as a whole.

Teresa Schwab, director, Oral Health Kansas

and fluoride varmints. It also allows hygien-ists to meet patients where they are, resolving transportation issues.

Schwab feels a dental recruitment center would be greatly beneficial. “If we could have a coordinated dental recruitment center as we do for physicians, it would be fantastic,” said Schwab.

Rural Health Education and Services (RHES) at the KU Medical Center released a study in September 2007 outlining the need for a dental recruitment center. The study made three recommendations to improve the lack of dental care in Kansas and ultimately improve dental care for Kansans. The first was to offer a centralized recruitment program for

dentists and dental hygienists. Next they rec-ommended offering a temporary coverage pro-gram for dentists and dental hygienists. And finally, a loan forgiveness program for dentists and dental hygienists was recommended.

In the study, 463 dentists and 632 hygien-ists across Kansas were surveyed, as well as 511 dental students across the Midwest. RHES found a high need for a dental recruitment program. Fifty-eight percent of the safety net clinics/community health centers and 21 per-cent of the dentists stated they currently need assistance recruiting dentists. If in the future, there was a need to recruit a dentist, 58 percent of the safety net clinics/community health cen-ters and 52 percent of the dentists stated they would use a dental recruitment service.

The need for a dental temporary coverage program was high as well. Thirty-one percent of dentists would use a temporary cover-age program for dentists and 40 percent of the dentists would use a temporary coverage program for dental hygienists. Meanwhile, 58 percent of the safety net clinics/community health centers would use a temporary cover-age program for dentists and 50 percent of the

safety net clinics/community health centers would use a temporary coverage program for dental hygienists.

RHES’s last proposal is for a dental loan for-giveness program. It was found that 69 percent of the dental students from contiguous states and 62 percent of the dental hygiene students in Kansas reported that their decision regard-ing where to practice would be influenced by the availability of a loan forgiveness program.

“We’re chipping away at an iceberg,” Schwab said. “One thing may not help the problem completely, but every little bit con-tributes to dental health care as a whole.”

In the mean time, several other organizations are doing their part to improve dental care for

Kansans. The Kansas Dental Chari-table Foundation helps the cause by running an annual event called the Kansas Mission of Mercy. Dental professionals help by offering their time in low-income or rural areas for free. The most recent Mission of Mercy was held in Topeka in Febru-ary 2007. The dental professionals

provided more than $1 million in services for free to 1,815 patients.

Sixteen safety net clinics set up around the state are currently providing direct dental care to the underserved. The Kansas Association of the Medically Underserved (KAMU) say the capacity falls far short of the need. Therefore, they are proposing a series of strategies that will help the safety net clinics. These proposals include a Dental Expansion Grant Program targeted at clinics that have at least one FTE dentist on staff, capacity building with train-ing sessions to develop skills, increasing clinic performance, building partnerships and the gaining of community support, and the final proposal is that of recruitment and retention.

To view the Kansas Recruitment Center’s dental report, visit the rural health Web site at http://ruralhealth.kumc.edu.

Dental continued from page 5

Teresa Schwab

7

The mission of the Kansas Recruitment Center (KRC) is to assist Kansas’ rural communities in recruiting and retaining physicians and other health care providers.

KRC works with hospitals, private physician practices, community health centers, and other organizations recruiting physicians, nurses, physician assistants or other health care professionals.

KRC is also a health care career service for physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners and other allied health professionals. KRC assists can-didates in finding a community and practice or career opportunity that meets their requirements. Services are provided to candidates at no charge. Candidates should refer to a position by number when they are calling about a specific opening. For more information, contact the University of Kansas Medical Center, Rural Health Education and Services, 316-293-2649 or 1-888-503-4221, or visit the Web site at http://ruralhealth.kumc.edu.

January 2008

K A N S A S R E C R U I T M E N T C E N T E R

NORTH CENTRAL

KRC.0204.1305.01 Hematologist/Oncologist – new cancer center approved by the Commis-sion on Cancer, American College of Surgeons; current staff: 3 physicians and 1 mid-level; patient population is adult thru geriatric; facility amenities include chemotherapy room w/window wall, counseling room, wig room

KRC.0204.1305.03 Pulmonary Medicine/ Critical Care – 26-physician multi-specialty clinic; currently 10 specialties; additional ser-vices include full-service lab, nuclear medicine, echo and vascular testing, ultrasound, and full x-ray unit; full-service acute facility and surgery hospital nearby

KRC.0204.1305.04 Invasive and Interven-tional Cardiologist – 26-physician multi-spe-cialty clinic; currently 10 specialties; additional services include a full service lab, nuclear medicine, echo and vascular testing, ultrasound, and full x-ray unit; full-service acute facility and surgery hospital nearby

KRC.0204.1305.05 Internist – 26-physician multi-specialty clinic; currently 10 specialties; additional services include a full service lab, nuclear medicine, echo and vascular testing, ul-trasound, and full x-ray unit; full-service acute facility and surgery hospital nearby

KRC.0204.1305.06 Nephrologist – 26-physician multi-specialty clinic; currently 10 specialties; additional services include a full service lab, nuclear medicine, echo and vascular testing, ul-trasound, and full x-ray unit; full-service acute

facility and surgery hospital nearby

KRC.0604.1804.01 Family Physician – group practice, 25-bed CAH, acute medical, skilled nursing unit, 24-hour emergency, IP & OP surgery, OB, very active rehab department

KRC.0729.0701.02 General Surgeon – group practice affiliated with a regional medical cen-ter that serves a population of 60K; the medical center’s state-of-the-art technologies include a full laparoscopic system, family birthing rooms, well-equipped intensive care unit, ER, Level II nursery, fixed site MRI and CT; salary: $200,000-$250,000; great benefits; H1-B Visa opportunity

KRC.0729.0701.03 Orthopedist – group practice affiliated with a regional medical center that serves a population of 60K; the medical center’s state-of-the-art technologies include a full laparoscopic system, family birthing rooms, well-equipped intensive care unit, ER, Level II nursery, fixed site MRI and CT; competitive salary; great benefits; H1-B Visa opportunity

KRC.1013.1801.03 General Surgeon – hospi-tal-employed, 25-bed CAH with new surgical addition in progress; current staff: 3 family practitioners, 1 surgeon, 1 mid-level; additional hospital facilities include a 30-bed long-term care unit and an outreach clinic that is staffed 3.5 days per week; hospital services include OB, a full lab, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.1204.0306.01 Family Physician – for 25-bed CAH w/ 2 satellite clinics; OB required, prefer

ability to do c-section; currently 3 family physi-cians, 1 surgeon, 1 radiologist, 2 PAs, and 1 NP on staff; call is 1:5; hospital services include general surgery, cardiac rehab, cardio pulmo-nary, radiology, OB, OT, PT, CT scans, MRI, x-ray; salary is negotiable; full benefits

KRC.0605.0806.01 Family Physician – 25-bed CAH; hospital services include: on-site CT, mo-bile MRI and ultrasound, lab, x-ray, swing beds, urology clinic, cardiac clinic; salary: $145,000-$155,000, potential for production bonus; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.1105.1911.01 Family Physician – with OB for a 25-bed CAH and rural health clinic; the hospital does OB and the family practitioners may perform c-sections; general surgeon, 2 family practitioners, and 2 nurse practitio-ners on staff; currently, call is 1:4 and they locum tenens ER coverage 1 weekend/month; hospital services include OB, ER, lab, radiol-ogy, specialty care, and long term care; salary is $140,000-$160,000; full benefits

KRC.0206.1001.01C Family Physician – w/o OB or surgery, 12-bed CAH; rural health clinic attached to hospital; 83 staff members at hospi-tal, including PA; call time is 1:2 and non-call time is completely off for practitioner; hospital services include acute care, swing bed, ER, PT, cardiac rehab, ADA certified, and outpatient clinics for cardiac and orthopedics; salary is $135,000-$160,000; full benefits

KRC.0506.0503.01C Family Physician –25-bed CAH and rural health clinic; current staffing in-

Continued

Kansasc o n n e c t i o n s

8

cludes 1 physician and 1 PA; call is 1:3; hospital services include acute care, swing bed, ER ser-vices, therapy department, full service lab and x-ray, contracted sonogram and mammogram, and mobile CT scan unit; salary: $135,000-$150,000; full benefits

KRC.0204.1305.07 Physician AssistantKRC.0204.1305.08 Nurse Practitioner – posi-tion to work with 2 Gastroenterologists in a 26-physician multi-specialty clinic; currently 10 specialties; Gastroenterology experience preferred, but willing to train the right person; clinic services include a full service lab, nuclear medicine, echo and vascular testing, ultra-sound, and full x-ray unit; full service acute care facility and surgery hospital nearby; salary is competitive and negotiable depending on experience; opportunity for incentive bonus; all clinic benefits available

KRC.0204.1305.09 Gastroenterologist – a 26-physician multi-specialty group with 3 Gastroenterologists seeks BC/BE Gastroenter-ologist to join a well established, busy practice; early partnership, surgical hospital ownership, excellent benefits and a large referral area make this an excellent opportunity

KRC.0906.1305.10 General Surgeon – for multi-specialty clinic that is owned and oper-ated by 25 physicians representing 11 medical specialties; 3 general surgeons on staff; call is 1:4; full service acute care facility nearby as well as a surgery hospital; salary and benefits are negotiable

KRC.1006.1801.01 Family Physician – without OB for 25-bed CAH; currently 3 FPs, 1 sur-geon, and 1 mid-level on staff; additional hos-pital facilities include a 25-bed long term care unit and outreach clinic that is staffed 2 ½ days per week; rotating local on-call backup; hospital services include lab, diagnostic imaging, rehab services, surgical services, ER, OR, and respira-tory therapy; salary is $145,000-$165,000; full benefits

KRC.1106.1801.05 Emergency Medicine – for 25-bed CAH; currently 3 FPs, 1 surgeon, and 1 mid-level on staff; additional hospital facilities include a 25-bed long term care unit and out-reach clinic that is staffed 2 ½ days per week; rotating call schedule; hospital services include lab, diagnostic imaging, rehab services, surgical services, ER, OR, and respiratory therapy; sal-ary is $145,000-$165,000; full benefits

KRC.1106.1801.06 Family Physician – for ER in

a 25-bed CAH; currently 3 FPs, 1 surgeon, and 1 mid-level on staff; additional hospital facilities include a 25-bed long term care unit and out-reach clinic that is staffed 2 ½ days per week; rotating call schedule; hospital services include lab, diagnostic imaging, rehab services, surgical services, ER, OR, and respiratory therapy; sal-ary is $145,000-$165,000; full benefits

KRC.1106.0806.02 Laboratory Supervisor – for 25-bed CAH that supports a health clinic; cur-rently 3 med techs and 1 phlebotomist on staff; average of 30 patients/day; hospital services include cardiac rehab, PT, CT, mobile MRI and ultrasound, lab, x-ray, scopes, swing beds, urol-ogy clinic and cardiac clinic; CLIA required; experience preferred, but new graduates encouraged to apply; salary is negotiable

KRC.0107.1501.02 Family Physician – for a 25-bed CAH; they are expanding their medi-cal staff to treat patients at the Rural Health Clinic and hospital; must have experience in a rural ER; hospital services include acute care, preventive medicine, PT, hospice, EMS, OB, surgery, and swing bed; call is 1:4 or 1:5; salary is $180,000 with a bonus package; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0707.0701.11 Family Physician – without OB for two-campus, 99-bed hospital with secondary campus 20 miles southwest; hospital services include a full laparoscopic system, fam-ily birthing rooms, ICU, ER, Level II nursery, MRI and CT, PT, OT, speech rehab, cardio-re-spiratory, lab, respite care, mammography; on-cology, orthopedics, pulmonology, cardiology, nephrology outpatient clinics available; salary is $140,000 + production incentive + sign-on bonus; call is 1:2; full benefits

KRC.0407.0707.01 Orthopedic Surgeon – with interest in fracture care, joint replacement, and sports medicine for well-established group practice; currently 2 orthopedic surgeons and 3 PA’s on staff; call is 1:3; full ancillary services available; new Q-Rad Radiographic System on premises; excellent compensation; benefits package

KRC.0407.0707.02 Family Physician – w/ or w/o OB (OB preferred) for well-established group practice; currently 4 physicians and 1 ARNP on staff; weekend call is 1:5; lab, mam-mography, and x-ray services on premises; full service acute hospital and surgical hospital nearby; salary is competitive; full benefits

KRC.0607.1916.01 Obstetrician/Gynecologist

– for single specialty clinic with OB/GYN practice; must be board certified or eligible; 385-bed hospital; 125 physicians currently on staff; hospital services include behavioral health, cancer, cardiology, emergency services, lifeline, radiology, rehab, sleep disorders center, and a wound care clinic; salary is competitive; full benefits; H-1B opportunity

KRC.0607.1916.02 Orthopedist – for success-ful single specialty clinic w/ thriving Ortho practice; must be board certified or eligible; 385-bed hospital; 125 physicians currently on staff; hospital services include behavioral health, cancer, cardiology, emergency services, lifeline, radiology, rehab, sleep disorders center, and a wound care clinic; salary is competitive; full benefits; H-1B opportunity

KRC.0607.1916.03 Pediatrician – for private practice opportunity with privileges at the 385-bed hospital; services include behavioral health, cancer, cardiology, emergency services, lifeline, radiology, rehab, sleep disorders center, and a wound care clinic; must be board certified or eligible; salary is competitive with loan forgive-ness; full benefits; H-1B opportunity

KRC.0607.1916.05 Radiation Oncologist – for growing staff at state-of-the-art Cancer Care Center; the 385-bed hospital’s services include behavioral health, cancer, cardiology, emer-gency services, lifeline, radiology, rehab, sleep disorders center, and a wound care clinic; salary is competitive and negotiable; 125 physicians currently on staff; salary is competitive and negotiable; full benefits; H-1B opportunity

KRC.0607.1916.06 Radiologist – for well-established private practice group; must be board certified or board eligible; the 385-bed hospital’s services include behavioral health, cancer, cardiology, emergency services, lifeline, radiology, rehab, sleep disorders center, and a wound care clinic; salary is competitive and negotiable; 125 physicians on staff; salary is competitive and negotiable; full benefits; H-1B opportunity

KRC.0807.0503.03C Physician AssistantKRC.0807.0503.04C Nurse Practitioner – for 25-bed CAH and rural health clinic; currently 1 physician and 1 PA on staff; call is 1:4; hospital services include acute care, swing bed, ER, therapy dept; lab, x-ray, contracted sonogram and mammogram, and a mobile CT scan unit; salary is $72,000-$80,000; benefits

Continued

9

KRC.0107.1501.03 Physician Assistant – w/ or w/o OB for 25-bed CAH with attached clinics; PA will provide family care and ER coverage; hospital services include acute care, preventive medicine, PT, hospice, EMS, OB, surgery, and swing bed; currently 2 clinics and each is responsible for 50% call; salary is $65,000-$75,000; benefits

KRC.0707.0701.12C Obstetrician/Gynecologist – to join practice for a two-campus, 99-bed, regional acute care hospital; the primary campus is located in town, and the second is 20 miles southwest; currently the number of births is 450 annually but is expected to grow; call is divided in two, unassigned will be 1:4 and practice call will be 1:2; NP will cover physician’s first call about ½ of the time; salary is $240,000-$300,000 + production and sign-on bonus; full benefits

KRC.1007.0504.01 Family Physician – w/o OB for 20-bed CAH w/ 5 rural health clinics; hos-pital services include diagnostic radiology; lab, RT, 24-hour ER, acute and intermediate care, cardiac rehab, PT, OT, and speech therapy; cur-rently 2.25 physicians, 2 PAs, and 1 NP on staff; call is 1:5 w/ separate contract for holidays and weekends; salary is 100% production-based, guaranteed first 2 years; full benefits

KRC.1007.1801.07 Medical Technologist –25-bed CAH; hospital services include lab, diagnostic imaging, rehab services, surgery, ER, OR, and RT; day shift available, with 1-2 days call/week; equal rotation of weekend and holiday coverage and 8-10 hour shifts; salary is competitive; benefits

KRC.0307.1202.07 Family Physician –14-bed modern, progressive CAH w/ large rural health clinic and ER; caseload includes inpatient and outpatient; salary is competitive and nego-tiable; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0307.1202.08 Internist –14-bed modern, progressive CAH w/ large rural health clinic and ER; caseload includes inpatient and outpa-tient; salary is competitive and negotiable; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.1007.1801.08 Nurse –25-bed CAH; hospital services include lab, diagnostic imaging, rehab services, surgical services, ER, OR, and RT; 12 hr shift w/ shift differential for evening/week-end and holiday coverage; rotating schedule 3 days on and 4 days off; salary is competitive; full benefits

NORTHEAST

KRC.0305.1401.01 Medical Technologist – 24-bed CAH; experienced and new graduates encouraged to apply; hospital services include inpatient, outpatient, swing bed, OB; salary: $37,000-$52,000 depending on experience; full benefits

KRC.1205.0704.01C Internist – to join 3 in-ternists in employed practice or new private practice; call is 1:4; family practice physicians perform ER coverage; the community and hospital are growing – 30,000 new residents expected within the next 6 year; hospital is un-dergoing a $40 million expansion; net income guarantee of $160,000 (negotiable depending on training and experience); benefits

KRC.1106.1311.02 Family Physician – group practice located next to a 28-bed CAH; prefer OB, but not required; currently 3 physicians and 1 mid-level on staff; call is 25%; salary and benefits are not predetermined as this is consid-ered an independent practice

KRC.1106.1311.03 General Surgeon – for group practice; currently 1 general surgeon on staff; limited call coverage; hospital is a 28-bed CAH and supports a satellite clinic; salary is structured on a fee-for-service basis; benefits are negotiable; H-1B opportunity

KRC.0305.1401.05 Family Physician – with OB for 24-bed CAH with 2 satellite clinics; cur-rently 2 family physicians and 2 NP’s on staff; call is 1:5; hospital services include inpatient, outpatient, sub acute, surgery, OB, PT and OT, lab, radiology, and outreach clinics; salary is $125,000-$175,000; full benefits

KRC.0107.0704.04 Obstetrician/Gynecologist – for hospital-employed group practice; the community and hospital are growing – hospital service area is 45,000 and they expect 30,000 new residents within the next 6 years; hospital is undergoing a $40 million expansion over the next two years; salary is competitive and negotiable; full benefits

KRC.0507.1313.01 Cardiologist – for 120-bed, hospital-based regional health center with a va-riety of services; call is no more than 10 days/month; salary is competitive and negotiable; strong vacation and benefits package; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0507.1313.02 Hematologist/

Oncologist – for 120-bed, hospital-based re-gional health center; serves an 8-county popula-tion of approx. 186,000 people; physician needed to diagnose and treat tumors, and blood and blood-forming tissue disorders; call is no more than 10 days/month; salary is competi-tive and negotiable; strong vacation and benefits package; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0507.1313.04 Pharmacist – with Kansas licensure for 150-bed hospital-based regional health center; pharmacist prepares and dis-penses drugs, monitors patient drug therapies, and provides drug information; hospital uses electronic MAR and bed-side verification; cur-rently 4 pharmacists on staff; salary is competi-tive and negotiable; full benefits

KRC.0507.1313.05 Physician Assistant – to support interventional cardiologist developing heart program within 150-bed, hospital-based regional health center; experienced and new grads are encouraged to apply; salary is compet-itive and negotiable; full benefits

KRC.0507.1313.07 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon – for group practice, with opportuni-ty for partnership; call is no more than 10 days/month; salary is competitive and negotiable; strong vacation and benefits package available; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0607.2306.01 Family Physician – for 40-bed CAH; hospital services include ER, swing bed, Oncology Nursing, outpatient IV therapies, specialty clinics, PT, OT, and speech therapy; physician can be employed by hospital or join a group; salary is competitive and nego-tiable; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.1205.0704.05 Pharmacist – registered pharmacist for 91-bed hospital; currently 1 pharmacist, 2 RNs, 1 pharm tech, and 3 sup-port staff; experienced as well as new grads encouraged to apply; salary is $62940-$93163 depending upon experience; full benefits

KRC.0907.0704.06C Family Physician – to join established, hospital-owned and managed prac-tice, located in new clinic on hospital campus; physician will join two other physicians in the Rural Health Clinic; call is 1:5; family physi-cians perform ER coverage; salary is $150,000-$160,000; full benefits

KRC.1007.2201.01C Family Physician – to join 2 physicians at group practice clinic; salary is

Continued

Kansasc o n n e c t i o n s

10

$140,000+; call coverage rotates; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.1107.1401.06 Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant –24-bed CAH with 2 satellite clinics; currently 3 family physicians, 1 mid-level, and 1 OTR on staff; no call; hospital services include inpatient, outpatient, sub acute, surgery, OB, PT, OT, lab, radiology, and outreach clinics; salary range: $14.65-$20.51/hr dependent upon experience; full benefits

KRC.1107.1401.07 Occupational Therapist – 24-bed CAH with 2 satellite clinics; currently 3 family physicians, 1 mid-level, and 1 OTR on staff; no call; hospital services include inpatient, outpatient, sub acute, surgery, OB, PT, OT, lab, radiology, and outreach clinics; salary range: $23.00-$32.20/hr dependent upon experience; full benefits

KRC.1207.1313.10 Occupational Health Physi-cian – 120-bed health center with a wide variety of services; opportunity to direct the occupational health program; salary is competi-tive and negotiable; strong vacation and benefits package; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.1207.1502.01C Family Physician – for2 rural health clinics; 39-bed medical center 18 miles from the clinics, services include: primary care, surgical, imaging, lab, and subspecialty consults; call will be split between 7 physi-cians; salary is $140,000; full benefits; H-1B opportunity

KRC.1207.1502.02C Medicine-Pediatrics – for 2 rural health clinics; 39-bed medical center 18 miles from the clinics, services include: primary care, surgical, imaging, lab, and subspecialty consults; call will be split between 7 physi-cians; salary is $140,000; full benefits; H-1B opportunity

KRC.0108.0704.07 Orthopedic Surgeon – for group practice w/ 6 board certified orthos; position includes seeing patients from the hospital and a local practice; potential partner-ship option and teaching opportunity available if interested; the community and hospital are growing; the hospital is currently undergoing a $40 million expansion, including a new surg center; salary is $250,000-$300,000; benefits

NORTHWEST

KRC.0603.0801.01 Orthopedist – 2 positions available for group practice; 190+ bed state-of-the-art medical center with an in-clinic MRI

and wellness facility; 90 physicians on active medical staff; salary negotiable; benefits; H1-B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0603.0801.05 Plastic Surgeon – 190+ bed state-of-the-art medical center with new well-ness facility; currently 90 physicians on active medical staff; salary negotiable; benefits

KRC.0603.0801.18 Gastroenterologist – 190+ bed state-of-the-art medical center with new wellness facility; currently 90 physicians on active medical staff; salary negotiable; full ben-efits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0603.0801.19 Nephrologist – 190+ bed state-of-the-art medical center with new well-ness facility; currently 90 physicians on active medical staff; salary negotiable; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0505.0703.01 Family Physician – with OB, prefer c-section certified; 25-bed CAH; cur-rently 3 physicians and 1 mid-level; call is 1:4 as secondary to ARNP (primary ER call); full service hospital including med/surg acute care, OB/nursery, ER, outpatient, surgery/recov-ery, diagnostic imaging, lab, PT, RT, inpatient pharmacy, ambulance, specialty clinic, primary care clinic; salary includes base + productivity incentive, approximately $150,000+ depend-ing on OB and procedures; full benefits; H-1B opportunity

KRC.0805.0101.05 Respiratory Therapist – 25-bed CAH that includes a 2 physician hospital-based clinic and a 68-bed long term care facil-ity; hospital services include acute care, swing bed, OB, diagnostic, lab, respiratory, specialty clinic, ER, and ICU; staff includes 2 full time therapists and 3 prn therapists; daily average of 15 patients; rotating call; open to experienced therapists and new graduates and CRTT or RRT

KRC.1205.0801.23 Internist – 190+ bed, state of the art medical center and wellness facil-ity; currently 90 physicians on staff; call is 1:5; salary is negotiable; benefits; an outstanding hospital in a positive and progressive environ-ment; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.1205.0801.25 Family Physician – without OB for 190+ bed, state of the art medical cen-ter and wellness facility; currently 90 physicians on staff; call is 1:6; salary is negotiable; benefits; an outstanding hospital in a positive and pro-gressive environment

KRC.0606.1404.01C Family Physician – for 25-

bed CAH; OB preferred; rural health clinic on-site (4-day schedule); currently 3 family physi-cians, 1 general surgeon, 1 mid-level on staff; call is 1:5 ER and 1:3 OB; hospital services include acute care, intermediate care, ER, lab, x-ray, PT, RT, specialty clinics, cardiac rehab, skilled nursing, and chemotherapy administra-tion; salary is $140,000-$150,000 + incentives; full benefits; J-1 and H-1B opportunity

KRC.0906.1602.01C Family Physician – for 25-bed CAH with a 33-bed long term care unit attached; 2 clinics - one in town, and one 15 miles away; out of town clinic has a physician half day/week and FT NP; new physician will work in the clinic 4.5 days and will perform rounds on long term care patients, as well as with their patients in the hospital; OB pre-ferred, but not required; no high-risk OB; currently 1 physician (does OB), 1 NP, and 2 PAs on staff; call is 1:4 with second call backup for the PAs; hospital services include acute care, ER, minor surgery, OB, EECP, PT, OT, and speech; salary is $150,000-$165,000 + additional pay for ER coverage and production bonus; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.1106.1805.02 Physical Therapist – for 25-bed CAH; building new hospital; currently 1 PT and 1 PTA on staff; responsibilities include evaluation, planning and administering therapy treatment to an avg. of 20 patients/day; hospital services include: lab, OB, PT, stress testing, car-diac rehab, diagnostic imaging, CT, MRI, EKG, nuclear medicine, ER, ultrasound, and general surgery; 4 satellite clinics; experienced and new graduates encouraged to apply; must have Kan. licensure or be eligible; salary is negotiable; full benefits

KRC.1106.0801.26 Anesthesiologist – to join group of 4 anesthesiologists; group has exclusive agreement with hospital to provide services; currently 4 physicians and 6 CRNA’s; 193-bed hospital provides cardiothoracic sur-gery, general surgery, orthopedics, peds, OB, internal medicine, pulmonology, neurology, and family medicine; salary is $250,000; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0307.1803.04C Family Physician – w/o OB for a health center that operates a 24-bed CAH, 2 rural health clinics, 8 specialty clinics, and a retirement community; the family physi-cian sees patients in a rural health clinic setting and long-term care facility, and participates in the admission and delivery of inpatient care; call is no more than 1:3 ½ ; currently 3 full-time

Continued

11

providers on staff; salary is $150,000-$170,000 + productivity bonus starting 2nd year + $10,000 sign-on bonus; excellent benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0307.1803.05C Internist – for a health cen-ter that operates a 24-bed CAH, 2 rural health clinics, 8 specialty clinics, and a retirement community; the internist sees patients in a rural health clinic setting and long-term care facility, and participates in the admission and delivery of inpatient care; call is no more than 1:3 ½ ; currently 3 full-time providers on staff; salary is $150,000-$170,000 + productivity bonus starting 2nd year + $10,000 sign-on bonus; excellent benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0307.1902.05 Family Physician – w/o OB for 18-bed CAH; patient population is pediatric thru geriatric in variety of settings; hospital services include lab, x-ray, rehab, mobile CT & MRI, interactive TV, and EMR equipment; excellent opportunity with an up-and-coming rural healthcare facility; currently 1 physician and 1 mid-level on staff; call is 1:3 with ER; flexible schedule; salary is $120,000+ with sign-on and production bonuses; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0307.1902.06 Internist – for 18-bed CAH; patient population is pediatric thru geriatric in variety of settings; hospital services include lab, x-ray, rehab, mobile CT & MRI, interactive TV, and EMR equipment; excellent opportunity with an up-and-coming rural healthcare facility; 1 physician and 1 mid-level on staff; call is 1:3 with ER; flexible schedule; salary is $120,000+ with sign-on and production bonuses; full ben-efits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0307.1902.07 Pediatrician – for 18-bed CAH; patient population is pediatric thru geriatric in variety of settings; hospital services include lab, x-ray, rehab, mobile CT & MRI, interactive TV, and EMR equipment; excellent opportunity to learn and grow with an up-and-coming rural healthcare facility; currently 1 physician and 1 mid-level on staff; call is 1:3 with ER; flexible schedule; salary is $120,000+ with sign-on and production bonuses; full ben-efits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0307.1902.08 Medicine-Pediatrics – for 18-bed CAH; patient pop. is pediatric thru geri-atric in variety of settings; hospital services: lab, x-ray, rehab, mobile CT & MRI, interactive TV, and EMR equipment; excellent opportunity; 1 physician and 1 mid-level on staff; call is 1:3 with ER; flexible schedule; salary is $120,000+ with sign-on and production bonuses; full ben-

efits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0307.1802.06 Family Physician – w/o OB, outpatient and inpatient caseload; 24-bed CAH with a rural clinic on-site; hospital services: outpatient surgery, med surg, CT, lab, and radiology; 2 internists on staff; call is 1:3 and includes ER; salary is competitive and nego-tiable; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0307.0801.27 Pulmonologist/Critical Care Physician – for 2 physician team, practice attached to hospital; the 190+ bed state-of-the-art medical center’s services include pulmonary/critical care, sleep lab, cardiology, cardiac surgery, orthopedics, OB/GYN, general surgery, internal medicine, neurology, infec-tious disease, urology, pediatrics, and oncology; currently 90 physicians on staff; call is 1:3; sal-ary is competitive and negotiable; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0507.0801.28 Radiologist – for well-estab-lished, hospital-based, state-of-the-art medical center and wellness facility; currently 90 physi-cians on staff; call is 1:4; salary is negotiable; full benefits; positive and progressive environ-ment; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0707.0402.03 Family Physician – for group practice in 24-bed CAH and 36-bed long term care unit; currently 3 family physicians and 1 NP on staff; family physician will work in clinic w/in walking distance of hospital; call is 1:4 days; hospital services include OB, OR, OP, CT, PT, RT, mammography, and cardiac rehab; 1 satellite facility; salary range is $130,000-$150,000; loan repayment and relocation available

KRC.0907.0801.29 Physician Assistant – to support Cardiologist within a 190+ bed, state-of-the-art medical center and wellness facility; experienced Pas and new grads encouraged to apply; currently 90 physicians on medical staff; salary is competitive and negotiable; full benefits; outstanding hospital in a positive and progressive environment

KRC.0907.0312.01C Family Physician – w/ OB for newly remodeled rural health clinic on campus of 25-bed CAH; currently 2 physician and 2 mid-levels on staff; ER call is 1:5 and OB call is 1:3; C-section ability a plus; hospital ser-vices include 16-slice CT, on-site MRI, CRNA and orthopedic surgeon; salary is $170,000-$200,000; full benefits

KRC.0307.1802.07 Internist – for outpatient and inpatient caseload; 24-bed CAH with rural

health clinic on-site; hospital services include outpatient surgery, med surg, CT, lab, and radiology; currently 2 internist on staff; the position does ER coverage at the hospital, call is 1:3; salary is competitive and negotiable; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0108.0703.03 Medical Technologist – for 25-bed CAH; must have CLS or ASCP certifica-tion; call is 1 day/wk and every 5th week-end; hospital services: med/surg acute care, OB/nursery, ER, surgery/recovery, diagnostic imaging, lab, PT, RT, pharmacy, ambulance, specialty clinic, and primary care clinic; cur-rently 5 med techs and 2 phlebotomists; avg. 14 patients/day; salary is competitive and negotiable; full benefits

SOUTH CENTRAL

KRC.1104.1907.01 Family Physician – w/o OB; 2 physicians and 1 NP on staff, 24-bed CAH with on-site clinic; hospital services: CT, travel MRI, Dexxa, full-service surgery; salary: $130,000-$140,000 (2 yr. contract); relocation and CME allowance; possible loan repayment

KRC.1005.0308.01 Pediatrician – group prac-tice in a peds-only clinic connected to 82-bed hospital with Level 2 nursery (gestation not < 32 wks); complete EMR/HER; 3 pediatricians, 1 ARNP; call 1:4 weekdays, 1:4 weekends; salary: $116,000; full benefits, production after one year; part-time considered

KRC.0206.1914.02C Internist KRC.0206.1914.01C Family Physician – w/o OB for 25-bed CAH; hospital services: acute care, swing bed, lab, x-ray, PT, OT, 24-hour ER, mobile CT scan, ultrasound, mammogram, and bone density screening; call is 1 evening/week and 1:5 weekends; salary: $150,000-$160,000 with up to a 2 year contract; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0405.0105.04 Registered Nurse – hospital based rural health clinic connected to a 25-bed CAH; prefer acute care or surgery experience in hospital setting; will consider new graduates; day shift (7:00am-3:00pm); 2.2 FPs and 1 PA on staff; hospital services: x-ray, CT, ultrasound, lab, surgery, specialty clinics, mobile MRI, and telerad; salary: $33,800-$44,000; benefits

KRC.0405.0105.05 Family Physician – w/o OB for patient-centered, family-focused, hospital-based rural health clinic connected to a 25-bed CAH; 1 offsite rural clinic; 2.2 FPs and 2 PA’s Continued

Kansasc o n n e c t i o n s

12

on staff; backup call only; hospital services: x-ray, CT, ultrasound, lab, surgery, specialty clin-ics, mobile MRI, and telerad; salary: $145,000-$160,000; full benefits

KRC.1006.0808.01 Family Physician – new position with or w/o OB; based in a new rural health clinic across the street from the hospital; the 25-bed CAH’s services include ER, OR, lab, x-ray, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, RT, PT, OT, speech therapy, EKG, EEG, and sleep stud-ies; no call on weekends, during the week, call is 1:3; salary: $140,000-$160,000; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0307.1405.01C Otolaryngologist – for new group practice; strong physician support for ENTs; the 105-bed hospital’s services include pediatrics, OB, general surgery, medical, ICU, inpatient rehab, gero-psychiatry unit, and ER; call would not exceed 10 days/mo; salary is competitive and negotiable; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0307.1307.03C Family Physician – w/o OB for 25-bed CAH with attached clinic; 1 physician, 1 general surgeon, and 2 mid-levels on staff; call is 1:4; to be responsible for patient care at clinic, hospital rounds, and ER call; hospital services: general acute, skilled, inter-mediate care, CT, and PT; salary is $170,000-$200,000; full benefits; H-1B opportunity

KRC.0107.0809.01C Director of Physical Therapy – for 25-bed CAH with 3 rural health clinics and a home health dept; responsibilities: overseeing PT dept, providing PT to inpatient, outpatient, and home health patients, and pa-perwork to bill for services rendered; currently a contract therapist and PTA on staff; avg. of 10 patients/day; experienced therapists preferred, new grads considered; hospital services: acute care, swing bed, long-term care, home care, and outpatient; salary is $47,000-$73,000 depending on experience; benefits

KRC.0507.1309.05C Urologist – for progres-sive multi-specialty group practice; salary is $350,000 (guaranteed first year), with possible production bonus; excellent benefits

KRC.0507.1309.06C Orthopedist – for progres-sive multi-specialty clinic; salary is $350,000 (guaranteed first year), with possible produc-tion bonus; excellent benefits

KRC.0607.0105.07 Internist – for patient-cen-tered, family-focused, hospital-based rural health clinic; clinic is connected to a 25-bed

CAH; 2.2 family physicians and 2 PAs on staff; unless the physician has an interest in primary call coverage, the call responsibility is based on backup coverage; hospital services: x-ray, CT, ultrasound, lab, surgery, specialty clinics, mobile MRI, and telerad; salary is competitive and negotiable; full benefits

KRC.0405.0105.08 Registered Nurse – for fam-ily-focused, hospital-based rural health clinic connected to 25-bed CAH; 2.2 family physi-cians and 2 PAs on staff; hospital services: x-ray, CT, ultrasound, lab, surgery, specialty clinics, mobile MRI, and telerad; shift supervisor position available as well as full- and part-time opportunities for RNs; will consider new grads; salary is competitive; full benefits

KRC.0507.1309.07C Internist – for progressive multi-specialty group practice; call will vary w/ 4 other internists; established patient base; 11 specialties, 23 physicians, and 5 mid-levels on staff; salary is $120,000 (guarantee 1st yr) + production bonus; excellent benefits; H-1B opportunity

KRC.0801.1603.02 Family Physician – w/o OB for growing community health center; physi-cian will spend majority of time in the clinic with some supervisory duties of mid-levels; currently 1.5 mid-levels and 1.7 physicians on staff; facility is new with all new equipment; prefer physician willing to accept call; salary is $110,000-$140,000; excellent benefits

KRC.0801.1603.01 Physician Assistant – for busy community health center; currently 1.5 mid-levels and 1.7 physicians on staff; facility is new with all new equipment; call is included, but is only via telephone; salary is $52,000-$61,648; benefits; experienced and new grads encouraged to apply

KRC.1007.2307.01 Family Physician – with OB for rural health clinic; currently 3 physicians and 2 mid-levels on staff; phone call is 1:4; 4 days/week schedule; nearby 80-bed hospital provides the following services: OB, ER, CT, OT, PT, lab, radiology, acute care, swing bed, and general surgery; salary is competitive and negotiable; full benefits

SOUTHEAST KRC.0901.0103.05 Internist – multi-specialty group with 4 satellite clinics; staff includes: 6 family physicians, 1 pediatrician, 2 internists, 2 general surgeons, 1 urologist; the clinic offers a full spectrum of care such as family medi-

cine including OB, physical exams and sports physicals, lab and x-ray, EKG testing and bone density studies, minor surgery, wellness exams and preventative medicine, osteopathic manipu-lations, PT, diabetic education, cancer center; salary is negotiable; full benefits

KRC.0407.0502.05 Physician Assistant – for group practice; currently 3 physicians, 3 NP’s and 1 PA on staff; salary is $65,000 + signing bonus; vacation includes 12 days/year, 10 paid holidays, and 12 days sick leave; full benefits

KRC.0407.0502.06 Nurse Practitioner – for group practice; currently 3 physicians, 3 NP’s and 1 PA on staff; salary is negotiable; vacation includes 12 days/year, 10 paid holidays, and 12 days sick leave; full benefits

KRC.1205.1201.10C Internist – can be indepen-dent practitioner in group practice or em-ployed by hospital; position provides outpatient services only; 109-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital; 37 physicians representing 15+ medical specialties; salary is $160,000-$170,000 + sign-on and incentive bonuses; benefits and paid vacation if employed by hospital

KRC.1205.1201.12C Emergency Medicine – for family physician, internist, or emergency medi-cine physician; 109-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital; 37 physicians represent-ing 15+ medical specialties; ER sees an avg. of 900 visits/mo.; 3-bed multi-care area, cardiac room, trauma room, and orthopedic room; applying for Level 3 trauma designation; 3 ER physicians forming an LLC; ideally, 4 full-time physicians will provide coverage 24/7 with 12 hour shifts (4 days on, 4 days off); salary is $118/hr for non-ER certified and $125 for ER board certified; sign-on bonus available

KRC.0507.1201.13C General Surgeon – can be independent practitioner or employed by hos-pital; 109-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital; 37 physicians representing 15+ medi-cal specialties;OR undergoing extensive renova-tions, resulting in 4 OR suites and 2 procedure rooms; approx. 400 surgeries/mo.; salary is $250,000-$350,000 + sign-on bonus; benefits and paid vacation if employed by hospital

KRC.0607.0305.02C Pulmonologist – 148-bed licensed, 105-bed operating medical center; hospital services: acute care, skilled nursing, OB/GYN, ICU, ER, behavioral health, surgery, all clinical ancillary services, and cancer

Continued

treatment center; not a hospital employee, but will be provided a salary guarantee; benefits

KRC.0607.0305.03C Otolaryngologist – for 148-bed licensed, 105-bed operating medical center; hospital services: acute care, skilled nursing, OB/GYN, ICU, ER, behavioral health, surgery, all clinical ancillary services, and can-cer treatment center; not a hospital employee, but will be provided a salary guarantee; benefits

KRC.0907.1905.02C Family Physician – for busy rural health clinic; 1 family physician, 1 NP, 1 practice administrator, and 1 office coordinator on staff; admitting 25-bed licensed inpatient acute care CAH directly across street; salary is competitive and negotiable; great benefits

KRC.0407.0502.07 Family PhysicianKRC.0407.0502.08 Internist – for federal clinic; 70 staff members including 3 physicians, 3 NPs, and 1 PA; call is included; salary is $130,000-$136,000; great benefits

KRC.1107.0103.06 Family Physician – growing multi-specialty group practice; 4 satellite clin-ics; 12 providers covering pediatrics, general surgery, urology, internal medicine, family practice, and diabetic counseling; clinic offers OB, physicals, on-site lab, x-ray, EKG, and bone density testing, cancer center, and pharmacy; salary is negotiable; full benefits

KRC.0108.0302.03 Family Physician – OB preferred but not required, for federally quali-fied community health center; experience w/ geriatric patient caseload a plus; physician will work 4 days/week in the clinic and provide inpatient care; currently 75+ employees including 4 physicians, 5 NPs, 3 dentists, 3 hygienists, 3 psychologists, and 1 pharmacist; call is shared among all providers; salary is $130,000-$150,000; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0108.0302.04 Internist –federally quali-fied community health center; physician will work in a busy clinic currently staffed by family physician, pediatrician, and mid-levels; focus on chronic patients including team leader of diabe-tes collaborative; 4 days/week in the clinic and provide inpatient care; currently 75+ employ-ees and call is shared among all providers; salary is $130,000-$150,000; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0108.0302.05 Medicine-Pediatrics –feder-ally qualified community health center; physi-cian will work in a busy clinic currently staffed

by family physician, pediatrician, and mid-lev-els; focus on chronic patients including team leader of diabetes collaborative; 4 days/week in the clinic and provide inpatient care; currently 75+ employees and call is shared among all providers; salary is $130,000-$150,000; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

SOUTHWEST

KRC.0304.2101.01 Family Physician – federally qualified community health center, 3 satellites; current staff: 1 physician and 8 mid-levels; no call coverage, no weekends, salary negotiable, benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0717.0401.02 Urologist – for multi-special-ty group with 27 physicians and 11 specialties; large service area with many referrals; 3 satel-lite facilities; 100-bed hospital’s services: ER, lab, x-ray, CT, MRI, OB, peds, new cardio and ICU services; salary is competitive and nego-tiable; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.1204.0804.04 Lab Tech – 25-bed acute care setting with swing bed unit and ER; first shift; will cross-train into radiology with training pro-vided if needed; salary is negotiable; benefits

KRC.0107.0201.04C General Surgeon – 45-bed county owned, not-for-profit, rural hospital; 2 physicians and 1 PA on staff; call negotiable; hospital services: radiology, lab, OB, ER, mobile MRI, CT, swing bed, acute care, general surgery, pediatric care, RT, ICU, home health, and PT; salary is $250,000-$300,000; full benefits

KRC.1105.0804.05 Family Physician – 25-bed hospital; patient care provided at clinic and extended care facility; hospital services: general medical-surgical, skilled nursing , ER, OB, geriatrics, inpatient, outpatient, and long term care; 1 family practitioner, 1 part-time general surgeon, and 1 NP on staff; call 1 week every 3-4 weeks; salary is $150,000-$170,000; benefits

KRC.0106.2101.05 Nurse PractitionerKRC.0106.2101.06 Physician Assistant – com-munity health center with 3 satellite facilities; 1 physician, 6 NPs, 2 PAs, and 1 volunteer physi-cian on staff; no call coverage or weekends; salary range is $58,000, negotiable; full benefits

KRC.0706.1915.01C Family Physician – w/o OB for multi-specialty group practice; strictly outpatient, clinic-based; 2 family physicians, 5 internists, and 3 pediatricians on staff; call is shared with family physicians and internists;

family physicians are responsible for answer-ing questions over the phone (1:3) and the internists provide all call coverage to hospital (inpatient); the 132-bed admitting hospital’s services: acute care, OB, emergency medicine, surgery, oncology, rehab, wound care, cardi-ology, orthopedics, and neurology; salary is $150,000; full benefits

KRC.0906.0201.05C Obstetric Nurse – for 45-bed, county owned, not-for-profit, rural hospital; should have at least 2 years experience and eligible for KS licensure; required certifica-tions – ACLS, NRP, BCLS, PALS; 3 FT nurses and 2 prn nurses; hospital services: radiology, lab, OB, ER, MRI (mobile), CT, acute care, swing bed, general surgery, pediatric care, RT, ICU, home health, and PT; salary is $37,000-$48,000; full benefits

KRC.1006.1308.04 Physical Therapist – for a new 20-bed CAH and 43 bed long-term care unit; under direction of an experienced PT, this PT will provide services for post-op orthopedic patients, athletic injuries and geriatrics; expe-rienced therapists and new grads encouraged to apply; Director, PTA, and an aide currently on staff; hospital services include orthopedic surgery, swing bed, CT scan, ultrasound, home health and long-term care; salary is $62,000-$83,000; full benefits

KRC.1106.0401.06 Dermatologist – for multi-specialty group with 27 physicians and 11 specialties; large service area with many referrals; group also supports 3 satellite facili-ties including an urgent care clinic; the local 100-bed hospital’s services include ER, lab, x-ray, CT, MRI, OB, peds, new cardio and ICU services; salary is competitive and negotiable; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.1006.0104.02 Family Physician – without OB to treat patients in an inpatient or outpa-tient setting; currently 2 PA’s and 2 part-time physicians on staff; call is 1:3; outpatient clinics have a podiatrist, cardiologist, and chiropractor on staff; hospital consists of 12 beds, 35-bed long-term care unit, and a rural health clinic; hospital services: PT, lab, x-ray, ER, acute care, home health; salary is negotiable and competi-tive; full benefits

KRC.0207.0201.07C Pharmacist – solo position available in a 45-bed county owned, not-for-profit, rural hospital; experience preferred but new grads encouraged to apply; PharmD required and must be KS licensed or eligible;

13

Continued

Candidates looking for job opportunities in Kansas can access those listed by the KRC by visiting ruralhealth.kumc.edu on the Web.

hospital is currently contracting with a local pharmacist; hospital services include radiology, lab, OB, ER, MRI, CT, acute care, general sur-gery, pediatric care, RT, ICU, home health and PT; salary is $75,000-$110,000; full benefits

KRC.0407.1303.04C Family Physician – grow-ing multi-specialty group practice; excellent opportunity for physician interested in learning more general surgery and OB/GYN; group specialties: family medicine, general surgery, OB/GYN; position is w/o OB, but if there is a strong interest, there may be flexibility; cur-rently 3 physicians and 1 mid-level on staff; call is 1:3 (no ER); caseload primarily outpatient; 100-bed hospital is 1 block away and is a full service acute care center; salary is $135,000+; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0407.1303.05C Medicine-Pediatrics – posi-tion at growing multi-specialty group practice; group specialties: family medicine, general surgery, OB/GYN; currently 3 physicians and 1 mid-level on staff; call is 1:3 (no ER); caseload primarily outpatient; 100-bed hospital is 1 block away and is a full service acute care center; salary is $135,000+; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0407.0401.08 Endocrinologist – for multi-specialty group housing 25 physicians with 11 specialties; serves the endocrine needs of 24 counties; 2 satellite facilities; proud of their highly complex lab and radiology/nuclear medicine depts; call is 1:6; 100-bed hospital is 3 blocks away and includes ER, lab, x-ray, CT, MRI, OB, peds, new cardio and ICU services; salary is $180,000 depending on experience; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0407.0401.09 Rheumatologist – for multi-specialty group housing 25 physicians with 11 specialties; large service area w/ many refer-rals; 2 satellite facilities; proud of their highly complex lab and radiology/nuclear medicine depts; call is 1:6; 100-bed hospital is 3 blocks away and includes ER, lab, x-ray, CT, MRI, OB, peds, new cardio and ICU services; salary is $180,000 depending on experience; full ben-efits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0407.0401.10 Pulmonologist – for multi-specialty group housing 25 physicians with 11 specialties; large service area w/ many refer-rals; 2 satellite facilities; proud of their highly complex lab and radiology/nuclear medicine depts; call is 1:6; 100-bed hospital is 3 blocks away and includes ER, lab, x-ray, CT, MRI, OB, peds, new cardio and ICU services; salary is

$180,000 depending on experience; full ben-efits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0407.0401.11 Gastroenterologist – for multi-specialty group housing 25 physicians with 11 specialties; large service area w/ many referrals; 2 satellite facilities; proud of their highly complex lab and radiology/nuclear medicine depts; call is 1:6; 100-bed hospital is 3 blocks away and includes ER, lab, x-ray, CT, MRI, OB, peds, new cardio and ICU services; salary is $180,000 depending on experience; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.1006.0104.03 Medicine-Pediatrics – to treat patients in inpatient and outpatient set-ting; currently 2PA’s and 2 part-time physicians on staff at hospital; call is 1:5; outpatient clinics have a Podiatrist, Cardiologist, and Chiroprac-tor on staff; hospital services include PT, lab, x-ray, ER, acute care, swing bed, home health and independent living apts; salary is negotiable and competitive; full benefits

KRC.0707.0201.08 Physical Therapist – for 45-bed county owned, not-for-profit- rural hospi-tal; dept. treats 5-10 patients/day; candidates should have at least 1 year of experience and preferably hold KS licensure; hospital services include radiology, lab, OB, ER, MRI, CT, swing bed, acute care, general surgery, pediatric care, RT, ICU, home health, and PT; salary is negotiable

KRC.0907.0401.12 Family Physician – with or w/o OB for multi-specialty group w/ 23 physi-cians and 11 specialties; currently 2 physicians and 1 NP; call is 1:3; local 100-bed hospital is 3 blocks away and includes ER, lab, x-ray, CT, MRI, OB, Peds, new cardio and ICU services; salary is competitive and negotiable, full ben-efits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0807.1303.07C Obstetrician/Gynecologist – for growing multi-specialty group practice with the following specialties: family medicine, general surgery, and OB/GYN; currently 3 physicians and 1 mid-level on staff; call is 1:3 (no ER); caseload is primarily outpatient, but physicians follow their admitted patients at the local hospital; the 100-bed admitting hospital is 1 block away; salary is $135,000+; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0807.1303.06C Internist – for growing multi-specialty group practice with the fol-lowing specialties: family medicine, general surgery, and OB/GYN; excellent opportunity for physician interested in learning more of the

general surgery and OB/GYN disciplines; cur-rently 3 physicians and 1 mid-level on staff; call is 1:3 (no ER); caseload is primarily outpatient, but physicians follow their admitted patients at the local hospital; the 100-bed admitting hospital is 1 block away; salary is $135,000+; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.0807.0104.04 Physician Assistant – for family physician w/o OB; currently 2 Pas and 2 part-time physicians (contracted) on staff; hospital consists of 12 acute/swing beds, 35-bed long term care unit, and a rural health clinic; hospital services include PT, lab, x-ray, ER, acute care, home health, and independent living apartments; contracted services: speech therapy, sonograms, and bone densitometry; salary is $75,000; benefits

KRC.1207.1910.02 Family Physician – w/ OB for 25-bed CAH and rural health clinic; cur-rently 3 family physicians, 1 PA-C, 1 NP, and 1 CRNA on staff; hospital provides med/surg acute care, OB, family birthing rooms, swing beds, CT, ultrasound, mammography, PT, OT, speech therapy, RT, mobile MRI, and 14 specialty outpatient clinics; call is 1:4; starting salary: $160,000; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

KRC.1207.1910.03 Physician AssistantKRC.1207.1910.04 Nurse Practitioner – 25-bed CAH and rural health clinic; currently 3 family physicians, 1 PA-C, 1 NP, and 1 CRNA on staff; hospital provides med/surg acute care, OB, family birthing rooms, swing beds, CT, ultra-sound, mammography, PT, OT, speech therapy, RT, mobile MRI, 14 specialty outpatient clinics; call 1:4; salary is competitive; full benefits

KRC.1207.0501.08Radiologic Technologist – 12-bed CAH and rural health clinic; prefer CT experience, but will train; call is 1:3; currently 3 physicians and 2 mid-levels on staff; hospital services include acute care, skilled nursing, wellness center, PT, lab, x-ray, CT, ultrasound, mammography, MRI, and bone density; radiology dept sees an avg of 12 patients/day; salary is $33,280; full benefits

KRC.0407.1303.08CPediatrician – multi-specialty group; the group has family medicine, general surgery, and OB/GYN; 3 physicians and 1 mid-level on staff; call is 1:3 (no ER); caseload is primarily outpatient, but physicians follow their admitted patients at the local hospital 1 block away; sal-ary is competitive and negotiable; full benefits; H-1B and J-1 opportunity

15

TransforMEDTransforming Primary Care in Hays

Hays Family Medicine, Hays, Kan., is a year and a half into

TransforMED, a two-year initiative sponsored by the American Academy

of Family Physi-cians.

The program is focused on addressing the rapidly changing needs of health care and trans-forming prac-tices into more patient-centered, consumer-friend-

ly health care centers. TransforMED works with practices enabling them to serve as a personal medical home for each patient, ensuring access to com-prehensive, integrated care through an ongoing relationship. Hays Family Medicine is an affiliate of the Hays Medical Center and is one of only 36 practices chosen in the United States to participate in the TransforMED process. One of the first things the practice implemented was group visits. This involves speaker presentations to 15 to 20 patients with the same sort of problems, for example diabetes. The plan allows patients to be seen privately by their own physician at the end of the business day. Then they are able to join the group presentations with the speaker afterwards. Each presentation is on a different topic with new speakers, which in the past have included a nutritionist, an exercise expert and a podiatrist.

Jay Moore, executive director, Physi-cian Practices at Hays Medical Center said the intent was to save time.

“Physicians were saying some of the same things over and over,” said Moore.

“Why say it 10 times when we can say it one time?”

Another core component of the

TransforMED process is that of a team approach.

One team at Hays Family Medicine is the Huddle Team. This team gets to-gether every day deciding strategies that enable more patients to be seen.

The Open Access Team works to de-velop scheduling to allow timely access to primary medical care and get patients in on the same day they call. Trans-forMED facilitator Barbara Johnson, PhD, says this service keeps the patients satisfied.

The Efficiency Team helps the prac-tice find ways of keeping patients visits moving according to the schedule. This team worked to implement a Web site for Hays Family Medicine. This has increased the ability to answer patients’ needs. The Web site offers a link to a New Patient Request form in which new patients can complete and request

a visit. Also, current patients can go to the Web site and make a request for an appointment. Then the office will call them and let them know the time of their appointment. There are also links for different health topics and doctors have approved a number of Web sites they feel comfortable with their patients using as resources.

Electronic health records (EHR) are used as tools for the doctors as well. Physicians are able to bring their laptop with them into the exam room and show patients their x-rays and test results on the EHR. They are also able to prescribe medication from the EHR and send the prescriptions electronically

to the pharmacist.Moore says they are working toward

electronic visits, or e-visits. A patient will be able to get on a secure patient portal to ask physicians questions and obtain answers through the portal. This involves very basic questions and if more medical attention is needed, an of-fice visit is scheduled. Online lab results are another work in progress to reveal results through the patient portal rather than over the phone.

Moore says the progress of the Trans-forMED project is excellent so far.

“As I look back a year and a half ago, we have made great changes in our practice that have been patient focused,” said Moore.

Hays Family Medicine still has about six months to go before they com-plete the TransforMED program. Rick Rajewski, MD, clinic physician, says

the medical staff continues to be quite honored to be chosen.

“It has caused us to be focused on things we feel we need to change to make us more efficient in the future,” said Dr. Rajewski.

“Because of the help we’re getting we are actually making some progress.”

Dr. Rajewski says the process has been a lot of work, but it is paying off.

“I get frustrated at times because it is more work, but I think in the end our patients will say we are a better office that provides better up-to-date medical care than we did two years ago.”

It has caused us to be focused on things we feel we need to change to make us more efficient in the future.

Richard Rajewski, MD

Richard Rajewski, MD

Kansasc o n n e c t i o n s

16

The devastation of the Greensburg tornado will forever sit in the

minds of the thousands who lost their homes and the Kansans who watched the event unfold on their television sets.

On the night of May 4, 2007, staff at Kiowa County Memorial Hospital (KCMH) loaded patients and their beds two by two on the hospital elevators. A tornado was in the forecast, and it was time to put their tornado drill into ac-tion. The 20 patients went down to the basement, along with hospital staff, and would eventually return to a mangled city they called home.

They had practiced the drill repeat-edly in an attempt to perfect the proce-dures, which required various changes over the years. Mary Sweet, administra-tor, Kiowa County Memorial Hospital, made the decision, after talking with the administrator at the Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington, that rather than placing the patients in the halls, they would move them to the basement. Sweet believed her staff was hesitant at first because they said it was disruptive to the patients and the beds wouldn’t fit in the elevator. Eventually they put tele-visions, DVD players, medical supplies and emergency water in the basement, so every time there was a drill, it would be a more enjoyable event.

“We had the best cookies in the kitchen down stairs and so we let them raid the cookie refrigerator when they had to go down there,” said Sweet.

Eventually things got easier and smaller beds that fit in the elevators were added just two days before the tornado.

The staff members on duty at KCMH were able to follow the plan they had practiced, and even though they were trapped for several hours, all 20 patients at the hospital that night were eventu-ally transferred out and survived the storm.

At the time of the hit, Sweet was in Topeka for a Kansas Medical Society meeting. She had a long day and de-cided to stay the night, which is some-thing she says she wouldn’t do normally. After getting to bed early, she received a call that a tornado had hit Greensburg. Her 15-year-old daughter was out of town for a forensic tournament, but she couldn’t find her 11-year-old son who was in Greensburg with his dad. Sweet eventually found him the next after-noon.

After she heard the news, her initial reaction was to start driving back home. On her way she stopped at a Wichita Wal-Mart for needed supplies. Among the supplies were a pallet of water, tarps, flashlights, gloves and shoes of all sizes. She had driven her truck, which Sweet says was unusual.

“I never drive my pick-up out of town and I still can’t remember why I took it,” said Sweet.

All items purchased proved helpful. She was able to set up one of the first

restrooms after the tornado with kitty litter, tarps and plastic bags. Ninety-eight percent of the clinic records in the hospital were saved by a collapsed ce-ment wall and tarps Sweet used to cover them from the incoming rain.

Sweet’s world was turned upside down. She along with 68 of her 95 full and part-time hospital employees lost everything.

“We were determined not to lay off anyone, although there was not a lot of work for them,” said Sweet of the hospi-tal personnel.

Employees were told they would be paid their salary for two months while they got their lives back in order and af-ter that they could decide if they wanted to stay. Of the 95 personnel, 32 left for various reasons. Some were living elsewhere, including Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trailers in Pratt, as the FEMA trailers were not delivered to Greensburg until August. Personnel were given the choice of either continuing work or drawing their pension and vacation time to support themselves until they are rehired when the new hospital is built. Fifteen people quit under those conditions.

Sweet was offered an Expeditionary Medical Support System (EMED) tent from the Kansas Air National Guard that was set up and ready for use by May 21. This was only the second time the EMED had been deployed in the United States; the other time being

Stories from Greensburg:Kiowa County Memorial Hospital making plans

Continued on next page

17

Hurricane Katrina. They eventually decided, while the EMED was what Sweet called a “Godsend,” it was not a permanent solution. Snakes and mice were getting into the tents in the sum-mer, water was coming up through the floor when it rained and Sweet said the noise was too much.

Plans are now underway for the rebuilding of the Kiowa County Memo-rial Hospital. However, this process will take more than two years. Mini 24 x 60 mobile modulars have been moved in to better accommodate the hospital’s long term needs. One modular holds the lab, one holds the clinic and three modulars hold the offices and hospital administra-tion.

Sweet was one of the first people to move back to Greensburg after the hit.

She was able to ask for help from the Kiowa County Health Foundation, who gave her $80,000. With that money she bought four Recreational Vehicles (RV). These were home to the EMS staff, medical directors as well as Sweet for eight weeks until the FEMA trail-ers were delivered. She said she was so happy for the FEMA trailers and said she would never live in a fifth wheel again if she had a choice.

“If I ever won a camping trip on a game show, I’d give it right back,” Sweet said, laughing out loud.

Sweet says she and her board are looking into building a 15-bed facility. Health Facilities Group, LLC are in the

process of planning and designing the new hospital, focusing on the deliv-ery of outpatient and inpatient care. The new 38,000 square foot plan will offer all of the same services as before, except for the behavioral unit. These include outpatient physical therapy, local provider offices, specialty clinics, imaging, emergency services, laboratory as well as acute-care patient services and other required support-service space. The temporary hospital includes a daycare center as an added benefit to the employees and this will continue in the new building.

The building will also include storm shelter facilities and be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified. This means it will in-clude environmentally friendly and en-

ergy-efficient materials and structures in the design to allow for maximum control and utilization of light and solar/ground thermal systems. The levels for the LEED rating system include Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Sweet says they are working toward the Gold level. They are looking into toilets that have two settings for solid and liq-uid wastes, which will preserve the water usage. Also, they have started saving drums of rainwater for the landscaping. These are only a small fraction of what is being done to build a more environ-ment-friendly hospital.

The board has closed on a new prop-erty along West US 54. The site is the

former John Deere property. Because the site is next to a main highway, easy access is provided for both the fire de-partment and emergency services. Sweet said they would like to keep the hospi-tal, emergency services and fire depart-ment close together so they are able to share resources. The new site would give room to expand the hospital if needed in the future as well.

As far as funding goes, FEMA and the State are ready to pay 85 percent of the cost for the new hospital stated Sweet. The previous facility was insured for $160 per square foot; however the new hospital will run around $310 per square foot. This is because the former hospital was more than 50 years old and the new one must be completely handi-cap accessible and the rooms need to be 20 to 25 per cent bigger. The rural health clinic will be inside the hospital as well, rather than across the street as it was before.

“The recovery is in steps,” said Sweet.

“For the hospital it was first the EMED, then the modulars and even-

tually the new hospital.”Sweet says if it were to happen all over

again, they probably wouldn’t do any-thing different. Their procedure worked well and everyone in the hospital that night survived. As far as how the town is doing, Sweet says they are doing just fine.

“We don’t want to be known as the town that was hit by a tornado,” said Sweet.

“We want to be known for how we all worked together and lived with it.”

Sweet feels they were lucky. “We lost 10 people that night; we

could have easily lost 200 to 300.”

The recovery is in steps. For the hospital it was first the EMED, then the modulars and eventually the new hospital.

Mary Sweet, Administrator, Kiowa County Memorial Hospital

Kansasc o n n e c t i o n s

18

Putting Your Best Foot Forward Recruiting Rural Physicians When recruiting a new physician, there

are numerous things to consider and it can be an extensive process. Each communi-ty and medical practice has their own strengths and it is important to showcase these qualities and find a physician who fits in best with those attributes.

Mark Mingenback, vice president, profes-sional services, Central Kansas Medical Center (CKMC), Great Bend, Kan., says it is impor-tant for the candidate to like the community and feel welcome.

“The job and the opportunity are not as important as the whole package,” said Mingen-back.

When the candidates have been narrowed down and site visits are scheduled it is im-portant to remember some key points. Before the site visit, it is imperative that an itinerary is drafted and sent to the candidate. Also if available, a packet of literature about the com-

munity is a nice way for the candidate to familiarize themselves with the com-

munity before their arrival. Speak with the candi-

date about his or her needs when

creating the

itinerary. The itinerary should be prepared based on how long the candidate will be in town as well as how much time he or she would like set aside to explore the community on his or her own. It should be structured, but flexible.

Find out if the candidate is bringing his or her spouse and/or family. In this instance, the itinerary should be adapted to accommodate the candidate and family. The spouse should be provided with things to keep busy during the interview process. It is important to talk with the spouse to see what his or her interests are so it is easier to find enjoyable activities. Child-care services may need to be provided as well.

Barry Weis, director, Physician Recruitment and Retention, Salina Regional Health Center, says to spend just as much time, if not more time, in recruiting the spouse and family of the physician.

“Spend a lot of time interviewing the spouse to find out what is important to him or her,” said Weis.

The spouse may need to find a job in the area as well. Mingenback says the recruiters at CKMC try to find job opportunities for the spouse as well.

“We want the family to know we care just as much about the spouse’s career as the physi-cian’s,” said Mingenback.

Another point to include when making the physician feel comfortable in the community is having a list of support members on hand that can be introduced to the candidate if needed. This may include a realtor, a school administra-tor, a childcare provider or other community members. This will provide the physician with a sense of ease when considering the position. Mingenback says the recruiters at CKMC schedule real estate tours to show the various developments around the community. Also, if a candidate has children, good schools are important when deciding where to live. Sched-uling school tours can be a significant part of representing the community.

Mingenback says he likes to have the candi-dates and their families meet at least 20 people outside the medical community while they are on their site visit. They hold receptions at someone’s home for the candidate.

“If they meet 20-30 people, then we have a good feedback system from the community,” said Mingenback.

“It also builds an established network for physicians.”

In addition to the interview and social net-working the small things matter to candidates. Little details can make them feel welcome.

“Don’t cut corners when it comes to spend-ing dollars,” said Weis.

“We look for the ‘wow’ factor, because the site visit is the time to make it or break it.” Continued on next page

19

A gift basket in the candidate’s hotel room or a dinner party complete with their favorite meal will really stand out in their mind. If they fly in, a welcome party should meet them at the airport. Mingenback says the recruiters at CKMC like to stock the hotel mini-refrigerator with snacks and drinks as well.

Before the on-site interview, decide what is to be accomplished and who the candidate needs to meet in the interview. Only choose those members of staff necessary so the candidate does not feel overwhelmed.

Also, determine if a sample contract will be offered. It is important to discuss the present and potential opportunities. Allow a separate time to discuss financial details and benefits.

Weis says it is important to not present the practice as something it’s not.

“Be very honest with what the opportunity is about,” said Weis.

“This way there will be no surprises.” Finally, it is important to give a timeline of

the recruiting process and to follow up after the on-site visit. Once the offer is made, provide the new physician with names and numbers of important contacts, including realtors and moving companies, needed in making the move. After the move, welcoming the new physician is essential. This can be made easy with a welcoming reception or sporting event, allowing the candidates to begin merging into the community.

Background checks are incredibly important when recruit-ing a new physician. The recruiting process requires the investment of time, resources and money. Therefore, back-ground checks should be made before the on-site interview to ensure that valuable time is not wasted.

A background check typically takes 10 to 15 days to be processed. Before the process starts, a candidate should provide his or her social security number and date of birth as well as sign an authorization for the release of the information included in the background check. This information usually includes the following:

• Social Security Trace and Validation • Academic Verifications • ECFMG Certification Verification (when

applicable) • Training• Licensure Verifications • DEA Registration Query • OIG Medicare-Medicaid Current Sanction

Query • Board Certification Verification • Fraud and Abuse Control Information

System (FACIS) Query

The Kansas Recruitment Center offers the resource of back-ground checks.

Background checks

non-profitorganizationu.S. postage

PAIDWichita, KSpermit #864

The University of KansasSchool of Medicine – Wichita1010 N. KansasWichita, KS 67214-3199

RetuRn SeRviCe RequeSted

From the Director continued from page 2

across the field. The Section plays a key role in identifying issues and concerns, developing strategies, designing solu-tions, delivering education and col-laborating with key national partners to improve the environment for these vital providers.

It is the first time Kansas has had two representatives at the same time.

Kansan Represents at AMA I would like to commend Lee Mills,

MD, family medicine physician, Newton, Kan., for his significant role on the American Medical Association’s

(AMA) Relative Value Update Com-mittee (RUC). Dr. Mills represents the American Academy of Family Physi-cians (AAFP) on the RUC. The RUC is responsible for valuing physician work for new and revised Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes. The advisory committee for the RUC includes mem-bers from specialty organizations who hold a seat in the AMA House of Del-egates. These advisors gather research data they need to support relative work evaluations and recommendations that are presented to the Centers for Medi-care and Medicaid Services (CMS). The purpose is then for the CMS to use these recommendations in annual updates to the new Medicare Relative Value Scale.

Publication ScheduleIf you have an idea for an article in

Kansas Connections, we welcome your input. Please send information to the KU School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 N. Kansas, Wichita, KS 67214-3199. Ideas are also welcomed by telephone at (316) 293-2649; fax, (316) 293-2671; or e-mail, lvalenti@kumc.edu.

Deadline for submission of ideas for the next issue is March 3, 2007. If you know of someone who is not receiving the news-letter, but might enjoy reading it, please let us know.