LRH and Avera Medical Group Working to Recruit New Physicians
The healthcare needs of the Iowa Great Lakes region have grown, and as a result of this trend and the fact that current physicians will eventually retire, new physicians are needed to care for patients. Lakes Regional Healthcare (LRH) and Avera Medical Group are now working together in a concerted effort to recruit new physicians. They are focusing on filling a current opening for a family physician that does obstetrics (OB) at Avera-Lakes Family Practice, but also keeping their eyes open for future physicians as other physicians retire and more physicians are needed.
Working together in a concerted effort is becoming increasingly important as a national physician shortage makes physician recruitment more difficult. The statistics for nearly all physician specialties are not positive, and the same is true for family physicians. LRH President Jason Harrington said, “For every family practice physician that does OB, there are three job openings.”
Fortunately the Iowa Great Lakes region is a relatively attractive place for potential physicians to practice. “It’s nice to work with the hospital in this effort because, between the two organizations, we have a lot to offer new physicians coming to the area. We offer physicians the ability to have a great work-life balance, there’s a real collaborative spirit among the two family physician groups and growing alignment with the hospital, and the clinic and hospital offer modern technologies and services,” said Avera-Lakes Family Practice’s Steven Baskerville, M.D. “Plus the natural resources in this region appeal to a lot of people. We have many amenities that are usually only found in more urban areas, yet we still have nice, safe communities in which to raise a family.”
There are several candidates currently in various stages within their residency programs interested in current and future opportunities here. LRH and Avera Medical Group are keeping in constant contact with these candidates to maintain interest so that when they are ready and able to commit to an organization, Avera Medical Group will be at the top of their list.
Physicians that are often interested have ties to the community or northwest Iowa. Dr. Baskerville said, “We always want to know of any residents or physicians that may be interested in practicing here, and because of the ties to the area that usually exist, word of mouth among the people that live and work here is a great way to learn of new physician candidates.”
Anyone that may know of a physician candidate that may be interested in practicing in the area is encouraged to contact LRH President Jason Harrington at 712-336-8795.
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