2024 Locum Tenens of the 12 months

Locum tenens physicians and superior apply suppliers play a vital function in healthcare supply, they usually have by no means been wanted greater than they’re immediately. With provider shortages impacting patient care, locum tenens suppliers function expert and adaptable clinicians who can present care wherever they’re wanted most. The necessity is very important in underserved and rural areas, the place IT will be difficult to keep up ample protection in hospitals and clinics with out the help of locum physicians.

That’s why Weatherby Healthcare created the Locum Tenens of the 12 months award, an annual alternative to acknowledge locums physicians based mostly on the next standards:

• Obsessed with locum tenens
• Present the very best high quality of care
• Devoted to serving the communities the place they work and stay

When asserting this 12 months’s winners, Weatherby Healthcare president Luke Woodyard mentioned, “Every of those physicians is among the many greatest of their specialty and an impressive consultant of locum tenens. IT’s our privilege to honor them for his or her contributions and dedication to caring for sufferers in every single place they serve.”

2024 Locum Tenens of the 12 months winners

Karen Caputo, NP, neonatology

Nurse practitioner Karen Caputo started her profession in Pennsylvania within the late 80s as a nurse, primarily within the NICU, the place she set excessive requirements for affected person care. Her innate calling to assist these in want, particularly fragile neonates and their households, led her to grow to be a neonatal nurse practitioner in 2007. After working full time in Myrtle Seashore, SC, she transitioned to a profession in locums in 2019, sharing her experience with NICUs nationwide. Karen is a devoted healthcare supplier who cares deeply about each affected person within the unit, setting a excessive normal for her apply. Her friends say her mild, giving nature is obvious in her actions, resembling when she helped an aged girl and her daughter navigate by an airport, for which they’ll be ceaselessly grateful. She has transitioned from PRN to a full-time locum and referred different suppliers and models needing protection, however stays obsessed with locum tenens work.

Dr. Luis Castellon, pediatric hospitalist

Dr. Luis Castellon is a full-time locum and pediatrics hospitalist who has labored over 700 shifts with Weatherby since 2018. Upon finishing his residency, he decided locums was the route greatest suited to his way of life. Dr. Castellon has a ardour for journey and household. When he isn’t working, he explores totally different areas, embracing the native meals and tradition. Colleagues share that Dr. Castellon has a heat and welcoming presence that doesn’t go unnoticed by friends and sufferers alike. He integrates himself into the communities he works in, from constructing rapport with the nursing employees and different physicians to the sufferers and households he cares for. Dr. Castellon places his coronary heart into his work and really loves his job and making a distinction.

Dr. Jack Klem, neurosurgery

Dr. Jack Klem is a extremely skilled and devoted locum neurosurgeon with over a decade of service. Educated at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, he handles advanced circumstances with distinctive talent and unwavering dedication. His humility and compassion set him aside, incomes him excessive reward and belief from sufferers and colleagues.

Just lately, he has labored at amenities in Idaho and Colorado, the place his influence has been profound. This led to his appointment because the director of neurosurgery trauma in Idaho. His colleagues say Dr. Klem’s brilliance, kindness, and dedication to affected person care make him a uncommon and invaluable presence within the medical subject.

Dr. Colleen Overdorf, pulmonology/important care

Rising up in small-town Indiana, Dr. Colleen Overdorf confronted quite a few challenges, together with turning into a mom at 15. Regardless of these obstacles, she pursued her dream of turning into a physician, ultimately specializing in pulmonary and demanding care. Her journey took her from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences to residencies in emergency drugs and inside drugs, and at last to a pulmonary and demanding care fellowship. After working at Providence St. Peter’s Hospital in Olympia, Washington, Dr. Overdorf transitioned to locum tenens work in 2021, and enjoys its freedom and suppleness.

As a locum, she says she balances her skilled life with private passions, together with horseback using, tenting, climbing, and kayaking along with her daughters. She additionally likes to journey, play guitar, and create artwork. She shares that her experiences have formed her right into a devoted doctor and a loyal mom, embracing each journey life presents.

Dr. Jennifer Phemister, gastroenterology/inside drugs

With a singular journey to turning into a board-certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Jennifer Phemister started her profession with a level in chemical engineering from Tennessee Technological University and spent over a decade within the chemical trade. Her mid-career shift to drugs highlights her dedication to straight impacting lives. She accomplished her medical diploma, inside drugs residency, and gastroenterology fellowship on the Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State College.

In 2022, she transitioned to full-time locums work with Weatherby, valuing the pliability IT presents to steadiness her skilled and private life. Outdoors work, she enjoys touring, cooking, and spending time along with her canine. Her background in chemical engineering brings a singular perspective to affected person care, emphasizing collaboration and compassionate communication.

Lauren Whitley, PA, important/intensive care

Starting her medical journey with a bachelor’s diploma in biology from the College of Florida, Lauren Whitley graduated from Health-sciences/physician-assistant-studies” goal=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Bethel College’s PA program after being impressed by shadowing a doctor assistant in cardiothoracic surgical procedure. Her first function at Methodist Hospital in Memphis, TN, allowed her to work with over fifteen cardiac surgeons, honing her expertise and adaptableness. Transitioning to a locum function with Weatherby Healthcare, she enjoys steady skilled improvement and suppleness, balancing profession passions with private pursuits. Identified for her partaking character and in depth information, Lauren communicates nicely and has developed robust friendships with colleagues. She willingly travels to the much less standard areas, constantly receiving stellar suggestions and extension requests. A worthwhile useful resource, Lauren speaks with different suppliers to ease their considerations about assignments and engages one-on-one with suppliers at conference cubicles and dinner occasions. Her sufferers recognize her constructive disposition and talent to deal with difficult conditions, exemplifying her dedication and professionalism.

About Weatherby Healthcare

Weatherby Healthcare is a pacesetter in locum tenens staffing for physicians and superior apply suppliers. Established in 1995, Weatherby has acquired quite a few trade and office awards and is a part of the CHG Healthcare household of manufacturers — continuously ranked as a greatest place to work.