Welcome to News in Brief
Welcome to the April issue of News in Brief. This newsletter is published bi-monthly to feature what is happening in Rural Health Education and Services at the KU Medical Center. For more information contact Lorene Valentine at lvalenti@kumc.edu
Kansas Medical Resource Helps Rural Health Organizations Fill Short-term Medical Coverages
Over the past few years, Rural Health Education and Services (RHES), University of Kansas Medial Center, has been fielding inquiries from physicians in a variety of specialties. They have been looking to provide interim medical care to rural communities who need their services.
“We have received an increase in calls from surgeons, obstetricians, radiation/oncologists, and many other specialty physicians looking to provide interim coverage to rural areas,” said Andrea Ellis, senior coordinator, Kansas Locum Tenens Program, RHES. Ellis explained that specialty physicians cannot provide medical care through the Kansas Locum Tenens Program. Kansas Locum Tenens only allows primary care physicians who are faculty or resident physicians of the University of Kansas School of Medicine to provide interim care to the rural communities. Ellis also noted, having worked with many rural Kansas communities, “There is a need for specialty physician coverage.”
To better meet the needs of Kansas communities and offer the opportunity for communities to receive a greater variety of care, RHES has designed the Kansas Medical Resource (KMR) program. This program allows coverage to communities needing interim physician specialty care in their hospitals and clinics. Now, when a community needs interim care while the local physician attends conferences, takes maternity leave, or vacation, there is another program available to communities seeking coverage.
Communities interested in additional services contract with RHES, who then works to place the physicians in the communities. Typically, the facilities in need of KMR services are in areas where the local supply of physicians in a specialty cannot accommodate a vacancy. KMR is designed to fill these specialty vacancies on an interim basis. Assignments can vary in length — from a weekend coverage to 90 days. RHES has increased the pool of providers through the KMR program. In addition, the program works to ensure that the communities receive qualified provider. Each KMR physician candidate goes through a complete background check.
Practicing physicians and physicians who have completed residency training but have not yet started their practice may find KMR to be a great service. Through KMR, physicians specialists such as radiation oncologists and psychiatrists, fulfill the need for temporary coverage in rural communities and earn additional income. Whether a physician has just finished residency training, recently retired or is searching for a new experience, KMR is a resource to connect the physician with a community needing temporary coverage.
For more information contact Andrea Ellis, aellis2@kumc.edu or 913-588-1228.
Kansas Recruitment Center Makes Placement
The Kansas Recruitment Center (KRC) and Rural Health Education and Services is pleased to announce two placements for rural Kansas! Greeley County Hospital, Tribune, Kan., and Holton Community Hospital, Holton, Kan., have added a family physician each to their staff. To date, KRC has assisted in placing 39 health care providers in rural communities across the state. For more information about KRC, contact Lauren Lambert, llambert2@kumc.edu.
Rural Health Education and Services Welcomes New Staff Members
Beka Robinson has joined Rural Health as the writing and marketing coordinator and will focus on the Kansas Connections publication. She will also support the marketing efforts of the department and of the University of Kansas Medical Center’s External Affairs, Area Health Education Centers, and Center for Telemedicine and Telehealth. Contact Beka directly at rrobinson2@kumc.edu Welcome to RHES, Beka!
Laurie Stroebel has also joined Rural Health as the research assistant for the Kansas Recruitment Center. She will be responsible for implementing research which will help determine the need for dental professionals in rural Kansas. Contact Laurie directly at lstobel@kumc.edu. Welcome to RHES, Laurie!
Rural Health Attended Hays Career Fair
Rural Health Education and Services (RHES) staff exhibited at the Fort Hays State Career Fair, Hays, Kan., on March 6, 2007. The career fair attracted numerous nursing and allied health care students and provided the opportunity for RHES staff to highlight career opportunities in Kansas.
Rural Health Attended Newman Career Fair
On March 29, 2007, Rural Health Education and Services (RHES) staff took part in the Newman University Career Fair, Wichita, Kan. At this event, RHES staff had the opportunity to talk with health care students about the career opportunities available through the Kansas Recruitment Center.
Rural Health Exhibits at KMGMA Conference
Kansas Medical Group Management Association (KMGMA) spring conference was held in Wichita, Kan., on April 11-13, 2007. Rural Health Education and Services (RHES) exhibited at the event. RHES visited with several current Kansas Recruitment Center (KRC) clients, and also spoke with potential clients interested in utilizing KRC services.
Uniformed Services Academy of Family Physicians Recruitment Fair
Joyce Tibbals, Assistant Director of Rural Health Education and Services, represented the Kansas Recruitment Center while attending the Uniformed Services Academy of Family Physicians (USAFP) Recruitment Fair, Hilton Head, S.C. on March 12-14, 2007. Tibbals shared information about practicing in rural Kansas and saw an increased interest in participants that attended the fair. For more information regarding KRC, please contact Joyce Tibbals, jtibbals@kumc.edu.
Rural Health Education and Services hosts Issues in Medicine Dinner
Rural Health Education and Services hosted dinner for KUSM-W students attending the monthly Issues in Medicine seminar. Medical students were invited to eat pizza after the seminar and were given the opportunity to learn more about the services provided through RHES. For more information, please contact Lorene Valentine, lvalenti@kumc.edu.
Rural Health Education & Services Hosts Event on Kansas City Campus
Rural Health Education and Services hosted a luncheon and presentation entitled, “Life as a Rural Doctor in Kansas” by Neil Goodloe, MD, Parsons, Kan., on Wednesday, April 25. Fifty-eight medical students and faculty attended the presentation, as Goodloe spoke about his experiences working and living in Parsons, Kan. For more information contact Andrea Ellis at aellis2@kumc.edu.
Rural Health Attends KAHCC Spring Conference
Rural Health staff members, Amanda Gardner and Beka Robinson, attended the Kansas Association of Health Care Communicators (KAHCC) Spring Conference on April 12-13, 2007 in Lawrence, Kansas. The conferences gave health care communicators a chance to network and learn from seasoned communication professionals.
Administrative Professionals Conference in Wichita
Laurie Scott and Susan Belden, office coordinators, Rural Health Education and Services, attended the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Seminar entitled, "Unleash Your Potential and Sharpen Your Productivity,” April 19, 2007. The customized program for office professionals focused on how to enhance knowledge, grow, and achieve career advancement. The keynote speaker, Shari Peace, presented a funny, interactive and enjoyable seminar. It featured stories, illustrations and exercises to sharpen productivity. Shari Peace is an internationally known author, speaker, and president of Peace Talks, a professional speaking firm that assists individuals to supercharge their work performance and achieve outstanding personal happiness. The seminar combined the best elements of programs on productivity, time management, risk-taking, attitude and self confidence.
