Welcome to News in Brief
Welcome to the October 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 Career Opportunities was a Success
University of Kansas Medical Center, Rural Health Education and Services recently held the annual Kansas Career Opportunities (KCO) event on the Kansas City and Wichita campuses. Kansas Career Opportunities gives residents, medical students, nursing students, and allied health students the chance to learn about practicing in rural Kansas and potential career opportunities.
On Oct. 30, 2008, KCO Wichita attracted 47 residents and 86 students and guests. KCO Kansas City attracted 71 residents and 102 students and guests. Thirty-seven communities exhibited in Wichita and twenty-six exhibited in Kansas City.
Dr. Pete and Julie Rosa of Hiawatha were guest speakers at the Wichita event, sharing with residents and students their experiences of practicing in rural Kansas. Dr. Garold Minns delivered the welcome at the presentation.
Kansas Bridging Plan Deadline Approaching
The Dec. 31 deadline for first and second year residents to participate in the Kansas Bridging Plan is quickly approaching. Resident physicians in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, or med peds, can apply either in the Rural Health office or on the Rural Health Web site. Loans will be awarded to applicants in the order in which the applications are received. For more information, contact Joyce Tibbals, jtibbals@kumc.edu.
Rural Health Attended Kansas Hospital Association Conference
Rural Health staff exhibited at the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) conference in Overland Park, Kan., on Nov. 13 -14, 2008. This conference provided an opportunity to showcase programs and services offered through the Rural Health office.
Rural Health Attended the 3RNet Annual Conference
The Kansas Recruitment Center (KRC) is a member of the National Rural Recruitment and Retention Network (3RNet), a not-for-profit organization made up of members helping health professionals find practice opportunities in rural and underserved areas throughout the country. Rural Health attended the annual conference in Omaha, Neb. on Oct. 14-15. This was an opportunity for KRC to share ideas and network.
KRC Exhibits at Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Career Fair
On Nov. 20, Rural Health met with students at the PT/OT career fair at KUMC in Kansas City to discuss positions in rural Kansas. This event gave Rural Health an opportunity to introduce PT/OT students to the resources provided by the Kansas Recruitment Center. For more information about KRC, contact Marinn Rank, mrank@kumc.edu.
RHES Honored in Statewide Competion for Health Care Communicators
Area hospitals and health systems were recently recognized for excellence in public relations and marketing efforts by the Kansas Association of Health Care Communicators through its Emerald Award competition.
The Emerald Awards were presented at the Kansas Association of Health Care Communicators luncheon and annual meeting on Nov. 14, held during the Kansas Hospital Association’s Annual Convention in Overland Park, Kan. RHES won merit awards in the writing category for the story “Dental Care Providers in Kansas: How bad is the shortage and will it get better?” and in the audiovisual and electronic communications category for the www.focusonkansas.com Web site.
Rural Health Attended the CAH State Network Council Meeting
Rural Health staff took part in the critical access hospital’s state network council meeting in Wichita on Dec. 11. The meeting provided an opportunity for Rural Health staff to learn about CAH issues and network with CAH administrators from across the state.
Susan Belden Has Baby Girl!
Susan Belden, office coordinator, RHES, gave birth to a baby girl on Sept. 30, 2008. Julie Beth Belden was 7 lbs. 3oz. and 20 inches long. Congratulations to both Susan and her husband, Jamie! Susan will return from maternity leave in January.
KRC Visits Central Kansas
KRC staff has been busy this fall traveling to Kansas communities in an effort to gain a better understanding of the recruitment needs for the health care organizations in each area. These site visits will allow KRC to better match candidates’ needs with a clearer insight to the community and organization opportunities. For more information about the Kansas Recruitment Center, contact Joyce Tibbals, jtibbals@kumc.edu.
Rural Health Education and Services Has Changes in Line-up
Marinn Rank moved into a new position. She is now a senior recruitment coordinator for the Kansas Recruitment Center. In this new role Marinn works with the recruitment of specialty physicians and with allied health professionals including nurses. Contact Marinn directly at mrank@kumc.edu.
Chris Drake joined the RHES team as the web developer/designer in September. He works with Rural Health and other KUMC departments to make sure their web presence is attractive and informative. Contact Chris directly at cdrake@kumc.edu. Welcome to RHES, Chris!
Tyler Doyle, senior recruitment coordinator for the Kansas Recruitment Center, joined the RHES team in October. Tyler is a key player with the Kansas Recruitment Center as he is the primary contact for the recruitment of primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Contact Tyler directly at tdoyle@kumc.edu. Welcome to RHES, Tyler!
In November, Auburn Rickman started with RHES as the candidate relations coordinator. She comes from a strong sourcing background and will use these skills as she works with the Kansas Recruitment Center’s candidates. Contact Auburn directly at arickman@kumc.edu. Welcome to RHES, Auburn!
Kansas Locum Tenens Accepting 2009 Coverage Requests
Kansas Locum Tenens is now accepting service requests for 2009. Interested physicians or organizations may submit a Service Order Form to Rural Health Education and Services to initiate the service. Thank you and happy holidays to all Locum Tenens providers and clients. For more information regarding Locum Tenens, contact Andee Ellis, aellis@kumc.edu.
