Many smaller hospitals share a common challenge - recruiting quality physicians, and retaining them in the community. Too many of us have lived with the "Doctor's Revolving Door Syndrome" - bright motivated physicians move to town, work hard, but after a few years they leave - overworked, discouraged, and unhappy. The cycle starts all over again - recruit a new physician and hope they stay. Statistically, 75% of all residency graduates will change practices in their first two years out of residency.
Why do bright new doctors start with every intention of staying, but end up overworked, discouraged, and ready to move on to another opportunity? We know why! Our medical director and founder had a private practice for over 10 years, some of which was spent in a small rural community.
Though there are many reasons why doctors come and go, the major stress factor for a physician in a small community is the necessity of providing Emergency Department coverage. Physicians are more than willing to commit to a challenging private practice that includes a full schedule of clinic patients, while maintaining a busy inpatient service in the local hospital. However, fewer and fewer doctors are willing to take call for ED patients. After a very busy day of making rounds and seeing patients in the office, most doctors want to go home to their families, without the responsibility of covering the ED.
