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About Interim

A Brief History of Interim

A short, yet colorful story about our humble beginnings
ken teufel 1
Four decades ago, a small-town Texas physician practicing solo family medicine decided it was time to change his career path.

Ken Teufel, M.D.’s practice was busy, excessively so at times, and since it included a heavy dose of obstetrics, there was no time for vacations or weekends off. It was the same in many other surrounding towns. Many of his colleagues practicing in rural and small communities around the state also had to be available at all hours of the day, seven days per week. 

1978
July
Dr. Ken, Medicine Man

After an especially busy night on call, Dr. Teufel had an idea: Why not sell the practice and offer to cover for other solo practitioners who could use some relief? It didn’t take long for word to get around: “Need a vacation or long weekend? Let Dr. Teufel cover your practice. Not only will he care for your patients, he’ll house-sit and even feed your dog.” So, Dr. Teufel sold his practice. Soon, he was so busy he had to recruit other doctors, or “locum tenens” to meet the demand.

1979
June
A Company Is Born

As more and more locum doctors came on board, a company was formed, and in 1979 Physicians Relief Network, better known as PRN, became official. Within just five years, PRN became larger than Dr. Teufel ever imagined and by the mid-’80s, only a few companies, including PRN, were taking a business-like approach to the locum tenens staffing industry. The industry was in its infancy, though, and there was nothing but growth ahead.

1989
October
Enter Interim Healthcare

PRN and Western Physicians Registry are acquired by Interim Healthcare. Although its roots weren’t in physician staffing, Interim Healthcare quickly acquired two companies that did – and went on to become one of the most-respected locum tenens staffing agencies in the U.S.

1993
January
The More Things Change…

In the early 1990s, the company went through a number of owners and name changes, giving birth to what we all now know as Interim Physicians. What has not changed, however, is the company’s reputation as one of the nation’s leading locum tenens organizations, with Dr. Teufel serving as Medical Director.

2010
December
A Decade Of Growth

In 2010, we earned our first of three Inc. 5000 award as one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States.

2011
April
Advancing QualityCare

In 2011, as healthcare reform progressed and the emphasis on quality and cost grew, we gave our “quality assurance” regimen an identifiable name to set us apart from other locums agencies where quality wasn’t as high on the agenda. Thus, QualityCare Staffing was born.

2012
May
Going Independent

After growing revenue from $16 million in 2009 to $25 million in 2012, the CEO of Interim Physicians acquired Interim Healthcare’s interest in the partnership and assumed 100% control.

2015
December
Interim Reaches New Heights

Staffing Industry Analysts names Interim Physicians to their list of “Largest Locum Tenens Staffing Firms” — the first of many times the company wins this coveted award.

2017
June
A Giant Leap For Locumkind

Company revenues increased from $25 million in 2013 to over $42 million in 2017 and remain steadily growing.

2019
December
Interim Blows Out 40 Candles

2019 marks the 40th anniversary for the company, demonstrating almost-unparalleled longevity within an industry where only the strong survive.

2020
December
Pandemic Pressure

While the COVID-19 pandemic ravages the medical staffing industry and driving many locum tenens companies out of business, Interim Physicians hangs tough.

2021
January
Weathering the Storm

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing into its second year and many locum tenens staffing firms knocked out, Interim Physicians forges ahead with ambitious growth plans over the next two years.

2021
December
Locums Industry Loses Icon

The locum tenens staffing industry loses one of its founders, Dr. Ken Teufel, on Nov. 12, 2021. Dr. Teufel founded the company that became Interim Physicians and helped us grow into one of the leading locum tenens agencies in America. 

2022
July
Interim Hits $60M Milestone

Interim Physicians continues its rapid growth, expanding staff to accommodate the $60M+ revenue milestone.  

2023
February
Interim Takes Home 5-Year Diamond Award

Interim Physicians wins ClearlyRated's 2023 Best of Staffing Talent and Client 5-Year Diamond Awards. The recognition goes to staffing agencies that consistently receive high satisfaction scores from clients and talent. Interim achieved this award by earning satisfaction scores of 9 or 10 (out of 10) from 80% of providers and 84% of clients over the five-year period.  

2023
May
You Are Here

Our growing team continues to work each day to fulfill our mission of connecting quality physicians with hospitals and health systems in need.

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