Saturday, March 30, marks National Doctors’ Day, an annual date when the medical community spotlights the profound impact physicians make in America’s communities. According to the CDC, more than a million US doctors deliver one billion patient visits, or about 3.2 visits per person.
Without a doubt, this staggering number makes it clear physicians are the cornerstone of our healthcare system. As the nation grapples with the mounting provider shortage, the importance of doctors has never been more apparent. At Interim Physicians, we are intimately aware of the indispensable role doctors play in our lives and our careers. We proudly act as their advocates as we help them deliver healthcare where none would exist without them.
We solemnly believe their contributions warrant much more than a single day of recognition. Our team is reminded on a daily basis of the incredible empathy and myriad intangible qualities that embody the spirit of a physician as we work side-by-side with them.
Honoring a Legend
Dr. Ken Teufel, our founder who served as our medical director for over 40 years until his passing, was a trailblazer who helped create the locum tenens model in the late 1970s. Inspired by his legacy and vision and in conjunction with National Doctors’ Day 2024, our staff launched a fundraising campaign to honor his impact on healthcare.
This year, we selected the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), where Dr. Ken’s medical journey began, as our Doctors’ Day beneficiary. The funds raised will help foster the next generation of doctors who will follow in his footsteps to make a difference in the lives of our children and their children.
“We at Interim Physicians owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our doctors, said Tim Hand, Chief Executive Officer of Interim Physicians. “Dr. Teufel embodied the spirit of selfless service and innovation in healthcare, and it is in his memory that we continue to support the future of medicine. Together, we pay homage to his singular vision of providing healthcare where none may be otherwise available and reinforce our commitment to the health and well-being of communities everywhere.”
Honoring Today’s Physicians
Interim Physicians serves as a crucial link in the healthcare chain, connecting locum tenens doctors to healthcare facility clients in need. Our efforts ensure the quality of care in these facilities remains uncompromised, even in regions hardest hit by physician shortages.
The work we do fills critical healthcare coverage gaps and provides physicians like Dr. Rojek and Dr. Valliani, just two of the hundreds of doctors we place each year, with opportunities to embrace the locum lifestyle. We tell their stories in two fascinating provider spotlights shared on our website.
Dr. Rojek is a shining example of the unique possibilities that temporary assignments offer. She embodies the blend of professional dedication and personal exploration. Her professional love of medicine and personal love of sailing are testaments to the flexibility that locum tenens work provides.
Similarly, Dr. Valliani’s experience highlights how locum tenens provides a refreshing escape from private practice burnout. Locum tenens renewed his focus on patient care and allowed him to maintain familial and cultural connections.
This National Doctors’ Day, we salute these physicians, we pay tribute to the many others we’ve come to know this past year, and we warmly acknowledge all of our country’s outstanding doctors for providing our families with healing and hope. Interim Physicians is proud to stand beside you, ensuring the highest standard of care for every patient.
Happy National Doctors Day!
