[ST. LOUIS, 12/19/2017] -- Interim Physicians, a locum tenens physician staffing company, helps hospitals and medical practices meet the demand for quality healthcare in rural areas. The company’s services are necessary given the current shortage of physicians in the country, especially in the rural areas.

Physician Shortage in America

Staffing practices in the healthcare industry have noticeably shifted in the last couple of years. More hospital managers are now hiring locum tenens or temporary physicians as they look for permanent doctors to fill vacant positions.

Factors that contributed to this trend were already in the works three years ago. In 2014, The Physicians Foundation reported that 81% of doctors around the country feel overworked and that 44% had planned to cut back on their workload. The survey was accurate: the healthcare industry now reports a national shortage of physicians. Experts predict that by 2025, the country will need over 90,000 new doctors to fill the demand.

A Look at Healthcare in Rural Areas

Hospitals and practices outside the big cities feel the brunt of this shortage the most. The National Rural Health Association reports that the physician-to-patient ratio in rural areas is 39.8:100,000. This is significantly lower than in urban areas, which is at 53.3:100,000.

It’s not just the number of doctors that matters. The quality of care that patients give is crucial, as well. Fortunately, Interim Physicians can help in both areas.

Filling the Need for Practitioners

The firm offers opportunities to healthcare professionals who want to have new career experiences. It helps them find temporary positions in healthcare facilities all over the country where they can experience working and living in different states. In the process, Interim Physicians helps hospitals in rural areas fill their vacancies with experienced and reliable physicians.

“We connect great physicians and clinicians with the jobs they love and great healthcare facilities with the talent they need,” it says on their website.

About Interim Physicians

Interim Physicians is a physician staffing firm that’s been in business since 1979. Its main office is in St. Louis, and it has satellite offices in Dallas, Atlanta, and Salt Lake City. Physicians interested in working locum tenens and hospitals in need of temporary medical practitioners can get in touch with the firm at https://www.interimphysicians.com.