October 4 through October 8, 2021, is National Primary Care Week (NPCW). In its 22nd year, this annual event celebrates and highlights the importance of primary care in medicine.
During the week-long celebration, primary care physicians and advanced practitioners from across the country will focus on how they can improve care for their patients. Allowing them to showcase new approaches to healthcare, network with colleagues, celebrate progress, and explore new avenues for providing healthcare to underserved populations. In addition, for medical students, clinicians, and physicians in training, NPCW is a chance to help others learn about, experience, and spread awareness of primary care's pivotal role in the U.S. healthcare system.
National Primary Care Week: This Year's Theme
Over the years, NPCW has focused on timely and important issues surrounding primary care, such as rural health. Last year's virtual event centered around applying critical race theory to medical education and clinical medicine.
"Health Outside of the Hospital" is the theme for this year, with the impact of COVID-19 on community and public health care being spotlighted. Physicians, clinicians, and medical students can examine how well systems were managed during the pandemic and what can be learned from that experience. The critical role primary care physicians and advanced practitioners played in the global crisis deserve recognition, honor, and applause.
Student groups and primary care facilities are encouraged to schedule NPCW activities on individual campuses all week long. This is a great way to involve the general public in learning more about the indispensable role primary care plays in our healthcare system.
The Importance of Primary Care
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), more family physicians and clinicians in the U.S. practice primary care over any other specialty. Family practitioners, advanced practitioners, pediatricians, general practitioners, gynecologists, and interns, these clinicians become familiar with our family history, lifestyle, and everyday needs. Specialized in diagnosing, treating, and preventing a wide variety of conditions, the importance of these clinicians extends beyond the ability to handle a myriad of medical issues. Establishing care with primary care physicians and advanced practitioners offers patients consistency and efficiency on several levels. Many patients spend years with the same clinician and rely on them to provide a variety of care.
Visit local and national organization websites to learn more about the industry and what you can do to make a difference. You can also find out about upcoming events focused on this year's topic for NPCW.
The Benefits of Working Locum Tenens
Physicians and advanced practitioners are a lifeline for many underserved communities that depend on family doctors. When you work locum tenens, you get the opportunity to share your expertise with those who need it most in facilities around the country.
Locums tenens positions offer the chance to travel to destinations you may have been curious about or have always wanted to visit. Rural communities and VA hospitals that need staffing allow you to give back while advancing your career. The ability to work on your terms helps you enjoy a better work/life balance. It can be an excellent next step for a clinician who is at the start of a career or thinking about retiring. Clinicians and those who are trying to mitigate burnout are also good candidates.
Physicians and advanced practitioners practicing primary care in the U.S. can find rewarding locum tenens work in an environment that has been carefully screened for suitability.
Locum Tenens Placement with VISTA
When you partner with VISTA for locum tenens placement, we handle the extras, so you can focus on offering care. One of our recruiters will match you with positions that fit your skill set, experience, and interests. You will receive paid travel, housing, and local travel to work sites, plus a competitive salary. Professional liability insurance is covered as well as licensing, credentialing, and securing privileges.
To help you prepare for a new position, a VISTA recruiter will walk you through the onboarding process. You will learn where you'll be working and how the facility operates. In addition, you get the chance to fully familiarize yourself with the work culture before the assignment starts.
With VISTA, you get to live and work where you choose and decide when you would like to work. Representing over 60 specialties in all 50 states, we can help you gain increased experience in your preferred area and learn to work with a different group of colleagues assisting various patients. In addition, decreased administrative responsibilities let you spend more time with patients and make a more significant impact on a wider group. Contracts of varying lengths are available, some with the possibility of becoming permanent.
Check out our job board to find a position that is right for you. Our experienced recruiters can help you make the change you've been craving to take your career to the next level.
