Coffee, Conversations, and Closing Gaps: Our First NRHA Conference

Last week, I found myself in Atlanta, attending the National Rural Health Association’s 48th Annual Rural Health Conference. As the CEO of Era Locums, I was excited for our inaugural participation in this significant gathering of rural health professionals. We recently joined NRHA as a pipeline partner, recognizing the critical challenges rural health facilities face in staffing specialists. Our mission has always been to bridge these gaps, ensuring communities have access to the specialized care they need.

A Morning Encounter That Resonated

One morning, while enjoying coffee in the hotel lobby before our next session, my colleague Dylan struck up a conversation with a fellow attendee who had just sat down nearby. What began as casual chit-chat quickly delved into the pressing issue of a needed specialist surgeon in his rural region. Intrigued, we listened intently as he detailed the multifaceted challenges: the economic strain on the hospital, the health implications for patients, and the broader impact on the community.

This wasn't just about a vacant position; it was about a domino effect impacting hundreds of providers and patients. The absence of a single specialist was leading to delayed treatments, increased patient travel, and financial burdens on the facility. It was a poignant reminder that behind every staffing statistic lies a community grappling with real consequences.

As professionals in this space, we’re familiar with the raw data. The AAMC estimates that there will be a shortage of between 13,500 to 86,000 physicians nationwide by 2036, a crisis that disproportionately impacts rural communities. In fact, according to the AMA, 65% of rural hospitals are already facing physician shortages. But hearing first-hand accounts always highlights the severity of the problem in ways that numbers don’t capture. 

Listening as a Catalyst for Action

In our over 30 years of combined experience supporting rural healthcare staffing, we’ve learned a lot about what can be done to address shortages in underserved areas. But nothing beats hearing providers and facilities share their personal accounts with us. That’s why we value an approach that’s deeply rooted in understanding. 

We know first-hand that by listening—truly listening—we can identify the unique needs of each community and respond effectively. This conversation was a testament to that philosophy. By taking the time to engage, we gained insights that no data sheet could provide.

We promptly relayed this information to our team. Given our network of seasoned locum professionals and our commitment to responsive service, we began exploring solutions immediately. Our goal is to ensure that such gaps are addressed swiftly, minimizing disruptions to patient care.

Here’s how we turn insights into action:

1. Engage in Open Dialogue: Before proposing solutions, we ask questions like: What are the biggest staffing pain points right now? What support would make the most immediate impact? Are there long-term challenges (recruitment, retention, burnout) that need addressing? This ensures we don’t just fill gaps but strengthen the foundation of rural healthcare.
2. Mobilize the Right Resources Quickly: After this discussion, we promptly relayed key concerns to our team, tapping into our network of experienced locum professionals who are familiar with rural settings.
3. Develop Short- and Long-Term Strategies: For immediate relief, we fast-track credentialing and placement of temporary staff to prevent care disruptions. To provide long-term support, we work with facilities to identify recurring shortages and explore pipeline programs (e.g., partnerships with medical schools, loan repayment incentives).
4. Advocate for Systemic Change: Rural staffing crises won’t be solved by temporary fixes alone. Professionals also need to push for policy changes (e.g., expanded telehealth reimbursements, state-funded rural residency programs), and educate stakeholders on the need for sustainable investment in rural healthcare infrastructure.

Building Relationships, Not Just Filling Positions

Our experience at the NRHA conference underscored the importance of relationships in rural healthcare. It's not just about placing physicians; it's about understanding the community's fabric, the challenges they face, and the aspirations they hold. By fostering genuine connections, we can tailor our services to meet specific needs, ensuring sustainable and impactful solutions.

Looking Ahead

Our first NRHA conference was more than an event; it was an affirmation of our mission. We're committed to being more than a staffing agency—we aim to be partners in progress for rural communities. By continuing to engage, listen, and act, we hope to make a meaningful difference, one conversation at a time.

If you're facing similar challenges in your community or simply wish to share your experiences, we're here to listen. Together, we can work towards ensuring that every rural community has access to the specialized care they deserve.

For more information about our services and commitment to rural healthcare, visit Era Locums.

Sigrid Boring, CEO of Era Locums