Weatherby Healthcare Announces Locum Tenens of the Year Winners

Four physicians honored for their community contributions and high standards of care

Weatherby Healthcare has announced the recipients of its Locum Tenens of the Year award, in conjunction with National Locum Tenens Week, celebrated August 14-18, 2023. The award honors four locum tenens — or traveling doctors — who represent the highest standard of care and have made a lasting impact on their community. This year’s winners are:

• Dr. Sandeep Aggarwal, Neurology
• Dr. Michael Fisher, Psychiatry
• Dr. Gregory LaNouette, Urology
• Dr. Beatrice Zepeda, Pediatrics

“We are thrilled to honor these outstanding physicians and do our small part to show thanks for the incredible work they do to fill the health coverage gaps in our communities,” said Luke Woodyard, Weatherby Healthcare President. “This year’s winners represent some of the most desperately needed specialties in medicine right now, and their willingness to go where they are needed is assuring that patients can receive the care they need in a timely manner, close to home.”

Locum tenens — Latin for “to hold the place of” — physicians provide coverage for facilities experiencing a coverage gap, or to deliver care to underserved populations. They may take an assignment for a doctor who is on maternity leave, or temporarily fill a position at a rural hospital while a full-time physician is recruited and relocates. They may also take shorter, recurring assignments at health centers in underserved communities, or longer postings at hospitals that have a hard time recruiting permanent staff in remote areas. Many love the opportunity to travel, work a more flexible schedule, and avoid burnout.

The impact of locums doctors is particularly felt in smaller hospitals and more rural communities, where health systems often struggle to fill positions. Having a locum tenens doctor in place allows patients to receive care at the health center close to their home, instead of making the trek to the larger hospital in the closest city, which can often be several hours away. Or, as many Americans have experienced, clinics may not have an available appointment for several months. In many cases, being able to see a locums doctor can literally mean the difference between life and death for patients who are able to be seen in a timely manner. It’s a sentiment that is definitely felt in the communities where these doctors work.

“Dr. Beatrice Zepeda has been instrumental in growing pediatric hospitalist services at Princeton,” Aschlie Lake-Payton, director of hospital-based development and community operations at West Virginia University Provider Network Services. “She’s worked closely with leadership to initiate processes and brought extensive experience to Princeton. With the help of Dr. Zepeda, WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital is better able to serve pediatric patients and the families of our community.”

Award recipients each receive a trip for themselves and a partner to Weatherby Headquarters in either Fort Lauderdale, Florida or Durham, North Carolina, where they get a chance to meet the teams that have sent them on assignment and celebrate together. This is usually the first time they have had a chance to meet in person, and is always a special moment for folks who have often worked together for years but never met. To learn more about locum tenens, visit WeatherbyHealthcare.com.

About Weatherby Healthcare: At Weatherby Healthcare, we recognize the unique needs and aspirations that drive physicians in their careers. With our highly skilled consultants and industry-leading expertise in locum tenens, we empower healthcare providers to redefine their practice of medicine and live life on their own terms. For more than 20 years, Weatherby has earned its formidable reputation by connecting physicians with the best jobs in the industry. We have cultivated a vast network of clients, assembled an elite team of experts, and maintained an unwavering commitment to excellence, allowing us to offer unparalleled opportunities in all 50 states. Learn more at WeatherbyHealthcare.com.

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