Content provided by Mary Ellen Doty from her interviews with WMS providers who are doing this remarkable work every day. Mary Ellen’s firsthand experiences continue to inspire our work. Rural medicine has a way of stripping care down to its essence. It is rarely predictable, never cushioned by abundance, and often conducted in the spaces […]
When people imagine a medical provider, they often picture a sterile clinician focused solely on diagnosing and treating illness. In large hospitals or urban settings, providers usually stay within narrow lanes, supported by specialists, technicians, and an extensive care team. But in rural communities, the picture looks very different. Here, a locum tenens provider doesn’t […]
So… What IS Rural Healthcare, Really? We’re not just talking about dictionary definitions here. Sure, at its core, rural healthcare means caring for patients in non-metropolitan, often underserved areas. But it’s also so much more than that. Ask ten providers what rural healthcare means, and you’ll get ten different answers — and that’s kind of […]
Whether you’re heating a packet of potatoes or trading a T-shirt for halibut, food on remote assignments becomes part of the story. We asked our providers—many of whom work in some of the most remote regions of Alaska—to share their favorite field-tested meals: what they pack, how they adapt, and the small comforts that make […]
One of the most frequently discussed aspects of locum tenens work is work-life balance. In general, locum providers experience lower rates of burnout and greater job satisfaction than their full-time, permanent counterparts. Studies show that 71% of locum physicians report little to no burnout, compared to 40% of full-time providers, and 95% report moderate to […]
Picture this: you’re working in a remote village clinic in Alaska, on call late into the night. An emergency patient arrives, and after evaluating them, it becomes clear that the clinic lacks the equipment necessary to provide the life-saving care they need. The patient’s condition is critical, and you know you can’t manage this alone. […]
Fewer than 1% of all staffing companies in the US and Canada achieve both the Best of Staffing Client and Talent Awards. Spokane, WA – February 04, 2025 – Wilderness Medical Staffing, a leading staffing agency, announced today that they have won the Best of Staffing Client and Talent Awards for providing superior service to […]
As a rural healthcare leader, you’re no stranger to the dual pressures of balancing high-quality care with financial sustainability. Providing consistent patient care in isolated or resource-limited areas requires strategic foresight and resourcefulness. Luckily, there are proven solutions to these challenges: Solution 1: Virtual Care Models (VCMs) Challenges Addressed: Hospital or clinic closures Lack of […]
In healthcare, continuity of care is crucial for patient well-being, especially in rural communities where access to consistent care is limited. While it’s often associated with patients seeing the same provider regularly, continuity encompasses much more. Locum tenens providers ensure seamless transitions in care, maintaining patient health and trust even when multiple providers are involved. […]
Working as a locum tenens provider in remote or wilderness areas can be incredibly rewarding, offering unique experiences that urban healthcare settings often lack. However, this rewarding path comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to communication. Maintaining reliable contact can be difficult in regions with limited or inconsistent reception, posing […]
Wilderness Medical Staffing (WMS) is a team of experienced staffing experts. We provide locum tenens staffing of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and CRNAs. We specialize in placing excellent, compassionate providers in rural clinics, hospitals, and communities across the continental Northwest and Alaska.
