Picture yourself practicing medicine with the breadth and autonomy that drew you to family medicine in the first place. Here, you won't be relegated to quick medication refills while specialists handle everything interesting – instead, you'll manage complex diabetes, perform joint injections, conduct minor procedures, and truly own your patients' care from prevention through chronic disease management. Your typical day flows at a sustainable pace of 15-20 patients, with 40-minute new patient visits and 20-minute follow-ups that actually allow time for meaningful conversation and thorough care.
The patient population reflects the hardworking agricultural heritage of Eastern Oregon – farmers, ranchers, and their families who value straightforward communication and deeply appreciate accessible healthcare. While the practice spans all ages, it leans slightly toward internal medicine complexity, with a substantial geriatric population managing multiple chronic conditions. You'll find yourself drawing on every aspect of your training, from pediatric wellness visits to complex polypharmacy management in elderly patients, with the clinical freedom to practice at the top of your license rather than constantly referring out.
The practice philosophy here embraces comprehensive care over frequent referrals. When you need specialist input, you'll find responsive consultants at Good Shepherd in Hermiston just 47 miles away, plus 24/7 access to OHSU's specialist consultation service. Life Flight capabilities ensure critical patients receive immediate transfer when needed, while you maintain the clinical autonomy to manage everything within your scope – from adjusting insulin regimens to treating acute infections without prior authorization hassles.
This is medicine as it should be: thorough, thoughtful, and relationship-based, where you have time to truly know your patients and the clinical freedom to provide the care they need without bureaucratic interference.
Emergency Department coverage is optional and flexible, based on physician interest. Physicians who wish to maintain ER involvement may request approximately one shift per week, with scheduling accommodations made whenever possible. This may include occasional weekend coverage depending on staffing needs and provider preference.
The Emergency Department manages a wide spectrum of cases, including:
Patients requiring higher levels of care are transferred to tertiary centers via ground or air transport when appropriate.
Physicians admitting patients through the Emergency Department are expected to provide continuity of care, including managing and rounding on admitted patients. You’ll provide care for acute inpatient, swing bed, and long-term unskilled patients when needed. Clinical responsibilities emphasize full-spectrum, hands-on medicine, making this role ideal for physicians comfortable practicing across multiple care settings.
Emergency Department shifts may involve performing a variety of core emergency and inpatient procedures consistent with rural practice. Specific procedural expectations and case mix can be further detailed during conversations with medical leadership and emergency department administration.