Dental Therapists in Kansas?

Transcription

1 c o n n e c t i o n s Rural Health Education and Services Vol. 19 No. 3 Winter 2011 What s Inside... Page 3 Kansas Mission of Mercy Page 5 Dental Clinics Hard at Work Page 6 Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare Awards Page 7 Kansas Recruitment Center - Job listings Page 15 8 Wonders of Kansas History Page 16 Rural health care provider spotlight - Aaron Sinclair, MD Page 19 New Program Targets Dental Need Dental Therapists in Kansas? Opinions vary widely Few deny that much of rural Kansas lacks access to dental care 14 counties have no provider at all and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment s Bureau of Oral Health reports that 91 of the state s 105 counties don t have enough dentists to meet local needs. But opinions vary widely on how to solve the shortage. The 14 counties without a dentist: Barber, Chase, Clark, Elk, Greeley, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kiowa, Lane, Ness, Rawlins, Trego, Wabaunsee, and Wallace. Some towns, like Medicine Lodge, the county seat of Barber County, have not had a dentist for 10 years. The current shortage is exacerbated by the fact that only 25 percent of Kansas dentists accept Medicaid, compared with 90 percent of physicians. It s expected the situation will worsen in coming years since the average dentist in Kansas is 50 years old and looking to retire in the next six to 10 years, according to a survey by KDHE s Bureau of Oral Health. There certainly is a need in Kansas that goes without saying, said Sally Tesluk, executive director at the PrairieStar Health Clinic, a safety-net clinic in Hutchinson that can t keep up with demand. Even with two dentists, we are backed up for several months.there is an overwhelming need. Kansas Action for Children, Kansas Association for the Medically Underserved and Kansas Health Care Consumer Coalition joined forces last year to form the Kansas Dental Project to address the shortage of dental providers. The Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Kansas Dental Hygienists Association recently signed on to support the coalition, said Stephanie Mullholland, spokeswoman for the Kansas Dental Project and director of communications for Kansas Action for Children. The coalition s intent to introduce legislation that would allow a new type of practitioner known as a dental therapist to practice in Kansas has heightened the debate. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation supports efforts in five states including Kansas to get legislative approval for dental therapists. Photo from Kansas Dental Project video addressing the dental shortage Kansas Dental Project The Kansas Dental Project released the first of three videos addressing the shortage and delivered a copy to legislators when they reconvened Continued on page 4

2 From The Director... Joyce Grayson Kansas Connections is published four times a year by the University of Kansas Medical Center, Rural Health Education and Services, Kansas City and Wichita. KUMC is an AA/EO/Title IX Institution. This publication is available in alternate formats upon request. Contact Susan Belden (316) Kansas Relay Number DIRECTOR Joyce Grayson ADVISOR Lorene Valentine EDITOR /GRAPHIC DESIGNER Susan Belden CONTRIBUTING WRITER Cindy Mines Dr. Moser appointed to KDHE Congratulations are in order for a 22-year community faculty member with the University of Kansas School of Medicine Wichita and most recently, Director of Rural Health and Outreach for the Department of Community and Family Medicine. Governor Sam Brownback announced that Dr. Robert P. Moser Jr., former medical director for Greeley County Health Robert P. Moser, Jr., M.D. Service in Tribune, Kan., has been appointed secretary of the Department of Health and Environment for the Brownback Administration. On behalf of all of us in Rural Health Education and Services, we congratulate Dr. Moser on his new role. Welcome, Sara Roberts! Sara Roberts has joined the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as Director of the Rural Health Office in the Bureau of Local and Rural Health (BLRH). Roberts states, A stable and responsive health system is essential to the Sara Roberts, Director, Rural Health Office, BLRH vitality of Kansas and the health of our communities. I am very excited about the opportunity to serve as the Director, and to be a partner and an advocate for ensuring access and improving the health of rural Kansas. Prior to joining the BLRH team, Sara worked in the Department of Health Services Research and Administration at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Sara earned a Masters in Public Health degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2004 and is a recent graduate of the Great Plains Public Health Leadership Institute. Gruenbachers receive award The Department of Family and Community Medicine has awarded the 2010 Doug Parks, MD, Family Medicine Volunteer Preceptor Teaching Award to Drs. Doug and Shelly Gruenbacher of Quinter, KS. This award recognizes volunteer faculty members in the department who rise to a higher level of service in the education of future physicians. Congratulations! Bristol Meyers Squibb Award Beth Loney, MD, Family Medicine, was the recipient of the Bristol Meyers Squibb Award for Excellence in Graduate Medical Education. She was recognized in October 2010 at the AAFP Scientific Assembly in Denver, Colo. She s one of only 12 residents in the country to receive this outstanding award. Congratulations on this achievement! Health Care Heroes Congratulations to all honorees of the Health Care Heroes awards for 2010: Lifetime Achievement George Farha, KU School of Medicine Wichita Administrative excellence Kari Clark, Wichita Surgical Specialists and Tom Church, Catholic Care Center 2 Kansas connections Continued on back page

3 Kansas Mission of Mercy (KMOM) Dental clinic provides free services Each year hundreds of Kansans drive for hours to line up before dawn, or even arrive the night before, to wait for the doors to open at 5:30 a.m. for the Kansas Mission of Mercy (KMOM). This year s two-day, free dental clinic in Hutchinson, held at the Kansas Fairgrounds Jan , treated 1,638 patients with dental care valued at $1.25 million. This was the largest project we have ever done in terms of dollars of care, said Greg Hill, executive director of the Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation, which organizes the event. During the 10 Missions of Mercy, more than 19,000 patients have received dental care and nearly $10 million in care has been delivered. Those receiving care are extremely appreciative, Hill said. Numerous people have left us comments and shown support for the hard work done by each and every volunteer. It s a tremendous honor to see so many people offering a hand and giving their talent to help others. Without them, this type of effort would not be possible. This year s event involved 932 volunteers, including 136 dentists, 133 hygienists, and 183 dental assistants. Other volunteers worked on preparing and serving meals, escorting patients, and helping set up 85 dental chairs. KMOM provides free dental care to low-income individuals on a first-come, first-served basis. The clinic can provide services to about 1,000 people each day and a total of 4,389 teeth were extracted during the recent two-day clinic. After registration, triage is performed It s a tremendous honor to see so many people offering a hand and giving their talent to help others. by periodontists and orthodontists since those services are not offered at the clinic. Dentists will ask a patient what brings them there, assess what their needs are versus what types of procedures we re able to provide, Hill said. We get their most urgent need taken care of and if there s time we ll do more. The Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation started the Mission of Mercy in 2003 in Garden City. It has also been in Pittsburg, Salina, Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka, Manhattan, and Independence. A surgeon general s report in 1999 that noted diseases enter the body through the mouth and linked oral health to general health, set the groundwork for a lot of efforts, not just in Kansas but nationally, recognizing the importance of good dental care, Hill said. A big part of the reason our foundation does this work is because of the connection. A few years ago volunteers collected exit surveys from patients, which were Keith Grigsby, D.D.S., of Leavenworth, Kan., volunteered at KMOM in Hutchinson, Kan. Greg Hill, executive director of the Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation analyzed by the Kansas Health Institute and summarized for the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. The surveys indicated that 88.6 percent of KMOM patients had gone without dental care because of an inability to pay for services, 15.1 percent had never been to a dentist, and 37.8 percent had been in pain for a month or longer. There are so many people who can t afford dental care, Hill said. While talking with patients, every single one I spoke with said that without adult Medicaid, they simply were unable to get the dental care they need. 3

4 Dental Therapists in Kansas? continued from cover Map courtesy of Kansas Dental Project Kansas counties that do not have a dentist Counties that do not have enough dentists to serve their population Counties that have enough dentists to serve their population in mid-january. In the nine-minute video, Dr. Daniel Minnis, private practice dentist in Pittsburg; Heidi Foster, CEO of Rawlins County Dental Clinic in Atwood; Jason Wesco, COO of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas; and Stephanie Waggoner, CEO of United Methodist Mexican-American Ministries in Garden City, discussed the impact of the severe shortage of dental care in their parts of the state. Mullholland said proposed legislation will be introduced in the current session that would allow dental therapists to work in Kansas as they do in 52 other countries and Alaska, which has used dental therapists in rural tribal areas for several years. Dental therapist training has started in Minnesota, where legislation passed in 2009 calls for two years of training to provide preventive oral health care and services such as fillings and uncomplicated extractions, done under the supervision of an off-site dentist. The American Dental Association and the Kansas Dental Association (KDA) have issued statements opposing the use of dental therapists. Providing access to all Kansans cannot be accomplished by simply creating a new dental therapist or other new dental provider whose inadequate training and education puts the very patients they are intended to help at serious risk, said Kevin Robertson, executive director of the Kansas Dental Association. I understand the need for the proposed legislation, and I also understand why dentists are less than enthusiastic about it, Tesluk said. She wonders if dentists wouldn t eventually accept a dental therapist role, much as physicians adapted to nurse practitioners and physician assistants after initial opposition. I think physicians are now accepting of them, she said. They fill a role and they know what the role is and they work very well together. Perhaps that would happen if legislation would take effect down the road. A dental therapist is a dental hygienist with expanded skills. Hygienists in Kansas currently are allowed to provide preventive care such as cleanings and fluoride treatments in a dentist s office. They can provide services in nursing homes, senior centers, safety-net clinics, jails, schools, and other locations with an extended care permit. There are an estimated 118 dental hygienists with extended care permits in Kansas, according to the Kansas Health Institute. In 2009, Kansas had 1,353 dentists serving an average client base of 2,083, according to the Kansas Health Policy Authority (KHPA). Seventeen counties had one dentist per 4,000 residents, and the worst ratio among counties with dentists was Doniphan County, which 4 Kansas connections Continued on page 18

5 Dental Clinics Hard at Work Trying to meet the demand in rural Kansas As the population in his hometown of Ashland dwindled to fewer than 1,000 and his wife could not find a teaching job in the area, Richard Stein, D.D.S., made the decision in 2004 to move his dental practice 50 miles to Dodge City. The move left Clark County without a dentist, a role filled by his father, himself or his brother since Dodge City has several dentists though the only oral surgeon retired last year but most do not accept Medicaid, which presents a barrier to care for low-income residents. So Dr. Stein volunteered to do dental checkups at his wife s school, which was in a low-income area. I was astounded by the need for oral care, he said. While president-elect of the Dodge City Rotary last year, he joined with other community leaders to found the Ford County Oral Health Coalition. The group developed a business plan and arranged for office space to be donated by the Farmers Service Organization and a grant from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund to help fund the clinic s first two years. The coalition grew to include members representing the school district and other agencies. The resulting Dodge City Dental Clinic opened in September It Mai Xiong, D.D.S., PrairieStar Health Clinic, Hutchinson, Kan. Adam Bowen, D.D.S., PrairieStar Health Clinic, Hutchinson, Kan. is organized by the United Methodist Mexican-American Ministries, which operates a similar dental clinic in Garden City. The Garden City clinic started on a part-time basis in 2007 and expanded to full time the next year. Both clinics charge on a sliding-fee scale based on income and family size. The demand in Dodge City is greater than expected for the six volunteer dentists, Dr. Stein said. We could hire two or even three fulltime dentists, he said. There is huge demand, more demand than we could satisfy. The clinic is in the process of hiring a full-time dentist. In Garden City, the dental clinic has expanded to four chairs. In 2009, the clinic had 2,735 visits. Of the 1,181 dental patients the Garden City clinic treated, 84 percent paid for their own services, six percent had insurance, and 10 percent were covered by Medicaid. In addition, hygienists screened 20,222 children in 68 schools in 19 counties for visual oral decay. Of these, 6,833, or 32 percent, were referred to a dentist for follow-up. PrairieStar Health Clinic in Hutchinson plans to add dental hygienist visits for teeth cleaning and check-ups to schools in Rice and Stafford counties this spring, said Sally Tesluk, executive director. Though the clinic was able to add two full-time dentists in July 2009 through the National Health Service Corps loan repayment program, it still cannot keep up with demand, she said. Even though health centers offer reduced rates, dental care is still expensive and many people put off getting care for too long, Tesluk said. We see people of all ages who haven t had treatment in a long, long time. We see a lot of kids with abscesses that need to be taken care of and a lot of adults with broken teeth. It s really unbelievable. 5

6 Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare Awards Rural Nurses honored Jean Creson Caffrey, RN, 2010 Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare award recipient Jean Creson Caffrey, RN, believes that working as a nurse in rural Kansas is what she was meant to do. The nurse manager of the Downtown Medical Clinic in Frankfort, population 900, was selected from hundreds of nominations as one of 10 registered nurses honored during the 19th Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare awards ceremony last fall at Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo. The Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare awards was established by the University of Kansas School of Nursing in 1989, recognizing registered nurses for their outstanding professional work. For 25 years, Caffrey has worked for Community HealthCare Systems Inc., a family practice health center, spending the last 13 years in Frankfort. Three days a week she is the only nurse at the center. Working in a rural area has allowed me to know my patients personally, said Caffrey, who also is a staff nurse at the hospital in Onaga. My inspiration to become a nurse came from watching my mother who was an RN in a small town. While residents of a rural community are comforted being cared for by someone they know, Caffrey said it can be challenging to respond to emergencies involving family or friends. Responding to accidents, especially involving young people my kids go to school with, is very tough and requires separating your personal feelings from the job that needs to be done, Caffrey said. Mary Beth Herrmann, RN, administrator and health officer for the Pawnee County Health Department in Larned was also recognized. Her dedication is fueled by helping the underserved and less fortunate in a rural community. This organization works to promote and keep a health care system in our small rural county, said Herrmann, who has worked at the health department for 22 years and in public health nursing for 33 years. While Herrmann has tried other types of nursing, she s always been drawn back to public health. In her role at the Pawnee County Health Department, she fills many roles, including administrator, staff supervisor, county health officer, HIPAA privacy and security officer, public information officer, human resource manager, facility infection control manager, identity theft prevention officer, purchasing officer, finance manager, grant writer, staff development trainer, OSHA compliance officer and the public health preparedness coordinator. One minute I am working on the yearly grants and the next minute I am giving flu shots, doing a pregnancy test or maybe weighing and measuring a one-week-old baby, Herrmann said. But she wouldn t have it any other way. I enjoy introducing and mentoring new staff to the world of public health, she said. You have to really like this type of work and be able to see the broad-reaching impact that it makes on people s lives down the road. It is very holistic in that you get to know the family unit through many different avenues of our programs. In nominating Herrmann, one person wrote, She is dedicated to finding a solution to the problems the community faces. Pawnee County is lucky to have a nurse such as Mary Beth who not only sees future needs but also pays attention to the needs at hand, and is always striving to make our county one of the healthier communities in Kansas. Mary Beth Herrmann, RN, 2010 Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare award recipient When the parent company of the local hospital decided to close it, Herrmann led the charge to ensure that did not happen. She worked nonstop with others in the community for a year to find a solution. The hospital is now owned by the county and in no danger of closing its doors. 6 Kansas connections Continued on page 15

7 KANSAS RECRUITMENT CENTER February 2011 The mission of the Kansas Recruitment Center (KRC) is to assist Kansas rural communities in recruiting and retaining physicians and other health care providers. KRC works with hospitals, private physician practices, community health centers, and other organizations recruiting physicians, nurses, physician assistants or other health care professionals. KRC is also a health care career service for physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners and other allied health professionals. KRC assists candidates in finding a community and practice or career opportunity that meets their requirements. Services are provided to candidates at no charge. Candidates should refer to a position by number when they are calling about a specific opening. For more information, contact the University of Kansas Medical Center, Rural Health Education and Services, or , or visit the Web site at NORTH CENTRAL KRC Orthopedist group practice affiliated with a regional medical center serves a population of 60K; competitive salary; great ; H1-B Visa opportunity KRC C Family Physician 25-bed CAH and rural health clinic; current staffing includes 1 physician and 1 PA; call is 1:3; salary: $135,000- $150,000; full KRC Family Physician w/o OB for 2-campus, 99-bed hospital w/ secondary campus 20 miles southwest; salary is $140,000 + production incentive + sign-on bonus; call is 1:2; full KRC C Obstetrician/Gynecologist join well-established, growing practice for regional acute care hospital, serving population of 60,000; approx 350 births annually, but expected to grow; current call is 1:2, with third provider, will be 1:3, salary range is $240,000 - $300,000; great KRC Family Physician KRC Internist 14-bed modern, progressive CAH w/ large rural health clinic and ER; caseload includes inpatient and outpatient; salary is competitive and negotiable; full ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC Hospitalist 385-bed regional health center, focuses on career, community, & family; 125 physicians on staff; competitive salary; full KRC Registered Nurse for 12-bed ICU; the 385-bed hospital focuses on career, community, and family; 125 physicians on staff; salary is competitive and negotiable; full KRC Medicine-Pediatrics modern, progressive, and soon-to-be renovated CAH, with a large rural health clinic and ER coverage. Patient caseload includes both inpatient and outpatient. Salary range is $160,000 to $180,000; full package offered KRC Internal Medicine 385-bed regional health center; competitive salary with signing bonus, full ; stipend of $1,000 per month for qualified residents KRC Orthopaedic Surgeon successful group practice; opportunity for qualified residents to earn $1000/month while completing training; excellent salary; full KRC Gastroenterologist large multispecialty group; Opportunity for qualified residents to earn $1000/month while completing training; competitive salary, negotiable; full KRC Dermatologist BC/BE for Dermatological and Medical Aesthetics care in a well organized and growing private practice; mix of general dermatology, medical aesthetics, and surgical dermatology; aggressive compensation, fantastic bonus potential, full, signing bonus, paid relocation expenses KRC Urologist two-campus, 99-bed, regional acute care hospital. New practice; call is negotiable and may be shared; able to develop the program; specialty is in very high demand; great salary; full KRC Pediatrician board certified or eligible, private practice, with privileges at the 385-bed hospital; clinic is focused on providing quality patient care; a collegial working atmosphere and a healthy balance of career and family; aggressive compensation, great KRC Radiologist Radiology group seeks a BC/BE Radiologist to practice with wellestablished physicians; competitive compensation and package, large signing bonus, partnership tract, paid relocation and a collegial working atmosphere KRC Urologist Single specialty group seeks a BC/BE Urologist to join one of the most productive and respected clinics in area, to join 5 well-established urologists; aggressive compensation, package, relocation expenses, partnership tract KRC Family Physician w/ OB for 25-bed hospital w/ 2 satellite clinics. Currently on staff: 3 FPs, 1 GS; call coverage is 1:4 weekends and backup call during the week; negotiable salary, great KRC Medicine-Pediatrics BC/ BE for growing practice; aggressive compensation, package, partnership tract; newly completed patient tower and renovations on facility KRC Physician Assistant for well-established and busy family medicine practice; schedule is 4.5 days per week; currently on staff: 4 FPs and 1 PA/NP; no call coverage; salary is $60,000 - $70,000 + production bonus; great KRC Nurse Practitioner - for an experienced NP in a well-established, busy family medicine practice; schedule is 4.5 days/ week; currently 4 FPs and 1 PA/NP on staff; no call coverage; salary range is $60,000 - $70,000 + production bonus w/ one-year contract; excellent KRC Emergency Medicine BC/ BE opportunity for 385-bed regional health care center; newly constructed Emergency Room has 26 beds and 27,000 visits annually; open 24 hours; phy- Continued 7

8 sicians work 12 hour shifts with at least one physician on staff at all times; while they are working towards level III trauma designation, trauma team is formed and responding to trauma needs now; emergency air ambulance is available directly atop of the ER; for those residents and fellows who qualify, there is an opportunity to earn $1,000 per month while completing their last two years of training KRC General Surgeon BE/BC GS for 385-bed regional health care center; facility is a regional referral center for many specialties and is working to become accredited as a level III trauma center; looking for a physician leader to help improve accessibility and quality of trauma care to patients; great income potential and signing bonus KRC Neurological Surgery Physician BC/BE Neurosurgeon for large regional hospital to join neuro and trauma teams; strong surgical and interpersonal skills, desire to collaborate w/ other specialties in the delivery of trauma/neuro care to patients in region; state-ofthe-art imaging and technology capabilities, 12-bed intensive care unit and wound care clinic; stipend of $1,000/month available to residents/fellows who qualify while finishing last two years of training KRC Neurologist 385-bed community-owned not-for-profit regional hospital seeks BE/BC Neurologist to assist with in-patient & out-patient care; experience or training in EEG, EMG, Nerve Conduction, Botox, interest in movement disorders a plus; for those residents and fellows who qualify, there is an opportunity to earn $1,000 per month while completing their last two years of training; aggressive compensation, package KRC Family Medicine - small multi-specialty group seeks BC/BE FM to join group practice; OB is optional; aggressive compensation, package and partnership tract; privileges at 385-bed health care center KRC Physician Assistant (Cardiovascular Surgery) - for 385-bed not-for-profit regional health care center; certified/certified eligible PA experienced in cardiovascular surgery; first assist in surgery, perform endoscopic vein harvesting, consults; aggressive compensation, package; surgery 2-3 days/week; clinic 1 day/week; in-patient rounds each morning, call coverage is every other night & every other weekend (split with other PA) KRC Hematologist/Oncologist for busy practice; privileges at 385-bed, regional health care center & community cancer center; referral population for hem/onc care is 250,000; currently 3 Hem/Oncs and the call coverage is 1:3; aggressive compensation, package; cancer center is accredited by the Commission on Cancer and is a proud member of the University of Kansas - Midwest Cancer Alliance 8 Kansas connections NORTHEAST KRC C Family Physician to join 2 physician at group practice clinic; salary is $140,000+; call coverage rotates; full ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC Pediatrician for hospitalemployed and managed practice; the hospital service area is 45,000 and they expect 30,000 new residents within the next 6 years; the hospital has completed a $43 million expansion; 1 pediatrician on staff; salary is $140,000-$150,000; full KRC Internist for multi-specialty group including 13 physicians whose specialties include internal medicine, pulmonology, cardiology, gastroenterology, oncology, gerontology, pain management, and immunology; 4 PAs/NPs on staff; 4 satellite clinics; 120-bed admitting health center; call is 1:8; salary is competitive and negotiable; KRC Family Physician with OB for a newly constructed hospital based clinic; office in a new hospital-based clinic; call is every 5-6 weeknights and 5th-6th weekend; salary range is $180,000 to $200,000; great KC Family Physician w/o OB, available at FQHC; currently on staff: 1 physician and 2 NPs; no current in-pt care, but will be 1-3 admissions/mo. Outstanding opportunity to make a difference in a community; salary is negotiable; salary: $135,000 to $185,000 with comprehensive KRC Internal Medicine w/o OB, at FQHC; currently on staff: 1 physician and 2 NPs; no current in-pt care, but will be 1-3 admissions/ mo. Outstanding opportunity to make a difference in a community; salary is negotiable; salary: $135,000 to $185,000 with comprehensive KRC Medicine Pediatrics w/o OB, at FQHC; currently on staff: 1 physician and 2 NPs; no current in-pt care, but will be 1-3 admissions/ mo. Outstanding opportunity to make a difference in a community; salary is negotiable; salary: $135,000 - $185,000 with comprehensive KRC Emergency Medicine Physician BC/BE in EM or other primary care specialty with current EM experience for great hospital near Kansas City; single covered 12 hour shifts; salary$190,000+ KRC General Practitioner w/o OB for HPSA designated FQCH and Dental Center; currently on staff: 1 physician, 1 dentist, 1 hygienist, 2 ARNPs, 1 PA, 1 child psychologist, 2 case managers. Shared call coverage for clinic patients, hospital call rotation is 1:6 for weekend coverage, no ER call; salary is $130,000-$145,000, great KRC Nursing Unit Manager for OR of 92-bed hospital; RNs in the OR are responsible for scheduling and coordination of surgeries in the OR, patients/physicians, and staff; hospital employed position offering a competitive salary; experienced RNs and new graduates are encouraged to apply; great KRC Family Medicine w/o OB; established rural health clinic in a new multi-specialty clinic on the hospital grounds; salary is competitive and negotiable depending on training and experience + bonus incentive available; excellent KRC Laboratory Director 24-bed CAH; currently on staff: 4 physicians, 1 PA/NP, 1 Med-Tech, 2 Med/Lab Techs, 1 phlebotomist/secretary; call shared equally among all staff; must have ASCP or equivalent; salary is negotiable and depending on experience; great KRC Registered Nurse with Psychiatry experience for caring team, focusing on assisting families/children with crisis situations, providing emotional /physical comfort to clients, part of support team to deliver high-quality services and care; some on-call; current RN license in good standing, BSN preferred, but not required, minimum of two years of psychiatric nursing experience, required, must be over 21 and have a satisfactory driving record, full time with competitive salary and KRC Nurse Practitioner parttime at a great safety net clinic, focus on family medicine; free clinic operates with large volunteer base of 15 physicians and PAs/NPs; no call; NP is responsible for direct patient care 10 hours per week in outpatient setting; salary is $36.81 per/hour with a 2 year contract term and does offer accrued paid time off, relocation assistance may be available KRC Physical Therapist - for 24-bed CAH; position is 50% outpatient, 20% peds, 15% inpatient, and 15% home health; rehab facility is brand new; currently on staff: 1 PT, 4 PTA s, and 1 OT; position hours are 8-4:30, flexibility offered, call time is 1 holiday weekend /year; salary is competitive and includes a great package KRC Medical Laboratory Technologist KRC Medical Technologist - for 24-bed CAH; currently 4 physicians and 1 NP on staff at the hospital; experienced and new graduates are encouraged to apply; must have ASCP or equivalent; salary is negotiable depending on experience, great ; day shift position 6a-3p, 8a-4:30, or 9:30-6p, call coverage is shared KRC C General Surgeon - to join 18-bed hospital with adjoining clinics/solo practices; opportunity allows practice of the full spectrum of GS in a rural facility; weekend call time will be shared with another general surgeon; this position offers 2 employment models: private practice with a 2 year income guarantee or hospital-employed w/ base Continued

9 guarantee and productivity incentives; salary starts at $260,000+ and is based on experience KRC BC/BE Gastroenterologist for multi-specialty group practice; group includes 13 physicians, also 4 PA/NPs on staff w/ 100 supporting staff members, four satellite clinics; admitting regional health center located within one half mile of practice; call coverage is shared with 2 other gastroenterologists in the community; salary is competitive and negotiable; great KRC Internist - needed for FQHC seeking a BC/BE; competitive salary and excellent ; malpractice coverage provided; very limited call; NHSC approved site; clinic currently provides primary medical are in its 5 clinics KRC Family Medicine w/out OB KRC Internist - for Not-for-Profit organization that provides health and dental care for the uninsured; physician will work 16 hours/week, Mon, Wed & Thurs evenings 5-9P & Sat 8A-noon;, salary range of $53-$65/hour. KRC Family Physician w/ or w/o OB for FQHC & Dental Center; physician will share call coverage w/ current physician weekly for clinic patients, call rotation for the hospital is 1:6 for weekend coverage, no ER call for this position; salary range is $130,000-$145,000, NORTHWEST KRC Orthopedist 2 positions available for group practice; 190+ bed state-of-the-art medical center with an in-clinic MRI and wellness facility; 90 physicians on active medical staff; salary negotiable; ; H1-B and J-1 opportunity KRC Gastroenterologist 190+ bed state-of-the-art medical center w/new wellness facility; 90 physicians on active medical staff; salary negotiable; full ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC Family Physician with OB, prefer c-section certified; 25-bed CAH; currently 3 physicians and 1 PA/NP; call is 1:4 as secondary to ARNP (primary ER call); salary includes base + productivity incentive, approximately $150,000+ depending on OB and procedures; full ; H-1B opportunity KRC Internist 190+ bed, state of the art medical center and wellness facility; currently 90 physicians on staff; call is 1:5; salary is negotiable; ; an outstanding hospital in a positive and progressive environment; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC C Family Physician 25-bed CAH; OB preferred; rural health clinic on-site (4-day schedule); current staff: 3 FPs, 1 general surgeon, 1 PA/NP; call is 1:5 ER and 1:3 OB; salary is $140,000-$150,000 + incentives; full ; J-1 and H-1B opportunity KRC C Family Physician 25-bed CAH with a 33-bed long term care unit attached; 2 clinics - one in town, and one 15 miles away; out of town clinic has a physician half day/week and FT NP; new FP will work in the clinic 4.5 days and will perform rounds on long term care patients and their patients in the hospital; OB preferred, but not required; no high-risk OB; current staff: 1 physician (does OB), 1 NP, and 2 PAs; call is 1:4 with second call backup for the PAs; salary is $150,000-$165,000; full ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC C Family Physician w/o OB for health center that operates a 24-bed CAH, 2 rural health clinics, 8 specialty clinics, and retirement community; to see patients in rural health clinic and long-term care, and participate in the admission and delivery of inpatient care; call is no more than 1:3 ½ ; currently 3 full-time providers on staff; salary is $150,000-$170,000; excellent ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC C Internist for health center that operates a 24-bed CAH, 2 rural health clinics, 8 specialty clinics, and a retirement community; to see patients in a rural health clinic setting and long-term care, to participate in the admission and delivery of inpatient care; call is 1:3½ or less; currently 3 fulltime providers on staff; salary is $150,000-$170,000; excellent ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC Pulmonologist/Critical Care Physician for 2 physician team, practice attached to hospital; the 190+ bed state-of-the-art medical center has 90 physicians on staff; call is 1:3; salary is competitive and negotiable; full ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC Family Physician w/ or w/o OB for group practice in 24-bed CAH and 36-bed long term care unit; current staff: 3 FPs and 1 NP on staff; to work in clinic w/in walking distance of hospital; call is 1:4; 1 satellite facility; salary: $130,000-$150,000; loan repayment and relocation; H1-B and J-1 opportunity KRC Internist group practice in 24-bed CAH and 36-bed long term care unit; current staff: 3 FPs and 1 NP; Internist will work in clinic w/ in walking distance of hospital; call is 1:4; 1 satellite facility; salary: $130,000-$150,000; loan repayment and relocation; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC Registered Nurse 16-bed newly remodeled CAH; experience and new grads encouraged to apply; the hospital offers well-rounded experience and mentoring; very strong staff w/ low turnover; ADN or BSN welcome; very aggressive with educational opportunities: NALS, PALS, ACLS, TNCC, and advanced burn; salary is competitive; strong KRC Registered Nurse w/ extensive labor, delivery and post-partum nursing experience for 16-bed newly remodeled CAH; will work with DON and medical staff to coordinate nursing care in OB dept; strong staff w/ low turnover; ADN or BSN; very aggressive with educational opportunities: NALS, PALS, ACLS, TNCC, and advanced burn; salary is competitive; strong KRC Hospitalist for 190+ bed, state of the art medical center and wellness facility; currently 90 physicians on staff, will be 6 hospitalists providing care; current 12 hr shift is 7on, 7 off; evening coverage every 6th week; salary is competitive and negotiable; KRC Physical Therapist 25-bed CAH; department is expanding and remodeling; new graduates and experienced PTs encouraged to apply. must have current Kansas license; salary range $62,400-$83,200; excellent package KRC Physical Therapist 190+ bed, state-of-the-art medical center and wellness facility; rehabilitation center just underwent a $17 million expansion. Experienced therapists and new grads encouraged to apply; KS licensure and BLS certification must complete within first 2 weeks. Salary: $55,000-$58,000 for new grads, based upon experience for experienced therapists; full KRC Occupational Therapist 270-bed, state-of-the-art medical center and wellness facility; rehabilitation center just underwent a $17 million expansion; acute care/inpatient hospital setting; salary: $68,000 and based upon experience; full KRC Occupational Therapist 25-bed CAH that includes a 2 physician hospitalbased clinic and a 68 bed long term care facility. Will work with another OT and handle 5-8 patients per day; emphasis on hand therapy preferred but not required. Salary depends on experience; range: $46,600 - $75,000; full KRC Occupational Therapist NEW facility; 20-bed CAH; experienced therapists and new graduates encouraged to apply; salary is negotiable and depends upon experience; great KRC Physical Therapist NEW facility; 20-bed CAH; the hospital also supports 4 satellite clinics; experienced therapists and new graduates are encouraged to apply. Salary is negotiable; fantastic KRC Family Physician w/o OB in a 25-bed CAH and FHC; physician will provide primary health care services in a new clinic attached to the hospital. to take over an existing patient base; great salary; full KRC Medical Technologist Manager 16-bed progressive hospital; will oversee technical procedures and personnel; salary is $30,000-$40,000; excellent KRC Internal Medicine w/o OB in a 25 bed CAH and FHC; to provide primary Continued 9

10 health care services in a new clinic attached to the hospital; take over existing patient base; great salary; full KRC C Family Physician with OB for newly remodeled Rural Health Clinic, on campus of 25-bed CAH; call is 1-4; to perform C-sections. Prefer interest in pediatrics, elder care, and women s health and commitment to the medical home concept; Great patient mix and enhanced reimbursement through the Rural Health Clinic. Salary: $170,000 - $190,000; great KRC Family Physician w/ or w/o OB for 18-bed CAH; patient population is pediatric thru geriatric in variety of settings; currently 1 physician and 2 ARNP s on staff; call is secondary; 1:4, ARNP s take primary call; salary is $175,000- $185,000 plus a production bonus, a sign-on bonus, and ARNP supervision pay with a three-year contract; full ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC Internist 18-bed CAH; patient population is pediatric thru geriatric in variety of settings; currently 1 physician and 2 ARNP s on staff; call is secondary; 1:4, ARNP s take primary call; salary: $175,000-$185,000+, a sign-on bonus, and ARNP supervision pay with a three-year contract; full ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC Medicine-Pediatrics 18-bed CAH; patient population is pediatric thru geriatric in variety of settings; currently 1 physician and 2 ARNP s on staff; call is secondary; 1:4, ARNP s take primary call; salary is $175,000-$185,000 plus production bonus, sign-on bonus, and ARNP supervision pay with a three-year contract; full ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC Physician Assistant schedule Mon.-Fri. 8a-5p in the ER and RHC; no weekends or holiday work typically involved; no weekend or night call; top salary and KRC Physical Therapist health center which operates a 24-bed CAH, 2 RHC, 8 specialty clinics, and retirement community. Currently on staff: 1 PTA, 1 PT, 1 part-time aide. New PT wing and plans for growth in the department; one or more years of experience is preferred; salary starts at $54,080 and is negotiable KRC Medicine-Pediatrics 25-bed CAH; currently on staff: three other physicians and three PA/NPs; must have Kansas licensure; salary and negotiable and competitive; J-1 and H-1B opportunity KRC Orthopedist 190+ bed, state of the art medical center and wellness facility. Currently 90 physicians and their active medical staff. Salary is negotiable; paid vacation; ; CME allowance; relocation costs; four satellites; H-1B and J1 Visa opportunity 10 Kansas connections KRC Otolaryngologist 25-bed CAH; currently on staff: 3 other physicians and 3 PA/ NPs; must have Kansas licensure or be eligible. Salary and are negotiable and competitive; J-1 visa opportunity KRC Pediatrician to join well-established pediatric clinic with inpatient and outpatient responsibilities; call coverage is 1:4; currently on staff: 4 physicians and 1 PA/NP; Salary is $187,000 + bonus provision with contract a duration of 3 years, great KRC Physician Assistant 25-bed CAH w/ HPSA designation; call is 1:4; currently on staff: 2 physicians and 1 PA; salary is $75,000- $80,000 + production bonus; great, J-1 visa opportunity KRC Internal Medicine 25-bed CAH; currently on staff: 3 physicians and 2 PA/NPs; must have Kansas licensure or be eligible; salary and are negotiable and competitive KRC Nurse Practitioner 25-bed CAH, HPSA designation, call is 1:4; currently on staff: 2 physicians, 1 PA; salary range is $75,000- $80,000 + production bonus, great KRC Family Physician w/o OB for thriving family medicine clinic looking to expand; currently on staff: 6 physicians, 2 PA/NPs, 7 RNs plus support staff; call is 1:6; salary is negotiable, full KRC Dentist needed to build practice in a great community, current dentists not able to take new patients; great need for new dentist to provide oral health services; several nearby communities willing to assist in setting up practice and creating established patient base; salary starting at $125,000, negotiable and include relocation costs KRC Anesthesiologist to join group with five other anesthesiologists; excellent reputation for quality and stability; group has exclusive agreement with 207-bed hospital; salary is negotiable, comprehensive package; J-1 and H-1B visa opportunity KRC Family Medicine w/o OB for FQHC; great opportunity to join wonderful staff; currently on staff: 2 physician, 2.2 NPs, 1DDS, 1RDH; to provide care to all ages, under the direction of the Medical Director; great, 5 weeks PTO; salary range of $140,000- $160,000 KRC Family Physician w/o OB for family medicine clinic looking to expand; current staff includes 6 physicians, 2 PA/NPs, 7 RNs plus support staff; call is 1:6; salary is negotiable; full benefit package offered, including paid vacation, CME allowance, relocation costs and possible loan repayment KRC Nurse Practitioner - to join newly formed hospital owned clinic with several specialty physicians; great opportunity for experienced clinician or new graduate; ER coverage will be shared, call time will be 10 days/month, only one on a weekend; lab and x-ray done in the same building; salary is $90,000, it is negotiable, includes a 1 year contract, outstanding package KRC Medical Technologist for 18-bed CAH; currently 3 full-time laboratory staff; must have ASCP certification; call schedule varies; salary starts at $37,500 and is based on experience; great KRC Physician Assistant KRC Nurse Practitioner - 18-bed CAH; currently one full time ARNP and one part time ARNP; call schedule varies; salary is competitive and is based on experience; ; excellent opportunity to learn and grow with up-and-coming facility KRC Registered Nurse 25-bed CAH & clinic; currently on staff: 2 physicians, 1 PA; salary is competitive and negotiable; hospital is in a HPSA designated area & participates in NHSC loan repayment program; great KRC Registered Nurse - to join busy OR in a 25-bed CAH; full-time position with 6a-2p shift and rotating call schedule; circulating nurse position with some pre and post op coverage; salary range is $42,000-$64,700 & based on experience; KRC ARNP - progressive cardiology practice seeks Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner to join our team; position works directly with a cardiologist 1:1; call coverage is 1:4, average 35 patients a month; position is predominately acute care hospital-based; new grads encouraged to apply; competitive salary range, KRC Family Physician w/out OB KRC Internal Medicine KRC Med/Ped - position available to oversee care of RHC, acute, swing, long term care, and ER patients; 1 PA currently on staff; 8-5 schedule, call coverage: 8 days/28 day cycle;, salary range is negotiable as is contract duration, bonus structure KRC Nurse Practitioner - to join new comprehensive Breast Center; work closely with breast cancer specialists, see patients independently under supervision; Mon-Fri 8a-5p, no call coverage; 3-5 years of nursing experience preferred; understanding of breast diseases & breast cancer; light travel; salary range is $78,000 - $98,000, KRC Physician Assistant - to join orthopedic practice; new PA will join 4 surgeons, 1 DO, and 4 PA s; schedule is Mon-Fri, 8a-5p & will Continued

11 involve traveling to outreach clinics; PA will see own patients in clinic; average number of patients: 30/ day; PA will be on the same outreach/call schedule as their provider; salary is highly competitive, SOUTH CENTRAL KRC Family Physician without OB for hospital-based RHC; varying call schedule models; salary range: $145,000-$160,000; great ; currently 1 FP and 3 PAs on staff KRC C Internist KRC C Family Physician w/o OB for 25-bed CAH; call is 1 evening/wk and 1:5 weekends; salary: $150,000-$160,000 w/ up to a 2 year contract; full ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC C Urologist progressive multispecialty group practice; salary is $350,000 (guaranteed first year), with possible production bonus; excellent KRC C Orthopedist for progressive multi-specialty clinic; $350,000 guaranteed first year, + possible production bonus; excellent KRC C Internist progressive multi-specialty group practice; call is 1:6; established patient base; 11 specialties, 22 physicians, and 5 PAs/NPs on staff; clinic is physician owned and governed w/ partnership available after 1 yr; salary is $150,000; excellent ; H-1B opportunity KRC Family Physician with OB for rural health clinic; currently 3 physicians and 2 PAs/NPs on staff; phone call is 1:4; 4 days/week schedule; nearby 80-bed hospital; salary is competitive and negotiable; full KRC Family Physician w/o OB for 25-bed CAH; hospital expansion to begin summer 2009 to include a new clinic, admissions, and lab; 3 physicians, 4 PAs/NPs on staff; call is ER 1-2 nights/week and primary call is 1:14 weekend; salary depends on experience; great KRC Internist group located within a 69-bed acute care facility; also, a 51-bed short-term and long-term care facility, home health agency, rural health clinics, and specialty physician clinics; currently 3 internists and 1 gastroenterologist KRC Occupational Therapist 25-bed CAH; expansion project will include a new clinic, admissions, and laboratory. flexible - 20 hour position available at the hospital or a 40 hour position with travel between neighboring facilities. Salary range $54,080- $79,040; KRC Speech Language Pathologist 103-bed newly renovated/updated medical center; PRN, Monday-Friday during the day. Patients range from pediatric to geriatric; competitive pay; great KRC C Family Physician with OB; hospital employed to start and join a group when self sufficient; salary is competitive and negotiable with full KRC C Hematologist/Oncologist progressive multi-specialty group practice; 200-bed admitting hospital is located 5 miles from clinic; services provided at clinic, chemotherapy provided on site. Inpatient services provided by the physician. Top salary with a year guarantee and production bonus; excellent KRC Urologist option to be hospital employed or in a solo practice; no other urologists on staff; call is negotiable. Benefits are comprehensive; excellent salary KRC C Family Physician for established practice with existing clientele. MD or DO with or without OB. The clinic is part of an 18 bed CAH and 26 long term care unit with business office and nursing staff in place. great salary; excellent KRC Pediatrician group practice with suburban and rural patients in clinic and hospital, covering a level II nursery; complete clinical EMR/HER; currently1 full time pediatrician and part-time MDs on staff; cover deliveries at OB request; call is 1:4 nights and weekends; salary range is $140,000 to $155,000 + possible bonuses; KRC Family Physician community health clinic with 3 satellite clinics; w/ or w/o OB depending; Call 1:5; salary range is competitive based on experience; loan repayment, CME allowance; great KRC C Family Physician w/o OB; multi-specialty clinic; 2 physicians needed; office Practice with multi-specialty group providing general Family Practice services with hospital in-patient care; salary: $140,000-$150,000 (guarantee first year) with production bonus; outstanding comprehensive package KRC Laboratory Director (ASCP or equivalent); friendly RHC and 25-bed CAH; will oversee 3-4 med techs, 1 lab assistant; shared call time of 1-2 nights per week and a weekend rotation every 3rd; great salary and package KRC C Family Physician w/ OB, family practice clinic with a four day work week. Current staff: 5 physicians and 2 PAs. Call Coverage will be shared with an eight physician rotation. Salary is $160,000 with great KRC C Internal Medicine join hospital employed internal medicine group; strong hospitalist skills needed for referrals from family practitioners and surgeons and office practice. Experienced physician preferred; highly competitive salary with outstanding KRC Family Physician w/o OB; will work in a FQHC, care for children and adults in a family practice setting, some supervisory duties of NPs/ PAs and hospital care. New facility with new equipment; shared call coverage; salary range is $161,000 - $178,000; excellent KRC Nurse Practitioner CHC with 3 satellite clinics; patients: birth to geriatric; hours are Mon-Fri 8a-5p, call rotation 1:5; pediatric experience preferred; excellent salary and KRC Family Medicine community health center; w/ or w/o OB; include medical, dental, 10 paid vacation days, loan repayment availability, CME allowance and a negotiable salary KRC Orthopedist BC/BE certified, for 65 physician multispecialty group; fee for service group, excellent and partnership after 18 mo.; practice includes a full spectrum of care; earning potential for this position is way above average KRC Orthopedist BC/BE certified, with a focus on the Spine, for a 65 physician multispecialty group; fee for service group that offers excellent and partnership after 18 mo.; practice includes a full spectrum of care; earning potential for this position is way above average KRC Allergy and Immunologist BC/BE certified, for a 65 physician multispecialty group; fee for service group that offers excellent and partnership after 18 mo.; practice includes a full spectrum of care; earning potential for this position is way above average KRC Occupational Therapist for newly remodeled therapy department, new therapy pool; currently on staff: 1 PT, 2 PTAs, PRN COTA, and SLP staff. Great, competitive salary KRC Gastroenterologist BC/BE for 65 physician multispecialty group, located near 200-bed hospital; fee for service opportunity w/ excellent + signing bonus, partnership after 18 months KRC Medicine-Pediatrics 22- bed CAH with RHC, long-term care center, and home care agency, expansion and renovation project planned; call coverage 2 days/week; salary $145,000 - $165,000 + sign on and retention bonus; full KRC Physical Therapist 103-bed facility w/ about 60 physicians of all specialties; salary is $52,000 - $65,000 and depends on experience; excellent KRC Internal Medicine 22-bed CAH w/ attached RHC, 32-bed long-term care center, and home care agency; new renovation and expansion project planned; Call coverage is 2 Continued 11

12 days/ week, no weekends or holidays that fall on a Monday or Friday; currently on staff: 1 physician, 1 PA, 2 nurses and 2 support staff; salary is $145, ,000; full KRC C Family Medicine w/ or w/out OB; join existing practice w/ 2 physicians; call coverage shared w/ 8 physician rotation; salary is $160,000-$180,000/ year w/ first year guarantee and option for year two KRC Internist KRC Medicine Pediatrics KRC Family Physician w/o OB - for 22-bed CAH w/ attached rural health clinic, 32-bed long-term care center, and home care agency; renovation and expansion project planned; call coverage is 2 day/ week; no weekends or holidays that fall on a Monday or Friday; $205,000 + sign on and retention bonus, great KRC C Pediatrician for multispecialty clinic w/ well-established practice/patient base; currently 2 other pediatricians including pediatric endocrinology; salary: $150,000 first year guarantee + production bonus; excellent KRC C Radiologist for progressive multi-specialty group practice, no call time; salary is competitive and negotiable w/ year guarantee + production bonus, excellent ; freedom in practice, w/ buy-in option after 1 year KRC Family Physician for growing health center, OB is preferred, but negotiable; very supportive medical community, great working environment, currently one internist, Peds, ARNP and 8 volunteer physicians on staff; great and negotiable salary KRC Nurse Manager - for nonprofit urban primary health care institution to participate in the development of clinical areas of strategic and operational plans; ideal candidate would have KS RN license and have special interest in community medicine; salary range is $45,000 - $52,000; H1-B opportunity KRC Dentist self-motivated dentist needed to join caring and supportive safety net clinic; must have strong desire to meet needs of patients, ability to function well in a team; clinic takes handson approach to prevention for their clients; salary is $85,000-$100,000 and may be eligible for bonus KRC Endocrinologist for solo practice located within the hospital; hospital prefers generalist that is able to do a wide range of ENT procedures; competitive salary, full KRC Orthopedic Surgeon - to join a progressive 105-bed hospital; shared call, competitive salary, great ; supportive medical community, positive work environment, great location 12 Kansas connections KRC General Surgeon - to join expanding practice; new, hospital employed position, joining one full-time GS and 1 part-time orthopedic surgeon; general surgeon should be familiar with laparoscopic and bariatric surgery; clinic space and staff are provided in-house and shared with the other surgeon; facility averages 90+ surgeries per month; salary range is around $220,000 + incentive bonus; excellent package KRC Obstetrician and Gynecologist - needed to join a thriving CHC with 3 satellite clinics; the OB GYN would focus on women s health and providing pre and post natal care, outpatient only; currently on staff are 6 physicians and 6 PA/ NPs; call coverage will be 1:5 phone triage; salary range is competitive and will be based on experience, great KRC Registered Nurse - for family focused, 25-bed CAH & adjoining RHC, RN needed to assist physicians in the family practice; currently 1 Physician and 3 PA/NPs on staff, hospital is open to experienced RN s and new graduates; salary range is negotiable, competitive, and based on experience; great package, position may offer loan repayment, relocation costs, and a CME allowance KRC Family Medicine Physician w/ or w/o OB, needed to join practice w/ 3 sites; practice provides full obstetric care along with full spectrum of family practice; position can be parttime or full-time; call coverage is 1:4; ; salary $100,000 - $160,000 depending on schedule chosen KRC Internal Medicine physician for full time, traditional IM clinic w/ inpatient/ outpatient mix; call coverage is shared and would be one in five weekends; excellent ; salary: $175,000-$200,000 range with a 1-2 year guarantee as well as a sign-on bonus SOUTHEAST KRC Internist multi-specialty group with 4 satellite clinics; staff includes: 6 FPs, 1 pediatrician, 2 internists, 2 general surgeons, 1 urologist; the clinic offers a full spectrum of care; salary is negotiable; full KRC C Pulmonologist 148-bed licensed, 105-bed operating medical center; not a hospital employee, salary guarantee; KRC C Otolaryngologist 148-bed licensed, 105-bed operating medical center; not a hospital employee, provided a salary guarantee; KRC C Family Physician busy rural health clinic; 1 FP, 1 NP, 1 practice administrator, and 1 office coordinator on staff; admitting 25-bed licensed inpatient acute care CAH directly across street; salary is competitive and negotiable; great KRC C Internist 109-bed hospital serves a 6 county area; will serve in-patient and out-patient pop.; currently 37 physicians representing over 15 specialties on staff; salary is competitive and negotiable; full if employed by the hospital KRC Urologist for solo practice; 190-bed admitting hospital; call minimum of 10 days/mo.; income guarantee of $400,000 plus RVUs; + KRC C Internist multi-specialty group practice; 105-bed admitting medical center; this is a traditional inpatient/outpatient internal medicine primary care position; 1st year guarantee offered to solo practitioner; KRC Family Physician w/ or w/o OB for multi-specialty group practice; 105- bed admitting medical center; 1st year guarantee offered to solo practitioner; ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC C General Surgeon for solo practice; 105-bed admitting medical center; the medical center offers practice establishment assistance and marketing; first year guarantee; ; H-1B opportunity KRC C Orthopedic Surgeon for solo practice; 105-bed admitting medical center; one ortho surgeon currently on staff; the medical center offers practice establishment assistance and first year guarantee; ; H-1B opportunity KRC Anesthesiologist for solo practice; 105-bed admitting medical center; salary is competitive and based on experience; possible loan repayment and CME allowance available; H-1B opportunity KRC C Otolaryngologist medical center; salary $340,000 with a 2 year contract. Relocation costs and loan repayment are available as well as CME allowance; excellent package for hospital employed physician KRC C Endocrinologist hospitalist program at a 109-bed medical center. Salary is $220,000 with a 2 year contract; relocation costs and loan repayment are available, CME allowance; excellent KRC Occupational Therapy 109-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital; position is ortho/neuro based and treats 5-6 patients per day; experienced candidates and recent graduates encouraged to apply; great salary and KRC Occupational Therapy Assistant 109-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital; position is ortho/neuro based and treats 5-6 patients per day; experienced candidates and recent graduates encouraged to apply; great salary and Continued

13 KRC Physical Therapy 109-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital; position treats patients per day. Experienced candidates and recent graduates encouraged to apply. Salary: 73,000-94,000; excellent KRC Speech-Language Pathologist 109-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital; position is an inpatient rehabilitation unit, acute care, and outpatient setting; salary: $70,000-$80,000; great KRC Physical Therapy Assistant 109-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital; position treats 5-6 patients per day. Experienced candidates and recent graduates are encouraged to apply; salary DOE with great KRC C Orthopedic Surgeon BC/BE for very busy group practice with 3 other orthopedists; would prefer candidates to have an interest in spine, foot, or ankle specialties or any subspecialty besides total joints; income guarantee for the first year is $350,000-$400,000; excellent including sign on bonus KRC C Urologist hospital employed or independent. The hospital would like to have a new urologist onboard by Salary is $360,000 with a one year contract; excellent package KRC C Obstetrician/Gynecologist BC/BE for 105-bed hospital; several employment options, call coverage depends on employment model; excellent ; salary is negotiable and competitive KRC C Pathologist BC/BE for 105-bed hospital; several employment options, call coverage depends on employment model. Excellent ; H-1B opportunity; position available in 2011/2012 KRC Family Medicine for 25-bed CAH; new physician to work in RHC with 3 other physicians and 2 PA/NPs; shared call coverage, no ER coverage KRC C Emergency Medicine 109- bed hospital serving a 6 county area, thriving facility, designated as a Level 3 trauma center; 15 twelve hour shifts per month if employed or 12 twelve hour shifts if independent; competitive salary: $126/ hour for employed physicians and $141/hour for an independent; full KRC Urologist for solo practice; the medical center offers practice establishment assistance as well as a first year guarantee, with relocation costs; possible loan repayment and CME allowance available KRC Pediatrician 109-bed hospital that is open to physician s practice needs, multiple employment options; salary depends on model chosen and can be market + RVU (based on MGMA standards); great ; H-1B visa opportunity KRC C Radiologist 109-bed medical center; call coverage is 1:2, one other Radiologist on staff; candidate must be skilled in muscular skeletal MRI and mammography; salary is $450,000 w/ partnership opportunity availability after 1 yr; full KRC Internal Medicine for growing health center with total of 120 employees: 6 physicians, 5 NPs, satellite clinic, call is shared with 3 other physicians; excellent, negotiable salary KRC Family Medicine w/ OB; for growing health center with total of 120 employees: 6 physicians, 5 NPs, satellite clinic, call is shared with 3 other physicians; excellent, negotiable salary KRC Dentist w/focus on pediatrics or general dentistry needed to care for children at CHC; provide services at clinic, on-site at schools and head-starts, and in hospital setting; organization operates 3 clinics w/ extensive outreach in the community; salary is competitive and negotiable KRC Family Medicine w/o OB, for FP group that just accepted hospital employment; this practice is well-known and respected in the community; call coverage is 1:2 with the possibility of 1:4 in the future; Salary range of $140,000- $150,000 with RVU incentives, great, up to 32 days off per year KRC Orthopedic Surgeon - for growing multi-specialty group practice, one main clinic and four satellite clinics, clinic also sponsors surgical outreach; clinic has 10 providers covering six fields to better serve the communities needs; first year base salary is $500,000 + bonus + full ; partnership/practice ownership is offered after one year KRC OBGYN - needed to join a progressive and innovative non-profit CHC; currently on staff: 2 PEDS, 3 FPs, 1 IM, 5 ARNPs, 6 dentists, 9 hygienists, 1 psychiatrist, 1 psych ARNP, 4 psychologists; needed to provide pre, post, perinatal care, perform deliveries, and women s health services; shared call; 4 day work week w/ flexible days/hours; excellent ; salary is highly competitive and negotiable; contract duration is negotiable SOUTHWEST KRC Family Physician for federally qualified community health center w/ 3 satellites; FP can see OB patients up to delivery; no call; no weekends; salary negotiable; ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC Endocrinologist multi-specialty group,25 physicians with 11 specialties; serves 24 counties; 2 satellite facilities; highly complex lab and radiology/nuclear medicine depts; call is 1:6; 100-bed hospital is 3 blocks away; salary is $180,000; full ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC Rheumatologist multispecialty group,25 physicians in 11 specialties; large service area w/ many referrals; 2 satellites; highly complex lab and radiology/nuclear medicine depts; call is 1:6; 100-bed hospital 3 blocks away; salary:$180,000; full ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC Pulmonologist multi-specialty group, 25 physicians with 11 specialties; large service area w/ many referrals; 2 satellites; highly complex lab and radiology/nuclear medicine depts; call is 1:6; 100-bed hospital is 3 blocks away; salary is $180,000; full ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC Gastroenterologist multispecialty group, 25 physicians with 11 specialties; large service area w/ many referrals; 2 satellites; highly complex lab and radiology/nuclear medicine depts; call is 1:6; 100-bed hospital 3 blocks away; salary:$180,000; full ; H-1B, J-1 opportunity KRC Family Physician with or w/o OB for multi-specialty group w/ 23 physicians and 11 specialties; currently 2 physicians and 1 NP; call is 1:3; local 100-bed hospital is 3 blocks away; salary is competitive and negotiable, full ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC Internist for multi-specialty group, 23 physicians from 11 specialties; large service area; satellite facility; 100-bed hospital 3 blocks away; 2 opportunities due to growth; 2 physicians and 1 NP on staff; call is 1:3; competitive and negotiable salary full ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC Family Physician w/o OB for 12-bed CAH and rural health clinic; currently 1 physician and 1 PA/NP on staff; call is 1:4 or 5; salary: $170,000; great ; H-1B,J-1 opportunity KRC C Pulmonology/Critical Care Physician for 99-bed acute care facility services:fully staffed 24-hour ER; hospital employed or part of the 22 physician multi-specialty group; currently no pulmonologists on staff; salary is competitive and depends on experience; full ; J-1 opportunity KRC Physical Therapist newly renovated, 13-bed CAH; work in all areas but primary in outpatient orthopedics; experienced candidates preferred but new graduates are encouraged to apply; salary range: $71,000-$87,000; great KRC Registered Nurse with OB, 18-bed CAH with a 32-bed long term care unit; recently remodeled hospital facility with state-of-theart computer systems; great salary; full KRC Medical Laboratory Technician 25-bed CAH. currently 3 med techs on staff, including the department supervisor; call Continued 13

14 shared among 4 providers. Salary: $35,000-$50,000 depending on experience; comprehensive KRC Family Physician w/o OB; 13-bed CAH; physician will provide care primarily for the Rural health Clinic, but will see patients in the ER, in-patient care within the hospital and outpatient care for long-term care residents; shared call is 1:4; salary range is $170,000-$190,000 with full benefit packages; opportunity for J-1 visa KRC Registered Nurse for a newly renovated, 13-bed CAH; choice of working at the hospital and/or the long term care unit. no call for nursing staff. Shifts available include days, nights and weekends. Salary range: $43,680-$52,000 with a $3,000 sign-on bonus; excellent KRC Nurse Practitioner CHC for primary care (including OB) ARNP; no call coverage; currently on staff: 2 physicians, 1 ARNP, 1 PA, 3 part-time ARNPs; salary is $70,000 - $80,000 with great package; candidate with strong desire to work in public health is ideal KRC C Registered Nurses for Med/Surg and Pediatrics in 99-bed medical complex; salary is $41,600-$62,500, sign-on bonus w/ 2 year contract; great KRC C Physical Therapist 99-bed medical complex; salary is $62,500-$76,900, sign-on bonus w/ 2 year contract; great KRC Family Physician w/ or w/o OB for 20-bed CAH w/ rural health clinic; currently 2 physicians, 2 PAs, 1 ARNP on staff; shared call coverage 1:5; salary $200,000 + production bonuses + ER coverage pay; great ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC Internal Medicine for 20- bed CAH w/ rural health clinic; currently 2 physicians, 2 PAs, 1 ARNP on staff; shared call coverage 1:5; salary $200,000 + production bonuses + ER coverage pay; great ; H-1B and J-1 opportunity KRC Family Medicine KRC Internal Medicine for brand new 16-bed CAH w/ on-site rural health clinic; currently on staff: 1 physician, 2 PA/NP, some part-time assistance w/ call coverage; Providers staff 2 rural health clinics, cover ER and inpatients; current call is 1 day/week primary ER and 1 weekend/mo. Great ; salary in range of $150,000; J-1 and H-1 opportunity KRC Family Medicine w/ OB for 25-bed CAH; currently on staff: 3 physicians and 3 PA/NPs; must have Kansas licensure or be eligible; salary and are negotiable, competitive; J-1 visa opportunity KRC Family Physician w/ OB for Rural Health Clinic to oversee PA, provide OB and various procedures; traditional call is shared with 2 other FP OB physicians; great teamwork with other providers in the area; salary is $165,000 - $180,000 w/ 1 year contract; great KRC Registered Nurse(s) - for 17- bed CAH with Rural Health Clinic and Long-term Care Unit; RNs needed in hospital and long-term care facility; RNs do take monthly scheduled call; new graduates and experienced nurses encouraged to apply; salary starts at $43,680 and increases DOE, contract duration of 3-5 years; full ; opportunity for H1-B candidates KRC Internal Medicine for 13- bed CAH with additional facilities, currently on staff: 2 physicians and 1 NP; call is shared among providers and is 1:4; salary range is $170,000 - $190,000+ incentives; full KRC Family Medicine for rural clinic attached to 17-bed CAH; physician will work in clinic Mon-Fri with ER coverage also; excellent, salary starts at $160,000- $180,000 + bonus, contract duration of 3 years KRC Family Medicine w/o OB, for 25-bed CAH and RHC and 12-bed Long Term Care Unit; currently on staff: 2 physicians and 1 PA; scheduling options available; call coverage will be one weekend per month (average) and 2 days per week (average); excellent, salary $190,000 KRC Physical Therapist for outpatient rehabilitation, 25-bed CAH; current staff includes full-time PT manager, 2 full-time and 1 parttime PTAs, 2 part-time OTs, and a consulting speech therapist; experienced therapists and new graduates are encouraged to apply; must have a KS license or be eligible; salary range is $65,000-$75,000 based on experience, excellent KRC Director of Nursing - 25-bed CAH; full-time, salaried position, works closely w/ Chief Clinical Officer; responsible for staff development and supervision of the nursing staff; the ideal candidate will have a Bachelor s degree or higher in Nursing, current KS RN license, 5+ years of clinical nursing experience and 2+ years of nursing management experience; candidates must be BLS certified, and willing to obtain certification in ACLS, PALS, NRP, and TNCC; position offers excellent package KRC Dentist full time staff dentist position for FQHC; may be required to serve as the Site Director for all dental care delivery services at the particular site; must have KS license or a Federally Active license; bilingual Spanish/English candidates preferred; $105,000 - $115,000, great KRC Nurse Practitioner KRC Physician Assistant - to join 40-bed general medical and surgical care group; medical group practice operates 2 satellite clinics as well; call coverage is shared and is every 5th weekend (1:5) and 1 night per week; salary range is $80,000- $90,000 with a 3 year contract; excellent, sick leave, vacation, holidays KRC Physician Assistant KRC Nurse Practitioner - to join hospital-owned RHC; currently one physician and one PA on staff; position includes clinic time, hospital duties, and ER coverage; competitive salary and a great package that includes relocation, CME allowance, paid time off, possible loan repayment KRC Psychiatrist - to join a great team with a 40-bed hospital and two satellite clinics; currently on staff are two internists, GS, FP, GP, radiologist, urologist, and psychiatrist; hospital employed with NO CALL TIME; J-1 and H-1B opportunity; salary range is $180,000 - $200,000 w/ 3 year contract; outstanding KRC Internist needed for RHC and to oversee/supervise PA, provide services, and various procedures; very favorable call schedule which leads to a great balance between work and family life, weekend Call covered by PA/NPs (ER only), traditional call is shared with two other FP OB physicians (OB only); this community has a great partnership with the surrounding communities and other providers; great ; $165k-$180k with one year contract KRC Internist - for great group practice w/ 2 satellite clinics; call coverage is shared and is every 5th weekend (1:5) and 1 night per week; salary range is $180,000-$200,000; excellent KRC Family Medicine Physician w/ OB KRC Internist to join excellent group; Board certification is necessary; negotiable and competitive salary, full Candidates looking for job opportunities in Kansas can access up-to-date listings by the KRC by visiting 14 Kansas connections

15 Wonders of Kansas: History Kansas Sampler Foundation In an effort to help readers get to know Kansas better, in each issue of Kansas Connections we re providing information on the winners of the 8 Wonders categories. The contest is sponsored by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving rural culture in the state. The foundation also sponsors the annual Kansas Sampler Festival, which will be in Leavenworth May 7-8. And the winners are: * 1930s Dust Bowl to Gas Exploration, Historic Adobe Museum, Ulysses * Boot Hill Museum/Historic Dodge City * Santa Fe Trail National Historic Landmark, Council Grove * Fort Scott National Historic Site, Fort Scott * Historic Fort Leavenworth, Leavenworth * Historic Fort Riley, Junction City * Kansas Museum of History, Topeka * Kanza Tribe & Lewis and Clark s Independence Creek, Atchison Photo courtesy of Historic Adobe Museum, Ulysses, Kan. More than 19,000 votes were cast in the field of 24 finalists in the 8 Wonders of Kansas History contest. The public nominated more than 170 historical sites and a selection committee whittled the list down to 24 finalists. Criteria required that a nomination represent significant history but also give the public something of visual magnitude to see. Once again, we had votes from every state in the union as well as from several foreign countries, said Marci Penner, foundation director. The increased number of votes means more people learned about Kansas. She noted that voters were most interested in history that dated back prior to statehood. The Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center, the Kansas Underground Salt Museum, and the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum were chosen as overall 8 Wonders of Kansas so were not eligible in this contest. More information is available at Nursing the Heart of Healthcare Awards continued from page 6 Other recipients of the 2010 awards: Marcy Bilynsky, RN, BSN, suicide prevention case manager, Olmery-O Neil VA Medical Center, Topeka Cathy Burks, RN, MSN, PCNS, Children s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, Mo. Annette Campbell, RN, BSN, Score 1 for health director, Kansas City, Mo. Pamela Elliott, RN, BSN, formerly with Park Hill School District, Kansas City, Mo., and now with Cerner s First Hand Foundation Janice Garth, RN, BSN, correctional chemotherapy nurse, El Dorado Brett Haynes, RN, BSN, The University of Kansas Hospital, Kansas City, Kan. Mary Medina, MSN, RN, ARNP-CNS, advanced practice nurse, Heart Failure Clinic, Via Christi Hospitals, Wichita Ginny Woods, RN, staff nurse, Stormont-Vail HealthCare, Topeka Since the Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare award was established, there have been 190 winners chosen from more than 6,900 nominations. Recipients are selected by a committee of former award winners, as well as health care and business leaders. Nominations are accepted from patients, patients families, colleagues, employers, supervisors, and the nurse s family and friends. 15

16 Aaron Sinclair, M.D., Atchison, Kan. Editor s note: This is the sixth in a series of articles highlighting a rural health provider. If you know someone who would be an interesting subject, contact Susan Belden at sbelden@kumc.edu. Aaron Sinclair was about 12 years old when he knew he wanted to be a physician. The Atchison youth loved science and liked to help people, and because of a club foot he had spent a lot of time in doctors offices. But no one on either side of his family had ever graduated from college so they just smiled indulgently when he talked about medical school. He was a sophomore at Benedictine College when a biology professor tossed him a handout on the Scholar in Primary Care Program, currently known as the Scholars in Rural Health Program, offered by the KU School of Medicine. That nonchalant gesture had a profound effect not only on Dr. Sinclair s life but also on the Atchison community where he founded a safety-net clinic just two years after finishing his residency and starting practice there. Dr. Sinclair thought his chances were slim at being accepted into the rural scholars program, but he applied. He was accepted and fulfilled all of the requirements, which assured him a spot at the KU Medical School when he graduated from Benedictine with honors in Dr. Sinclair credits the Scholars in Rural Health program with facilitating 16 Kansas connections his connection with the medical school as well as local physicians. It s a great way to experience, as a junior or senior in college, what a primary care physician does in a small town, he said. Shadowing a physician in Atchison firmed up the idea of what I wanted to do long-term. There was no doubt when I started medical school that that s what I wanted to do. His hard work and determination to make an impact within the community should serve as a model for all aspiring family medicine physicians. Darin Allen, KU Medical School student At first, he didn t see his future in his hometown. However, marrying his high school sweetheart and having three children by the time he finished residency, tipped them in favor of locating near their extended families. While a resident in the Via Christi Family Medicine Residency Program, he provided locum tenens temporary coverage through the Kansas Locum Tenens program at Republic County Hospital in Belleville and worked at the emergency room in McPherson. From this experience, Sinclair had a good idea of what to expect in a small community when he began practice at Atchison Internal Medicine and Family Practice in Dr. Sinclair s favorite part of his rural practice is the variety, from delivering babies and performing colonoscopies to working 12-hour shifts in the ER, providing care at nursing homes and being the local college s team physician. I get bored easily, he said with a laugh. So that s part of the attraction. I find with family medicine you never get in a rut. In 2009, he and Chad Johanning, MD, a high school friend, founded the Atchison Community Health Clinic. Initially, they each volunteered one night a week, but it was soon evident that the demand was much greater. We were quickly overwhelmed by the need, he said. It was first-come, firstserved and we usually had to turn away people. Dr. Sinclair wrote several grant proposals and secured funding to hire a nurse practitioner. They also recruited volunteer physicians and nurse practitioners. Dr. Sinclair is now president of the board. His support of local youth is evident, providing pro bono sports physicals, being a Cub Scout leader and Sunday school teacher. He also has been a mentor for three students so far in the Scholars in Rural Health Program. Darin Allen, a KU Medical School Continued on page 17

17 Spotlight continued from PAGe 16 student, noted what a valuable asset the clinic had been to the Atchison community. Dr. Sinclair exemplifies everything a rural community would expect from a family medicine physician, Allen said. His hard work and determination to make an impact within the community should serve as a model for all aspiring family medicine physicians. Another student, Justin Stowell, said that soon after he met Dr. Sinclair, he learned of Sinclair s lofty dream of beginning a free clinic in Atchison. He worked tirelessly to obtain a building, donations, patients, and staff for the clinic, which was truly needed in the low-income community, Stowell said. Within two years, his dream became a full-scale reality. Medical student Leah Kuhlmann, who shadowed Dr. Sinclair last summer, was struck by his dedication to the uninsured. Pulling money out of his own pocket, Kuhlmann saw Sinclair pay for a woman s gas so she could seek drug treatment. Many of his OB patients are young women without insurance or anywhere else to go for prenatal care, Kuhlmann said. Dr. Sinclair is their support system and cares for them throughout their pregnancies. She was also impressed by his family, which has grown to six children, three of whom are adopted. They range in age from three months old to eight years. When I was with Dr. Sinclair this summer, he and his wife were in the midst of adopting a baby girl, she said. Along the way, they met a two-yearold girl in need of adoption. Being as open-hearted and caring as they are, they welcomed her into their family and went from a family of six to a family of eight in a very short time. The three rural scholar s students Allen, Stowell and Kuhlmann recently nominated Dr. Sinclair for the Kansas Family Physician of the Year award. Dr. Sinclair is a strong advocate for family medicine and recommends that students considering primary care find a physician to shadow. Sometimes it s difficult to take that initial step, he said. It never hurts to ask, and it doesn t hurt to ask multiple times. It s a huge commitment to become a physician, at least an additional seven years of your life, and it s not a decision to be taken lightly. Students are nervous about going into family medicine for multiple reasons, Sinclair noted. They don t know if they want that lifestyle, if they want the responsibility of having to know such a broad area of medicine. In her nomination, Kuhlmann wrote Dr. Aaron Sinclair, Atchison, Kan. that Dr. Sinclair epitomizes what a community doctor should be. I am so fortunate to have met Dr. Sinclair. Reflecting on his example motivates me to join his quest in making the world a better place one patient, one child, and one student at a time. Scholars in Rural Health Program The Scholars in Rural Health program is designed to attract and retain young rural Kansans with a high probability of successful careers in rural communities. This program will shape the students experiences toward rural health in preparation for entry into medical school. Scholars accepted into and satisfactorily completing this program will be admitted to the School of Medicine automatically. The anticipated outcome is an increase in the number of students from Kansas rural communities who choose to practice in rural Kansas. K. James Kallail, PhD, Director of the Scholars in Rural Health Program To learn more about the Scholars in Rural Health Program, please visit 17

18 Dental Therapists in Kansas? continued from page 4 has one dentist for 7,624 residents, according to KHPA. Proponents of the dental therapist model hope training could take place closer to home, at one of the five dental hygienist schools in Kansas (at Wichita State University and four community or technical colleges), rather than going out of state to a dental school. Because Kansas does not have a dental school, the state negotiated an arrangement with the School of Dentistry at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) to set aside 20 slots in each year s incoming class for students from Kansas and allow them to pay in-state tuition. In exchange, Missouri students may attend architecture school at either the University of Kansas (KU) or Kansas State University (KSU), where they, too, are charged in-state tuition. According to a Kansas Board of Regents report, Kansas has 93 students enrolled in UMKC s dental program while there are 209 Missouri students enrolled in the architecture programs at KU and 254 at KSU. The agreement expires June 30 and is currently being re-negotiated. Mulholland said dental therapists are just one part of the solution in addition to recruiting more dentists, reserving more seats at UMKC for Kansas students and providing more incentives to practice in rural areas. We ve tried those for several years and it hasn t been enough, she said. We think the dental therapist is the way to go now. According to the organization s website, some of the strategies being explored by the Kansas Dental Association include: emphasizing preventive dentistry by expanding the emergency care some dental hygienists can do in underserved settings improving Medicaid to treat patients and dentists more like regular insurance and expanding Medicaid to cover dental for adults developing incentives for dentists to locate in rural or underserved areas increasing the number of Kansas students educated to work in underserved areas requiring Kansas students at UMKC School of Dentistry to practice in Kansas. Dr. Dave Hamel, a Marysville dentist and president of the Kansas Dental Association, noted that increasing dental health to all Kansans was a complex issue requiring personal choice, action and responsibility as well as many diverse strategies and that KDA offered proposals to improve oral health that went unnoticed or unsupported. Kellogg Foundation support The Kansas Dental Project coalition had already been looking at Alaska and other countries and finding what they were doing was particularly helpful for children and the elderly when they were approached last fall by the Kellogg Foundation, Mullholland said. We know it s been working in those other countries, and we know it s working in Alaska, she said. We want to take that model and adapt it to Kansas. In mid-november the Kellogg Foundation noted the pioneering efforts in Alaska s underserved areas and announced it would invest $16 million by 2014 in the Dental Therapist Project to support efforts for a similar model in Kansas, New Mexico, Ohio, Vermont, and Washington as part of a larger effort to build awareness of oral health access issues and bring needed dental care to underserved communities. Dental therapy began in the 1920s in New Zealand and is now wellestablished around the world, including countries with advanced dental care such as England, Australia, and The Netherlands, according to a report by the Children s Dental Project, a non-profit pediatric oral health policy organization in Washington, DC. The Minnesota dental therapy model requires more schooling and stricter oversight than the established international model, according to the report, which could severely diminish its effectiveness by creating barriers to entering the profession and by increasing dental care costs. Many in Kansas are waiting to see the resulting legislation before supporting or opposing it. Dodge City dentist Richard Stein, D.D.S. whose father became Ashland s first resident dentist in 1937 and whose family practiced dentistry Continued on page 19 Photo from Kansas Dental Project video addressing the dental shortage Kansas connections 18

19 Wichita State University s (WSU) Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program, the only dental education program in the state, is in the process of expanding and building a new facility. Last year, WSU broke ground on a new AEGD facility and started a one-year residency program for dentists with the hope that some would remain in Kansas to practice. Of the seven residents from the University of Illinois-Chicago, Howard University College of Dentistry, and University of Missouri-Kansas City in the first class, one decided to remain in Kansas. There are four residents in the program this year. WSU officials are optimistic the program will expand. The new facility will be ready for the fall 2011 semester. When the facility is completed, the program will transition from a Program Targets Dental Need Advanced Education in General Dentistry Ultimately, the WSU-AEGD program will provide concentrated efforts to relieve the access and workforce issues plaguing rural Kansas. Dr. Dexter Woods, Wichita State University one-year to a two-year program with a capacity of 10 residents per year. Second-year residents will rotate to clinical sites, including safety-net clinics, throughout Kansas. We re building a new building, and that s really going to help, said Dr. Dexter Woods, who earned his doctor of dental surgery degree at Howard University, where he served as director of that AEGD program. Right now, we re the new kids on the block; we re going up against programs that have been in existence for 20 or 30 years. Woods joined the College of Health Professions in 2007 to develop the program and recruit faculty and residents. Training in the AEGD program is provided in all phases of general dentistry, including pediatrics, orthodontics, and periodontics. As the only dental education program in Kansas, its purpose is two-fold: to increase access to oral health care and to create a potential pool of new dentists to help fill a statewide need. Once the program is fully implemented, residents will be able to choose a one-year or two-year residency. This is exciting for Wichita State University but, more importantly, it is exciting for the state of Kansas, Dr. Woods said. It is our hope that this dental residency program is part of the conversation addressing access to care and increasing the number of dental health providers in the state. Ultimately, the WSU-AEGD program will provide concentrated efforts to relieve the access and work force issues plaguing rural Kansas. Dental Therapists in Kansas? continued from Page 18 there for nearly seven decades understands the need and that it s a challenge for new dentists to set up practice in underserved areas when they have dental school debt to pay off. But he also questions how a dental therapist concept would work. Who will supervise them? Who will train them? asked Dr. Stein, who helped found a safety-net dental clinic in Dodge City last fall. I have no problem with them cleaning teeth and doing cancer screenings but doing fillings and extractions is a slippery slope. They could help people have better dental care and possibly be trained to handle emergencies and adjust dentures. But that requires training and materials, and who will pay for that? Dr. Hamel said the KDA was glad to have a new organization raising awareness of oral health issues in Kansas. We hope this renewed interest will result in collaborative initiatives that will actually help improve and preserve the oral health of Kansans, he said. 19

20 From the Director continued from page 2 Community Outreach Peggy Johnson, Wichita Medical Research & Education Foundation and GraceMed Health Clinic, Inc. Health Care Innovations Envision Vision Rehabilitation, CiBOR, and Tamim Qaum, Wichita Clinic Physicians Donna Ewy, Wichita Clinic/Hospice Care of Kansas and Douglas Milfeld, Wichita Surgical Specialists/Via Christi Health and Donna Sweet, KU School of Medi cine Wichita Nurses Mary Wiseman, Via Christi Health, Ruth Hommertzheim, Via Christi Health, and Terri Peters, Wichita Clinic Health Care Educators Robert Harvey, Friends University Gradu ate School, Todd Stephens, Via Christi Health, and Rick Kellerman, KU School of Medicine, Professor and Chair of the Deptartment of Family & Community Medicine Health Care Volunteers Tom Ware, Hospice Care of Kansas and Gerry Steiner, Via Christi Health. AAFP Connections All American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) members are invited to join AAFP Connections, a safe and secure members-only community, where you can: Connect with peers, Connect and share in a secure environment through discussion forums, file share and Wikis, Connect with family physicians who share common interests. AAFP Connections officially launched January 10, 2011, featuring two communities: AAFP Rural Medicine Community and AAFP Clinical Procedures Community. Educators, residents, students, researchers and any members with an interest in rural family medicine are encouraged to join at aafp.org. For questions about the AAFP Rural Medicine Community, please contact dhurst@aafp.org. For questions about the AAFP Clinical Procedures Community, please contact jherzog@ aafp.org. Annual reports are now available Both the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) have 2010 annual reports available online. KHA: Communications/ AnnualSTATReport/54647.aspx KDHE: reports/2010_annual_report.pdf KU School of Medicine - Wichita Expansion Thanks to generous donations and strong leadership in the medical and business community, the KU School of Medicine-Wichita will begin a four year program for medical students this fall. Currently, only third and fourth year students transfer to Wichita to complete their education. Classrooms and offices for this expansion will be housed in the new 30,000 square-foot addition, which will also be home to the Wichita based pharmacy program. To read the press release, please visit Donors_provide 2.7_million_for_expansion_of_the_KU_School_of_Medicine-Wichita_ pdf Publication Schedule If you have an idea for an article in Kansas Connections, we welcome your input. Please send information to the KU School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 N. Kansas, Wichita, KS Ideas are also welcomed by telephone at ; fax, ; or , jgrayson@kumc.edu. Sign up to receive Kansas Connections online Kansas Connections is available online for viewing, in an easy-to-print format. If you would like to sign up to receive e- mail alerts four times a year, letting you know when the newest issue is available, please visit and click the Kansas Connections dropdown menu.