Healthcare System Overview

An In-Depth Look into the Healthcare System

Good Shepherd Medical Center is a vital healthcare provider in northeastern Oregon, serving as a Level III Trauma Center. The hospital is well-equipped to handle a broad range of medical needs, with specialized services in Pulmonology, Critical Care, and Emergency Medicine.

Good Shepherd Health Care is seeking a pulmonary physician to join their team, addressing the growing need for pulmonary and critical care services. With 3,000-4,000 of the 27,000 annual emergency department visits requiring pulmonary consults, there is significant demand for this specialty. Currently, 85% of critical care cases are transferred to the Tri-Cities, presenting an opportunity for the new physician to provide vital in-house care. The ramp-up period is expected to occur within the first 90 days of employment. Additionally, the role offers flexibility to incorporate sleep medicine, with access to a 4-bed sleep lab that is only 3 years old. The lab is currently staffed by one part-time physician and one full-time nurse practitioner. This is an excellent opportunity to build a robust pulmonary practice while expanding sleep medicine services.

The Emergency Department at GSMC sees an average of 70 patients per day, with approximately 65% managed through the Fast Track, which operates from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. and is staffed by two Advanced Practice Providers (APPs). The remaining 35% of cases are true emergency medicine cases. The hospital also offers 24-hour coverage with two physicians working 12-hour shifts, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., and two APPs covering complementary shifts. The Urgent Care Clinic across the street provides additional support with convenient hours throughout the week, ensuring that non-emergent cases can be managed efficiently.

Our Emergency Medicine physicians at GSMC work alongside a highly collaborative medical team, including hospitalists and surgeons with admitting privileges, and have access to consults when necessary. The facility is well-equipped with TeleNeurology for stroke cases, and you will manage critical conditions such as STEMIs, strokes, and pulmonary embolisms. We have strong ties with local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) facilitate timely and appropriate transfers to higher-level care centers in Tri-Cities or Portland when necessary. The position also offers opportunities for physician leadership within the health system, allowing you to contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of patient care services.

The ER shift schedule is designed to provide balance, with most providers working 10-12 shifts per month, typically in blocks of 4 or 5 consecutive days, and no back-to-back 12-hour shifts. While they don’t need to perform arterial lines (A-lines), occasional central lines (C-lines) may be required, with both ER providers and anesthesia available for intubations.

Our ER physicians thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and are looking to make a significant impact in a community where high-quality emergency care is both needed and appreciated. The ER team has strong support from the hospital administration and a collaborative medical team.

The hospital’s location on the main campus, alongside the Pulmonology clinic, provides an integrated approach to patient care, making it a key healthcare hub in the region.