IGH is searching for 2 GI physicians to join the staff. The group is open to either general, bread-and-butter or advanced procedures, including ERCP and EUS. This is always welcome, but not preferred, as a vast majority of the current 8 partners can handle advanced procedures. More specifically, 2 physicians (Dr. Morelli and Roberts) do EUS, and 4 physicians (Dr. Morelli, Dr. Cheng, Dr. Roberts, and Dr. Drake) do ERCP, so there is usually never an issue with procedures between the partners.
Call structure was a significant topic of discussion when we went out to meet with Cheryl Michael, the practice administrator. As it currently stands, call is on the complicated side of things, but there is a plan in place to make things more manageable for incoming providers. Call works out to about 6-7 weekends per year, and one weeknight call every other week (after 5pm). Both Dr. Drake and Dr. Roberts voiced concern about the amount of “windshield time” they experience, as they do have to drive to four different hospitals around Indianapolis to help with the respective call requirements. Weekend census usually hovers around the high teens, while weekdays are in the low 20s. Call mainly consists of food impactions; call in general is not necessarily taxing on any of the doctors, but with more providers comes more flexibility and less time on call. Locations outside of the St. Francis home base include Community Hospital, Decatur Hospital, Major Hospital, and Schneck Hospital. Cheryl is working diligently with the partners and GIA to reduce the amount of call and drive time that the GIs have to take.