When you join Innercare's OB/GYN team, you'll discover what it truly means to practice in a collaborative environment where physicians actively support one another through the challenges of high-volume obstetrics.
The current team of nine OB/GYNs in the Imperial Valley — seven employed by Innercare and two in private practice — has developed an unspoken code of mutual assistance that transcends traditional employment boundaries.
As Dr. Wu emphasizes, "we do cover for each other's patients when we are on call," showing that even across employment models, the atmosphere is collegial and cooperative.
This isn’t a competitive environment where senior physicians monopolize resources. Dr. Wu, the Chief Medical Officer and fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, personally mentors colleagues in robotics and supports team needs without hierarchy.
Dr. Wu adds, "If there are any major complications or problems we have the ability to call one another... it's a team-based approach." Help is always a call away — no questions asked, no judgments made.
This collaboration across public and private physicians ensures 24/7 unified coverage for the county's only delivery hospital, enhancing care for the entire community.
The Innercare-employed physicians bring diverse strengths and share in all aspects of the clinical load. Dr. Wu continues to take call and operate, providing mentorship and leadership by example.
Dr. Steven Gokey, the team’s Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist, enables the group to manage complex cases locally, minimizing unnecessary transfers. Senior physicians approaching retirement continue to contribute while guiding the next generation.
The two private practice OB/GYNs are fully integrated in hospital operations and call schedules. Dr. Sade, for example, runs his own practice with a nurse practitioner while participating in shared call coverage.
This private-public collaboration is rare — Innercare physicians benefit from private-sector efficiency insights, while private physicians access FTCA coverage during call, fostering mutual benefit.
Patients experience seamless care, regardless of provider affiliation, and physicians share best practices without competition.
Dr. Wu describes a system of comprehensive mid-level support across hospital and clinic settings.
These providers manage their own patient panels, supporting continuity while freeing physicians for complex cases. Two new mid-levels will soon assist in deliveries and take call, a reflection of thoughtful workforce development.
Learners from Scripps, UCSD, and Eisenhower rotate through the practice, providing clinical support and adding intellectual energy.
Fellows and residents assist with rounding and 12-hour call shifts, contributing meaningfully without compromising physician oversight. Their involvement supports teaching, quality improvement, and future recruitment.
Dr. Wu praises Innercare leadership as genuinely physician-centered. "Our CEO and COO are very responsive to the OBGYNs and always make sure that we are very well supported."
Support shows in built-in admin time, responsive leadership, and physician-driven decisions. Initiatives like Innercare University, the $2.6M GME funding, and the new 50,000-square-foot women's health facility demonstrate real investment in OB/GYN services.
Behind the physicians is a team of exceptional support staff who streamline day-to-day operations and allow providers to focus on care.
Dr. Wu's response to new provider recruitment: "Yes. Wholeheartedly." This is about shared support and sustainability, not competition. The team recognizes that more physicians mean better care and better work-life balance for all.
Approaching retirements create natural succession opportunities, not rivalries. The senior doctors are eager to pass on their knowledge and panels to committed new colleagues.
As the newest team member, you won't be breaking in — you'll be welcomed as a much-needed addition. Your training and energy will be met with enthusiasm, and your arrival helps everyone achieve more balanced schedules.
This team defines success collectively. When you struggle, help arrives. When you need time off, coverage is offered. When you thrive, everyone celebrates.
This is medical practice as it should be — collaborative, supportive, and focused on delivering exceptional women's healthcare to a grateful community.
As Dr. Wu summarizes, this is a "very collegial environment" where physicians "watch out for each other personally and also as families."