The General Surgery practice in Ontario focuses on serving a diverse patient population in this rural community. The hospital offers a broad range of general surgical services, including endoscopies, hernia repairs, and gallbladder surgeries. The surgeon will be expected to provide both outpatient and inpatient care, with a substantial portion of their time dedicated to elective procedures.
Patient demographics in Ontario are reflective of a rural population with varying medical needs, and the hospital emphasizes high-quality care for conditions that can be managed locally without referral to larger tertiary centers. The ideal candidate will have a balanced skill set capable of handling both complex and routine cases, such as appendectomies, bowel obstructions, and gastrointestinal surgeries. Ontario has a critical need for a surgeon who can offer consistent, reliable coverage, as the region has experienced a shortage of general surgeons in recent years, leading to patient transfers to larger facilities.
The call schedule is anticipated to be a one-in-two structure, shared with another surgeon once fully staffed. Initially, the call will be more frequent, but the low volume of urgent after-hours cases ensures manageable demands. The hospital supports flexible scheduling, typically offering three clinic days, one surgery day, and one endoscopy day per week, allowing for a balanced workflow. Most cases are elective or outpatient, reducing the frequency of emergency procedures.
The hospital utilizes an integrated electronic medical records system, ensuring seamless coordination between departments and allowing the surgeon to access patient histories and diagnostic results in real time. Although the facility does not currently have a Da Vinci robot, there is ongoing discussion about acquiring one to enhance the surgical capabilities, particularly for more advanced procedures. The hospital is eager to support surgeons in building specialized practices, and collaboration with nearby hospitals for advanced cases is encouraged.
Staff
The General Surgery department in Ontario, Oregon, is supported by a dedicated and experienced team of healthcare professionals. Currently, the hospital is in the process of expanding its surgical team to meet the growing demand for services. The hospital aims to bring in two full-time general surgeons, which will allow for more comprehensive coverage and reduce the reliance on external locums or transfers.
The medical staff includes highly skilled nurses, medical assistants, and administrative personnel who are well-versed in supporting surgical procedures and ensuring a smooth workflow. There is a strong focus on teamwork and interprofessional collaboration, which is essential given the rural setting and the need for coordinated care across various departments.
The surgical team works closely with other hospital staff, including emergency department physicians and anesthesiologists. The anesthesia team is currently staffed with Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) who provide anesthesia services for surgeries and other procedures. While the hospital does not have a full-time anesthesiologist on staff, the CRNAs operate independently, ensuring that all surgical cases are handled with the highest level of care.
The existing general surgeon at Ontario is nearing retirement, and this recruitment effort aims to fill the gap and ensure continuity of care. Additionally, the surgeon will have the opportunity to work closely with other specialists in the region, including visiting physicians from nearby hospitals in Boise and Nampa, Idaho, when necessary. Ontario has a collaborative practice culture, with a focus on ensuring patients receive comprehensive and compassionate care. The hospital values low turnover rates among staff, fostering a sense of stability and long-term commitment to the community.