OB/GYN RECRUITMENT EFFORTS ONGOING FOR BAYLOR SCOTT AND WHITE
Officials at Baylor Scott and White say efforts are continuing to bring in long-term support for Brenham’s Labor and Delivery Care Department.
Hospital Board Chair Shirley Herring said the hospital is continuing to work with the recruiting firm Medicus to identify and vet potential candidates. She said Medicus is a “leading recruitment firm in Texas for non-rural providers”.
After suspending labor and delivery services last December due to a shortage of OB/GYN support in Brenham, those services were continued on January 21st. The hospital is utilizing Baylor Scott and White resources, along with outside networks, for temporary support. Herring said continuing to provide these services requires a monthly investment of about $40,000.
Herring said, while several potential candidates have been identified, the hospital has not yet found a candidate who meets position requirements and wants to be in Brenham long-term. She noted the hospital has had a bit of a hard time drawing candidates to Brenham, as there are 22 vacant OB/GYN positions within a hundred miles of Brenham.
Herring said the demand for qualified OB/GYN providers is greater than the supply, and has presented a challenge to the hospital’s search. As a result, the hospital has made concerted efforts to draw in candidates with a “very competitive” package for potential employees.
The package includes the base salary, signing bonus, relocation costs, and even loan repayment assistance if needed. Herring said the hospital is also prepared to offer an above-market salary to the right candidate.
Herring also provided updates on two other services offered by the hospital, which she said have received strong support. The recently opened cardiac rehab unit has seen higher demand than expected, while the expanded Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours for its walk-in clinic have had a good reception.