Smaller physician practices are struggling under the strains of the recession and a rapidly evolving regulatory climate. Facing reductions in government reimbursements, an increase in the number of patients who are unable to afford their medical bills, uncertainty over the health care reform law, and the impending expense of the federal government’s urging providers to purchase electronic health records systems, many physicians in private practice are turning to hospital systems’ offers of economic certainty, reduced hours and therefore better quality of life, more resources, and the ability to devote more of their time to patient care.

A recent survey by the Medical Group Management Association shows a nearly 75% increase in the number of active doctors employed by hospitals since 2000; and the trend is accelerating.  Furthermore, the young doctors being hired today tend to value better work–life balance and are more willing than preceding generations to trade higher incomes for the lifestyle flexibility and administrative simplicity provided by hospital employment. 

Those who have joined the Pulaski Associated Medical Professionals team are Rex Allman, MD, of Winamac; Laura Brown, AFNP, of Winamac; Sandy Roth, RNC, NP, of Monterey; and Norma Wells, MSN, APN, of Francesville.