Dr. Wood’s medical career showcases his resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to patient care. After completing his residency in 2000, he began his OB/GYN practice with a clear focus on providing exceptional care without getting bogged down by the bureaucratic side of medicine. This approach allowed him to establish a successful solo practice quickly and within just six months, he was busier than he could have imagined.
However, the evolving healthcare landscape brought new challenges, particularly with the increasing emphasis on board certification. Initially, Dr. Wood viewed certification as more of a marketing tool than a necessity. “I found it increasingly difficult to get a foot in the door because the focus had shifted so heavily towards certification,” he explained. Despite his extensive experience and having delivered over 9,000 babies, he struggled with rejections due to his lack of certification.
Determined to overcome these obstacles, Dr. Wood diligently approached his job search. His breakthrough came when Tara, a recruiter he describes as his "angel," reached out. “I almost didn’t take the call, but Tara’s persistence and belief in my experience made me reconsider,” he noted. Tara’s advocacy was crucial in getting his application reviewed by an open-minded hospital, significantly impacting his career trajectory.
Transitioning to locum tenens work brought Dr. Wood stability and improved work-life balance. He appreciated the efficiency of VeloSource, contrasting it with previous agencies. “I’ve had some agencies where I sent the same documents multiple times. But everything was organized and handled efficiently with VeloSource,” he said.
A New Project and Personal Fulfillment
Dr. Wood’s transition into the locum tenens model has provided him with stability and work-life balance and allowed him to pursue new professional endeavors. With the extra time and flexibility afforded by his new role, Dr. Wood has been able to work on a significant project that he is passionate about—a redesigned Foley catheter that addresses issues he has identified over the years.
The traditional Foley catheter, used in conjunction with epidurals, has a large 10cc bulb that can obstruct the birth canal and potentially impede progress, sometimes leading to unnecessary cesarean sections. Recognizing this issue, Dr. Wood designed a new Foley catheter that eliminates this obstruction. He proudly shared, “I designed a Foley catheter that won’t obstruct the birth canal, which could potentially reduce the number of unnecessary C-sections. It’s something I’m truly passionate about.”
He received full patent approval for his design in February and has been working on developing and commercializing this innovation. “Getting the patent approved was a huge milestone. I’m focused on developing this product and getting it into hospitals,” he said.
The Future of Healthcare Staffing
Dr. Wood has observed that the current generation of doctors places high value on work-life balance, a shift driven by seeing previous generations work excessively. “The new generation of doctors values work-life balance much more,” he remarked. This shift has made the locum tenens model essential for hospitals recruiting OB/GYNs, as it provides the flexibility modern practitioners desire.
Dr. Wood's experience highlights the critical role of locum tenens agencies in filling staffing voids and providing physicians with the necessary flexibility. By facilitating these connections, locums agencies help bridge the gap between healthcare facilities and the evolving expectations of modern practitioners. He concluded, “Locum tenens agencies are essential in today’s healthcare environment. They help bridge the gap between the needs of hospitals and physicians' preferences, ensuring that both are met effectively.”
Dr. Wood’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of perseverance, effective support systems, and the ability to embrace new opportunities to achieve professional and personal goals. His career evolution inspires others to navigate similar transitions in the ever-changing world of healthcare.
To discover more about Dr. Wood's fascinating catheter project, visit the website below.
About VeloSource: VeloSource is a leading healthcare staffing and recruitment agency specializing in Locum Tenens services. By providing a vast network of highly qualified physicians, CRNAs, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners, VeloSource connects exceptional medical talent with healthcare facilities across the United States ensuring quality patient care and optimal workforce solutions.
(Posted by Cassie Smith, Workplace Office Services Administrator, VeloSource)
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