Locum Story: Embracing Flexibility in Emergency Medicine
In the dynamic and often unpredictable world of emergency medicine, Dr. KJ Rapp has charted a path that is as inspiring as unconventional. From his academic roots to his current role with Em-Staff, Dr. Rapp’s journey is a narrative of relentless pursuit of growth, adaptability, and a better work-life balance.
KJ’s Educational Foundations and Early Career
Dr. Rapp's foray into the medical field began with a deep-rooted interest in human biology and physiology, leading him to major in biology in college. This interest further blossomed at Rutgers, where he attended medical school. Early in his studies, Dr. Rapp gravitated towards emergency medicine, drawn by its broad scope and the continuous learning it offered. Following his time at Rutgers, he pursued his residency at a community hospital in Morristown, New Jersey.
This foundation would set him up to work in emergency medicine for years.
Working as a Travel Emergency Room Physician
Initially, Dr. Rapp's career was as a travel emergency room (ER) physician, providing care in two to three states. Diverse experiences across various hospitals marked this phase of his career, but it came with the challenges of constant travel and a lack of control over his work schedule.
Seeking Autonomy: The Shift to Em-Staff
The turning point in Dr. Rapp’s career came from his growing need for autonomy over his professional life. The rigid scheduling of traditional medical roles and his rigorous travel schedule often meant missing out on life’s significant moments. Joining Em-Staff allowed him to regain control over his time, a crucial aspect lacking in his earlier roles.
He joined for the following reasons:
Flexibility and Proximity
At Em-Staff, Dr. Rapp enjoys the unique benefit of selecting his shifts - from 8 to 24-hour blocks - and locations. This flexibility allows him to balance his professional commitments seamlessly with his personal life. The ability to drive to all his work sites in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine adds a layer of convenience and comfort to his routine.
Personal Life Harmony
One of the most rewarding aspects of Dr. Rapp’s transition to Em-Staff has been its profound impact on his personal life. The flexibility to create his schedule means he can now be present for the big and small moments that matter. It's not just about attending the occasional wedding or birthday; it's the everyday moments with family and friends that previously slipped away due to rigid work schedules.
Filling Urgent Needs
Dr. Rapp acknowledges a significant gap in traditional travel models – the inability to address immediate, short-notice shift needs quickly. Em-Staff’s model effectively fills this gap, offering hospitals a reliable, cost-controlled option for urgent staffing needs, and providing professionals like Dr. Rapp with varied and flexible working opportunities.
Coupling Emergency Medicine with Flexibility, Growth, and Passion
Dr. KJ Rapp’s journey with Em-Staff reflects a modern approach to medical staffing that emphasizes personal choice, professional growth, and the importance of life beyond work. His story is a beacon for medical professionals seeking to navigate the demanding waters of healthcare without sacrificing the personal joys and milestones that make life whole.
Are you curious to learn more about Em-Staff's innovative approach? We encourage both health systems and providers to get in touch.*
*We currently support New England’s healthcare staffing needs and hope to expand our footprint and offerings.