To our prospective teammates,

I am the System medical director for Sound’s hospitalist and emergency medicine practice at Covenant Plainview Hospital System in Plainview, Texas. I’ve been a part of the Covenant Health System and Sound for ten years. I welcome interest from physicians coming out of training or looking to make a career change. I’d like to share more about who we are and what we do — specifically about our people, practice, and purpose — as you consider your options:

People 

• At Covenant Health Plainview, we prioritize a goal-oriented environment where I know each provider. An open-door policy promotes innovation and efficiency enhancements for better patient care.
• I maintain a hands-off approach toward provider practice, emphasizing close collaboration in coordinating patient care with our Sound team, community providers, and local hospital administration. We prioritize a comprehensive approach, knowing our allied health team members by name for optimal patient care.
• Working with Sound Physicians, I appreciate the robust support system, utilizing online tools and collaborative experiences from other providers to address issues effectively. Consistent support from upper management ensures a team-based approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Practice

• Our ER is community-based, catering to rural individuals who deeply value the care they receive. We offer a mix of modern technology alongside the challenges often present in rural Texas medical practice, blending advanced tools with the realities of limited resources.
• As a medical director, you will ensure EM representation in hospital committees and timely communication of meeting summaries. Maintain regular communication with hospital leadership and nursing directors to align departmental goals and strategies. Conduct bi-monthly provider meetings to review performance metrics, address operational issues, and discuss hospital-wide initiatives.
• Develop a comprehensive orientation process for new providers, covering computer training, expectations in interactions with staff, hospital orientation, review of supervision protocols, departmental goals, and hands-on orientation shifts supervised by the medical director.
• The hospital is equipped with 24/7 CT ultrasound, glide scopes, managing a trauma level 4, and averaging 13K annual visits with 49 total beds.
• Mostly daytime coverage but must be willing to work nights and weekends as needed.
• APP primarily handles the fast track, aiding the main ED during busy periods.
• Sound Physicians-managed hospitalist coverage from 7 pm – 7 am with EMR using EPIC.
• Compensation is $285/hour for daytime and nights shifts, offering professional liability insurance with tail included under 1099 status. This position also receives a $55K director stipend.
• You do not need to be ABEM certified.

Purpose

• Patient care is our top priority.
• At Sound, a strong emphasis on growth and development enables our team members to expand their careers locally and within the broader medical group.
• Our community-oriented team values contributions inside and outside the hospital, actively supporting and encouraging team members to help our local community thrive. Engaging in community outreach, we offer programs on bike helmets, gun safety, and hunter education courses, demonstrating our commitment to community well-being.
• My involvement spans various committees, including the medical executive committee, general medical staff, and peer review committee. I chair the emergency medicine/trauma committees, ensuring a comprehensive approach to hospital affairs.
• Serving rural patients facing high acuity due to trauma occurring in remote areas and a range of complex medical issues necessitates the ability to work efficiently and handle challenges arising from limited resources and potential transportation delays for extended emergency care.

Plainview, Texas, offers a welcoming and tight-knit community with affordable living costs and a strong local pride. Its small-town charm, rich agricultural heritage, and various outdoor recreational activities make it ideal for those seeking a friendly community and a relaxed lifestyle.

Want to learn more about this opportunity? Reach out to my recruiting partner, who will put you in touch with me.

Dr. Nicki Colbert
System Medical Director South Region