During these challenging times, we pause to recognize our physicians, advanced practitioners and healthcare facilities for their incredible commitment to patient care.

The onslaught of COVID-19 has been a challenge for physicians on so many levels. Many providers who have been furloughed, had pay cuts or have faced closures of their private practices or healthcare systems are now seeking locum tenens as a stopgap solution.

In our COVID-19 world, there are serious health issues intensifying even beyond the virus. For patients with underlying conditions, including cancer, a potentially grim reality exists.

Providers across the country have delayed their bills to stay in business. They have sought out financial aid and other resources to maintain staff without furloughs and to see patients who were able to keep their appointments.

 “The seismic shock felt throughout primary care” is the way the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) describes the impact of COVID-19.

Hayes Locums has reached its eighth-year anniversary milestone. And what a year it has been for our country and the medical community.

In recent weeks hospitals have been boosted by elective surgeries returning and patient confidence shifting in a more positive direction.

Patient confidence is a hot-button topic as the country eases restrictions and moves forward with a phased reopening across all 50 states.

As the country starts to reopen and stay-at-home orders relax, states nationwide are now allowing hospitals to return to serving the needs of non-COVID-19 patients on a broader scale. This means elective surgeries are back.

Our new reality continues to affect lives and livelihoods. And as more states start to partially reopen and lift lockdowns, uncertainties and challenges remain.