We recently spoke with Dr. Daren Girard, TeamHealth emergency medicine facility medical director, about his partner facilities and the community he serves in Rhode Island.
TeamHealth: Tell us about the facilities you currently oversee.
Dr. Girard: CharterCARE Health Partners manages two hospitals in Rhode Island. Our Lady of Fatima Hospital is a full-service community hospital in North Providence. Roger Williams Medical Center is an urban academic medical center with specialization in cancer care, located in Providence. Both have busy, active emergency departments (ED) with annual volumes of 28,000.
TeamHealth: What do you enjoy most about your position as a TeamHealth medical director?
Dr. Girard: The aspects I enjoy most are the variability, the team concept and our commitment to quality. The EDs I serve are only a few miles apart, but the practices are very different. At Fatima, there is a close-knit community feel, where the patients and families have been coming to the hospital for generations. At Roger Williams, there is a more of an urban feel with generally higher acuity and more issues related to social determinants of health and health literacy. Working at both facilities give clinicians the opportunity to experience a variety of practice. Another key feature that provides job satisfaction is the team concept at both sites. We are fortunate to have excellent advanced practice clinicians (APC) staffing both EDs. They are very high functioning and dedicated. Additionally, our nursing colleagues are very committed and capable. Finally, the mission of CharterCARE is focused on quality care. The medical staff is highly skilled, and the administration is supportive and helpful.
TeamHealth: Tell us about the community you serve? What do you love most about it?
Dr. Girard: Rhode Island is an amazing place to live. Known as the “Ocean State,” we have numerous white sand beaches and secluded scenic coastal areas. When I moved here, I took up surfing; I love to go out all year round. In fact, some of my best sessions on the water were on bright sunny winter days. It is crisp and cold in the surf, but I am warm in my wet suit. Sometimes there is snow on the ground and it is very quiet and peaceful. Many people participate in other water sports (paddle-boarding, kayaking, kite boarding), as well as boating and fishing. Not only are we fortunate to have access to the ocean, there are several cities that offer great cultural and dining experiences. Providence is the state capitol and home to Brown University. There are many fine restaurants, from trendy pop-ups to established high-end mainstays. Historic Newport, also called the “city by the sea,” is a cruise ship destination. The city is active year-round with festivals and a full calendar of special events. If you are looking for a major metropolitan city, both Boston and New York City are easily accessible by car and train.
Join a team that supports you and recognizes your impact in providing excellent patient care. Learn more about our opportunities at both Rhode Island facilities today!