Posted on Jan 17, 2005

Recognizing Southwest Medical Associates as the region’s premier emergency department staffing agency for rural hospitals, the Texas Organization of Regional and Community Hospitals (TORCH) recently appointed Southwest Medical President Grant Douglass to its Business and Industry Advisory Council (BIAC).   The newly formed five-member council is made up of select businesses and vendors who serve TORCH and its member hospitals. BIAC will advise the larger board on issues of particular concern to their respective industries. Its members serve as conduits to bring issues to the board that affect many aspects of TORCH:   ·         Members ·         Corporate Members ·         Changes in the provision of services ·         Impact of changing technologies ·         Revenue Enhancement Opportunities for Members ·         Evaluation of Vendors for Membership or Endorsement ·         Revenue Enhancement for TORCH ·         Legislative and Regulatory Issues   Douglass will serve a two-year term, during which time he will advise on issues of interest to the staffing industry – particularly emergency room staffing. “As Southwest Medical Associates celebrates its 25th year,” says Douglass, “we are pleased to advise TORCH – an organization that has served the small and rural healthcare market so well. We have supported TORCH from its inception and are pleased to step up our involvement.”   “No other staffing company can claim 25 years serving rural community emergency departments,” explains Douglass. “Our knowledge and experience will bring unique insight into issues affecting that market to the BIAC board.”   ######   About Southwest Medical Associates: Southwest Medical Associates, Inc., in business since 1980, currently staffs in excess of 60 rural healthcare facilities, including high-volume emergency departments, hospitals and primary healthcare clinics.