We're growing as a company - and that's good news! Even in challenging economic times, we're in a position to recruit new family practice physicians and pediatricians to our practice. In fact, we've added seven new appointment based providers in the past 18 months (but who is counting!). And so, sometimes it is a challenge to ensure that the same information, with the same passionate emphasis, is communicated to all of our 250+ team members at 13 locations across the valley. This morning, we stepped into the webinar ring - with our first ever company-wide webinar. Now for many companies, that may not seem like such a big deal. But for a privately held, independent medical group based in Boise, Idaho - it's very exciting. It's just one more way that we are embracing technology in our practice. As new technology comes about in the health care field, we not only investigate and implement - we embrace it. And we think that's just one reason that so many new providers are interested in our practice. Sure there is room for improvement for our next webinar (case in point: no print shirts for presenters), but at least we know there will be another webinar - or whatever new technology comes along.

Labels: new providers, technology, webinar

There are many things to consider when you are looking to relocate to an area - and start a practice with a new-to-you medical group. One of those should definitely be "what type of lifestyle will this area - and this group - allow me to have?". It's possible to have a job you love, in a community you love right here at Primary Health Medical Group. Here's what one of our Urgent Care Providers, Jeff Flaker, PA-C, has to say about what he does with his free time when not working at Primary Health Medical Group:
"I am still new to running what are called Ultramarathons, which is any race longer than a marathon. Distances are typically 50K (about 31 miles), 50 miles, 100K (about 62 miles) and 100 miles or even more, but they can be any distance over a marathon. I ran my first 50K two years ago, and my first 50 miler on Mt. Hood also 2 years ago. I did my second 50 mile race in the foothills of Pocatello this past May (52 miles to be exact) and I have another 50 mile race in July near Mt Rainier.

Most Ultra runs are on trails which is what I prefer. The Boise foothills are where I do most of my training - there is such an excellent and accessible trail system and I enjoy being out there. I try to do one long run a week- anywhere from 15-34 miles depending on my training schedule for an upcoming race, plus shorter runs and occasional mountain bike rides during the week. I try to pick races that take place in scenic areas as that is a big part the enjoyment for me."

Does your current location (and practice) afford you the lifestyle you are looking for? The Boise area offers an unsurpassed lifestyle, with numerous outdoor activities just minutes away. And at Primary Health Medical Group, you'll have time to enjoy it all. It's your life, isn't it worth a second look?

Labels: Jeff Flaker, outdoors, running, Ultramarathons

A new report by Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) has ranked Idaho as the 33rd highest percentage of obesity in the nation, with 24.8% of residents being obese. The number of obese children (ages 10-17)in the state comes in at the 11th lowest, with 27.5%. While the report doesn't give specifics on why certain states rise to the top of the obesity rankings, several deductions can be made regarding Idaho's ranking. The plethora of outdoor, year-round activities combined with the abundance of available vegetables and fruits help make a healthy lifestyle more achievable. Of course there is always room for improvement!!

You can read the full report and rankings at the Trust for America's Health website.

Labels: adults, children, Idaho, obese, obesity rate, outdoor, rank