Not all physicians are cut out to work in rural medicine. At Rural Physicians Group (RPG), providers practice in rural healthcare facilities, which essentially require the ability to navigate patient care complicated by the lack of access to certain diagnostic labs, imaging, specialists, or even some medications, when compared to their counterparts working in large, tertiary hospitals. In rural medicine, one must be able to work autonomously at the top of their license, have strong communication skills to build trust and confidence, exemplify a culture of collegiality across various disciplines, demonstrate the ability to lead and teach in the moment, function on interrupted sleep while critically thinking and wearing the hats of many “ologists.” Fortunately for RPG and many of their partner hospitals, an increasing number of physicians are entering the pipeline with current or prior military training and service, and bringing their broad skillsets with them, to lend their hands – from one front line to another.
Dr. Martin’s training in the Navy was markedly different from traditional medical education. “In the Navy, you’re often the sole provider,” he explains, reflecting on his time aboard aircraft carriers and in field hospitals.
“When you’re deployed, there’s no cardiologist or specialist around. You have to rely on your training and instincts to manage a wide variety of cases.” This intensive, hands-on experience shaped his approach to medicine, allowing him to develop a broad skill set that is particularly valuable in rural settings, where resources can be limited.
As his military career retirement was approaching, Dr. Martin sought a role that mirrored the diverse challenges he faced in the Navy. He knew that rural medicine often requires physicians to wear multiple hats, whether it’s internal medicine, obstetrics, pediatrics, or even managing an ICU. “I realized there was a significant need for skilled physicians in rural areas, and I genuinely enjoy that environment,” he says, recalling the moment he discovered RPG.
It was an instant connection – a perfect match between his abilities and the organization’s needs. Now, a year into his role as a Hospitalist at RPG’s earliest hospital partner, Banner Churchill Community Hospital in Fallon, Nevada, Dr. Martin has found his niche. Here in Fallon, Dr. Martin has a tall order to fill – he is the sole hospitalist on-shift, managing an average of 15 patients per day, while also taking pediatric call, and is on-call to assist with obstetric deliveries as well. He also finds deep fulfillment in providing comfort care to patients at the end of life. “Those conversations with families are profound,” he shares. “It’s a privilege to help guide them through such a significant time.” His role as a rural provider inherently involves both the celebration of new life, and the dignity of end-of-life care – providing medical and emotional support to families in their happiest moments, as well as their most difficult times. His practice represents the full spectrum of inpatient medicine.
One of Dr. Martin’s favorite aspects of his new role in Fallon, Nevada, is the sense of camaraderie within the medical team. “It’s a positive environment, and everyone supports each other,” he notes. This sense of teamwork is reminiscent of his military days, where collaboration was essential for success in high-pressure situations. “Even if someone joins with a negative attitude, the positivity of the team quickly turns that around,” he adds with a laugh.
He is actively mentoring former residents who are considering a similar path into rural medicine.
“It’s important to share the opportunities that exist in this field,” he emphasizes. His unique background equips him with the tools necessary to prepare and encourage the next generation of rural healthcare providers, ensuring that they, too, can thrive in diverse and challenging environments.
Dr. Martin is not the only physician with military ties to have found success at RPG.
In the summer of 2023, Dr. David Yerkes joined RPG as the Chief Hospitalist in Fairfax, South Carolina. Dr. Yerkes began his military career in 2010 while still in residency, volunteering for deployment to Afghanistan shortly thereafter. His experiences there, along with subsequent roles in aviation medicine, provided him with a breadth of skills that many civilian doctors may not encounter. “When you’re deployed, you’re often faced with limited resources and must adapt quickly,” he explains. “It’s similar to practicing in rural medicine, where you have to rely on your training and creativity.”
His journey from military to civilian life began when he became the first hospitalist at his local hospital, helping to establish a new program. “I was looking for something traditional in family medicine, but I ended up starting something completely new,” he shares. This entrepreneurial spirit, honed through military leadership training, has become a hallmark of his career, and has transitioned well into his work with RPG. He also noted his gratitude to RPG’s leadership in maintaining its mission of keeping local patients local and making decisions based on common sense, not red tape. It has allowed his entrepreneurial spirit to flourish while building out the infrastructure of a new service line in a partner hospital.
Dr. Yerke’s experience in the military, translated seamlessly to the requirements of standing up a new hospitalist program at an RPG partner hospital in South Carolina. His leadership skills learned through the military has elevated him to a position of Chief Hospitalist. He maintains that, “… leadership skills, though sometimes overlooked in medical training, are essential for success… many doctors are trained as technicians rather than leaders. In the military, you’re expected to lead, which helps when you’re navigating the complexities of healthcare systems,” he explains.
Erin Flynn’s journey into military service began later in life than most, as she always felt drawn to it. Despite her initial plan to join active duty right after PA school, various life events led her to the Air National Guard, where she has served for three years. Currently stationed at Stewart Air National Guard in New York, Erin is part of the Seabird Task Force, focusing on emergency medicine within a specialized team.
In her role, she trains to quickly deploy and establish a mobile emergency department, and serves as the officer in charge of education, developing training curriculums to ensure her team is well-prepared. She finds fulfillment in teamwork and mentoring younger airmen, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and skill development. Erin’s commitment stems from a genuine desire to serve others, illustrating her passion for the mission and her team. This very teamwork and service, a common thread that exists between Erin, Dr. Yerkes, and Dr. Martin is also woven into the fabric of our operational staff, touched by military service as well. With most of RPG’s staff working from remote locations, it has been an ideal career opportunity for many military spouses. Amber Barngrover is a Provider Operations Coordinator at RPG, and her life experience as military spouse has helped her excel in her role with RPG. Amber, who coordinates directly with RPG’s providers to ensure they have what they need to be successful while on shift, shares that her personal life experience of her husband having to travel often and far for his active-duty requirements has given her a level of understanding and empathy for our doctors’ strenuous schedules that she might not have otherwise been able to appreciate.
At Rural Physicians Group, we deeply honor the men and women who serve in our military, recognizing their unparalleled commitment and sacrifice. We understand the challenges many face when transitioning to civilian life, especially for those with medical backgrounds. That’s why we proudly welcome these dedicated professionals into our hospitals, where their skills and experience can continue to make a profound impact. Together, we can provide critical healthcare to underserved communities, ensuring that their legacy of service continues to enrich and strengthen the health of our nation.
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Author: Kerianne Wright