An Inside Look at USACS’ Strategic Traveling Ambassador Team (STAT) Physician Program

Imagine living exactly where you want while doing the job you love. This may sound like a pipe dream—but it can be your reality. Our Strategic Traveling Ambassador Team (STAT) Physician Program offers emergency, hospital, and critical care medicine physicians the unique opportunity to designate their home base and travel to partner hospitals nationwide. With 400+ locations, the STAT Program combines our physicians’ passion for clinical excellence and adventure.

 

At the heart of this team is Glenn Burns, MD, FACEP,  FACMT, National Director of STAT Traveling Physicians. He joins us today to share the ins and outs of taking your career on the go. As Dr. Burns says, “If you are looking for unmatched freedom and flexibility, you have come to the right place.”

 

Build Your Dream Career

 

The STAT Program is a solution developed by USACS to meet short-term staffing needs. From New York to Hawaii, our Traveling Physicians dispatch to various new and established sites where they are most needed. Importantly, their role is not to simply fill coverage gaps. In contrast, they are role models who share USACS best practices. They are physician owners who yield sustainable performance improvements. This tangible impact is a cornerstone of our program—the key to delivering positive outcomes and rewarding careers.

 

“The phrase ‘Strategic Ambassador’ is not just a label; it reflects how we operate,” Dr. Burns affirms. “We determine where we can make the largest difference and arrive as change agents. Our Traveling Physicians receive the same training, ongoing education, and risk management tools offered across our practice. These resources empower them to integrate quickly, earn trust, and ultimately, elevate quality of care. They are the kind of physicians we all want to have, colleagues and patients alike.”

 

To support this program, we fund five state licenses per physician. A site assignment typically ranges from three to 12 months but can vary to accommodate physician preference. Travel, lodging, and meal expenses are covered. Plus, our in-house concierge service assures hassle free trips. We offer competitive pay (with signing bonuses available), coupled with our industry-leading benefits package. With this support, our Traveling Physicians can explore the country and experience diverse worksites, all at no cost to them.

 

“Beyond these advantages, our team also receives scheduling preference and has no on-call shifts,” Dr. Burns adds. “This autonomy is one of our main perks, often unheard of in traditional medicine. For the first time in 25 years, I was able to build my schedule around my family. I could work for five days and then take 10 days off, allowing me to be fully present for big and little moments. I coached my kids’ sports teams. I took a long vacation. I had the power to prioritize quality time and establish an ideal work-life balance.”

 

To top it off, our legendary culture ensures distance is never a barrier to camaraderie. No matter the location, our Traveling Physicians enjoy a positive, passionate environment where they are welcomed. Connection with colleagues—both on and off shift—is strengthened through opportunities like the annual STAT Retreat. Led by Dr. Burns, this event brings the entire STAT Team together to meet with peers, hear from leadership, and align with our shared vision.

 

“Most recently, we held our retreat in Houston, Texas, with over 100 attendees,” Dr. Burns shares. “It was a fantastic chance to get our physicians connected to our mission. As a physician-led group, this mission belongs to each of us. By the end, we were motivated and confident that USACS is the practice we need to be with. We even came up with our own STAT motto: ‘If it were easy, anyone could do it—but that is why they are sending us.’ We are excited to take on the challenge.”

 

The STAT Program continues to evolve as we speak, primarily through internal partnerships. The first is with our Clinical Resource Group (CRG), a USACS consulting team who conducts site visits. Now, some Traveling Physicians will stay on-site to implement and track CRG recommendations. The second is a collaboration with our Business Development Team to promote success at new locations, bringing USACS culture and best practices to our partners. Traveling Physicians will meet hospital staff before arriving to facilitate a smooth transition with a well-established team. Last but not least is the formation of a core set of traveling interim medical directors to provide stability and guide process improvements. This approach gives local senior leaders time to recruit and hire the best candidates for the full-time positions.

 

“We are looking forward to these exciting developments,” Dr. Burns concludes. “There are endless opportunities to enhance our services, and we are leading this change. I believe our STAT Program is a no-brainer for those looking to pursue their purpose with other like-minded physicians.”

 

Hear from Our Physicians

 

At USACS, the voices of our colleagues are our driving force. Offering first-hand perspectives, our Traveling Physicians highlight the value of this career:

 

Ian Welsh, DO, FACEP
“Being a Traveling Physician keeps me on my toes and keeps my career young. I love engaging with diverse patient populations and seeing a breadth of pathology. One month, I might treat a stingray bite; the next, I could care for an avalanche victim. I get to show up as a clinical partner ready to contribute my expertise. It is a pleasure and a privilege to introduce our team to sites across the U.S.”

 

Kimberly Eustache, MD
“There is no doubt the STAT Program has helped me grow as a physician. I have been exposed to many practice environments, from Level I Trauma Centers to rural community hospitals. This variety is critical to being well-rounded and adaptable. Our team equips us to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, and skilled at providing high-quality care for every patient. It is the perfect way to enrich both our professional and personal lives.”

 

Vlad Mordach, DO
“As a Traveling Physician, I greatly appreciate our tight-knit team. Dr. Burns and USACS leadership are always present and available to help. Communication is frequent and transparent. In addition, I feel a strong sense of collegiality at each of my hospitals. I get to know everyone from top to bottom—the nurses, APPs, technicians, and so on. There is real merit in cultivating these relationships at several sites, alongside the joys of traveling.”

 

Ready to take the leap? Explore career openings, contact our recruiters, or reach out to Dr. Burns directly.