NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As of Tuesday, Reno County had just two applicants from its March 29 Request for Qualifications for a doctor to act as a Medical Consultant to assist the county health officer. This is required because the county health officer is Karen Hammersmith, RN, since she is not a doctor.
"I have not received any other word from any other medical doctor of an interest," County Administrator Randy Partington said Tuesday. "We have another week or so. We'll kind of see if any doctor wants to put their hat in the ring."
A speaker at public input earlier this month, Casey Swarts, said the two current applicants for the job are Dr. Deanna Marshall from PrairieStar and Dr. Scott Pauly from the Hutchinson Clinic. Pauly is the current Medical Consultant.
The position, as currently written in statute, is for public health. This isn't for just all general health items at the Health Department, the medical consultant is specifically for public emergencies, like the one with COVID-19.
"For outbreaks, there needs to be a medical doctor that the Health Officer can use as a consultant," Partington said. "It's not a lot of hours in a week or a month, unless we have a COVID-type of outbreak, which, hopefully that doesn't happen for another 100 years."
The statute intends for this consultant to be an individual.
If doctors would still like to apply, Partington needs the following information:
*Summary of yourself and why you are interested in helping the community.
*A copy of your medical license or number that indicates you are licensed in the State of Kansas.
*Experience in public health issues.
*General medical background and/or specialties.
*Fee proposal (per hour rate or monthly stipend request.)
*Whether a Reno County resident or not.
Doctors should email proposals to
[email protected] and [email protected]. Or mail the proposal to:
Randy Partington, Reno County Administrator, 206 West 1st Ave., Hutchinson, KS 67501-5245.
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