Medical Recruitment Firm: Direct Hire & Locum Tenens Recruiting Team

Margit Axelrad started with Whitaker Medical Services in January of 1998. She specializes in the placement of Locum Tenens Anesthesiologists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Nationwide with an emphasis on Texas.

She has a great understanding of the qualifications needed in a successful candidate, and uses that knowledge to ensure the best service to her clients: so much so that she was the top producer with The Whitaker Companies in 2005.

Mrs. Axelrad credits her success in the healthcare staffing industry to a high level of motivation, focus, dependability and thoroughness. Good communication skills and a personalized approach have established long lasting relationships with both candidates and clients alike.

She received her degree in Economics and Business Administration from the Meervaart College in The Netherlands. She became certified in the healthcare staffing industry by obtaining both her CTS (Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist) and PRC (Physician Recruiter Consultant) accreditation and uses this knowledge to contribute to many aspect of the staffing business at Whitaker Medical.

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Jason Burnett, CTS
Vice President – Whitaker Medical
281.870.1000, ext. 2289
jason.burnett@whitakermedical.com

Mr. Burnett started his career at Whitaker Medical as a recruiter in the Radiology Department in 2001. He proved to be a top producer in record time and was quickly promoted to Manager of the Radiology department in the Houston office. His early success was attributed to his ability to develop long-term relationships with Radiologists and his clients.

After demonstrating strong leadership qualities, he was selected to start up the first satellite office for Whitaker Medical in Austin, TX. Under his direction and vision the Austin office grew and became profitable within six months. After this accomplishment, Mr. Burnett returned to the Whitaker corporate office in Houston and furthered his management career with Whitaker Medical. In 2006, he earned the title of Vice President, and with this new title came the responsibility of the expansion endeavors for the entire medical division.

Mr. Burnett has not only been immersed in company planning, policies and procedures, but he continues to service Radiology clients and physicians with the same service that earned him the title as Vice President. He continues to be an expert in Radiology Locum Staffing and delivers quality service to those who seek him for assistance. He received his CTS (Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist) certification in April 2007. He has earned the respect and trust of his physicians, clients and the entire Whitaker Medical production team by focusing on the fundamental elements of good business. He takes pride in treating others with respect and does anything it takes to ensure quality service is delivered in every aspect of his position as the leader of Whitaker Medical.

Currently, he is responsible for strategic planning and policy implementation for the corporate office in Houston, as well as the satellite offices in Austin, Dallas, Huntsville and Atlanta. As the fundamental backbone for the medical team, he keeps his top producers motivated and guides new producers with clear direction. His implemented vision has been one of the key factors for the profitability and success of Whitaker Medical as a whole.

Because of his ability to lead the medical team to such successes, as well as serve as a role model in production and client development, he was awarded the Whitaker Way Award. As one of the few company nominated recipients, Mr. Burnett continues to exemplify the core values of the Whitaker Way Award which are: professionalism, integrity, performance, teamwork, respect and balance.

Mr. Burnett attended Southwest Texas State University on a baseball scholarship, and received a Bachelors of Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing.

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Amy Edwards, CTS
Locum Tenens Consultant - Pharmacy
281.870.1000, ext. 2262
amy.edwards@whitakermedical.com

Amy Edwards joined Whitaker Medical in June of 2005, with 5 years of experience in the staffing industry.

She embraced the task of creating a new division for Whitaker, specializing in the temporary placement of Pharmacists and Certified Pharmacy Technicians. Her extensive knowledge and experience in this field has been instrumental in the department's success. The Whitaker name has quickly spread throughout the pharmacy community as a direct result of Amy's perseverance. Healthcare facilities, as well as Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians, now seek assistance from Whitaker for their timely staffing solutions.

Today, Amy continues to grow the department servicing clients and candidates nationwide, with a very strong presence in the state of Texas. Her long-term goals are to continue to deliver superior customer service that will provide consistent growth and departmental success.

Professional Affiliations

• TAPC (Texas Association of Personnel Consultants)
• NAPS (National Association of Personnel Services)

Awards

• Recruiter of the Quarter - Q2 2007
• Producer of the Quarter - Q3 2008
• Producer of the Quarter - Q4 2008

Certifications

• CTS (Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist) by NAPS

Lisa Ellis joined Whitaker Medical in October 2005, with over 10 years of sales and marketing experience. She first worked with the Anesthesia team, where she made an immediate impact. She then went on to join and grow the Primary Care division, working to both develop new client partnerships specializing in internal medicine/hospitalists, as well as to work with physicians looking to enter this market nationwide. She also works with family practitioners and mid-levels for her outpatient clinic partners throughout Texas. Her success can be attributed by her dedication to her candidates and clients.

Lisa's expertise is her ability to facilitate a mutually beneficial relationship between candidates and clients. Customer service is a critical component of her success. She understands the importance of listening and truly understanding what her candidates and clients are looking for. She strives to find that perfect fit.

She has earned a reputation as an expert in the hospitalist staffing industry and received her CTS (Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist) certification in October 2007.

Lisa has been awarded Recruiter of the Quarter, Marketer of the Quarter, the "Rookie of the Year" in 2006 and was included in the Presidents Club in 2007.

Lisa graduated from University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor's Degree in Advertising.

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Cindy Hayes, CTS
Locum Tenens Consultant – Radiology
281.870.1000, ext. 2265
cindy.hayes@whitakermedical.com

Cindy Hayes began her career with Whitaker Medical as a Radiology Consultant in 2003. She came to Whitaker with 15 years of prior staffing industry and management experience. Cindy has built a strong foundation in both recruiting and marketing. She attributes her success to her ability to listen closely to the needs of both her clients and Physicians, and to her determination to meet those needs. As well, Cindy has earned an outstanding reputation throughout the industry for her excellent customer service skills. It is this unique combination of assets that has enabled Cindy to build and maintain long-term relationships with both her clients and physicians.

Cindy has been honored with numerous Whitaker production awards including Rookie of the Year in 2004, Medical Division Top Producer of the Year in 2006, and Company Top Producer in 2006. She has been a member of Whitaker's President Club since 2004. In 2007, Cindy was nominated and earned the distinction of "Recruiter of the Year" by LocumLife magazine. You can read the full article here. Cindy was honored to be recognized for the award again in 2009. You can read the full article here.

Cindy has earned the designation of CTS (Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist) from NAPS (National Association of Personnel Services). She also serves as Corporate Trainer for Whitaker's Medical Division, supporting ongoing development and new hire training at their five branch offices.

Cindy attended the University of New Haven, in New Haven, CT on a Volleyball Scholarship, where she earned a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration.

Al Karrh, CTS

Manager Huntsville Division

Locum Tenens Consultant - Radiology
256.830.9002, ext. 224
al.karrh@whitakermedical.com

Al Karrh joined Whitaker Medical in 2005, with over 25 years of sales and marketing experience, including over 12 years of experience in the medical staffing industry. Al currently manages the operation of the Huntsville, Alabama office, which promotes the specialties of Radiology, Anesthesiology, CRNA, Hospitalists, ER physicians, and various other Primary Care sub-specialties throughout the United States.

During his career, Al has consistently been a top producer in the specialties of Radiology, Anesthesiology, and Psychiatry staffing. His production awards include "Marketer of the Quarter" for Whitaker in 2006, and "Producer of the Year" for the Alabama office for the years of 2007 and 2008. He earned the designation of CTS (Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist) from NAPS (National Association of Personnel Services) in October 2007.

Al is a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Commerce and Business Administration with a major in Business Management.

Ann Knaup, CTS, PRC
Locum Tenens Consultant – Radiology
281.870.1000, ext. 2252
ann.knaup@whitakermedical.com

Ann Knaup started her career with Whitaker Medical in 2001, and works as a Radiology Consultant. A veteran of the staffing industry since 1995, she brings both management expertise and the kind of organizational skills to ensure that all details are conscientiously addressed. With a solid grounding in business practices and a thorough knowledge of staffing issues, Ann builds and maintains productive long-term relationships with our clients and physicians.

Ann won the Producer of the Year award for the Houston office in 2006, 2008, 2009 and she was the Medical Division Top Producer of the Year in 2007. She was also awarded the Whitaker Way Award in 2007, which is an employee nominated award given to an individual who embodies the ideals upon which Whitaker was founded: professionalism, integrity, performance, teamwork, respect, and balance. Ann has been a member of Whitaker's President Club since 2004.

Ann is a certified CTS (Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist) and PRC (Physician Recruitment Consultant ) designations NAPS (National Association of Personnel Services).

She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University.

Sue Orum, CTS
Locum Tenens Consultant - Primary Care
281.870.1000, ext. 2242
sue.orum@whitakermedical.com

An individualized approach to service has been the key to success for Sue Orum. Her planning, management, and ability to respond quickly to the needs of her clients has enabled her to consistently be a top producer in the temporary placement of primary care physicians. Ms. Orum has established long-term relationships with many clinics and physicians in the Houston area and other parts of Texas. In addition to working with primary care physicians, PA's, and NP's, she has made placements in other specialties. These include occupational medicine, histories and physicals, otolaryngology, and obstetrics and gynecology. Ms. Orum has successfully worked with a variety of contractors, from residents, fellows with advanced training, to retired physicians.

In 2000, Ms. Orum was selected by her colleagues to receive the Whitaker Way Award, which is given once a year. The award recognizes professionalism, integrity, performance, teamwork, and respect for others. In addition, the recipient must create a healthy balance between personal and professional life.

Ms. Orum received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Ohio State University and has worked as an educator for 10 years and personnel consultant for 18 years. She is accredited by the Texas Association of Personnel Consultants and is a member of the HAAPC (Houston Area Association of Personnel Consultants), TAPC (Texas Association of Personnel Consultants), and NAPS (National Association of Personnel Consultants).

Aaron Smith, CTS
Manager Austin Division
Locum Tenens Consultant - Anesthesiology
512.320.8799, ext.3500
aaron.smith@whitakermedical.com

Aaron began his career with Whitaker Medical in 2005, joining the Austin division to assist in the launch of their new branch office. Aaron's sales and marketing experience quickly proved to be an asset with the addition of new clients and providers to the Anesthesiology Department.

In less than two years, Aaron has advanced to manager of the of the Austin office which recruits and staffs physicians and allied health providers in Anesthesiology, Radiology, Psychiatry, and Primary Care Sub-Specialties throughout the United States. Aaron has more than five years of medical recruiting experience on both the client and candidate development sides and just recently earned the designation of CTS (Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist) from NAPS (National Association of Personnel Services).

Aaron attended Stephen F. Austin University, where he obtained a B.S. in Business Management with a primary focus in Economics.

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Heather Stroud-Spivey, CTS
Locum Tenens Consultant - Radiology
866.661.3627
heather.stroud@whitakermedical.com

Heather Stroud began her career as a Radiology Consultant in 2004 with Whitaker Medical in Houston, Texas. Over the past ten years she has built a strong foundation in healthcare recruitment and feels her success has been achieved by her focused determination to meet the needs financially and personally of each physician she builds a relationship with. Her primary focus is to provide the best customer service she can through listening to her physician's needs, relationship building and excellent follow up. Through the years she has increasingly excelled in the healthcare industry and has been awarded Marketer of the Year, Impact Player of the Year and overall has been given many other special achievement awards in the locum tenens industry. While at Whitaker Medical she has received the "Recruiter of the Quarter" award several times and has consistently excelled in cultivating new recruits while maintaining those she works with on an ongoing and daily basis. In 2008, Heather was nominated and earned the distinction of "Recruiter of the Year" by LocumLife magazine. You can read the full article here.

Her primary focus on the Radiology team is to be a constant positive resource for each physician in her growing client base. She has made an impact at Whitaker Medical by keeping her recruits in the forefront and being an overall team player providing physicians to her team for locums opportunities on a nationwide basis. She received her CTS (Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist) certification in October 2007 and is committed to building long-term relationships through honesty, trust and integrity. She feels locum tenens recruiting is rewarding because not only is she helping healthcare facilities with coverage but she is also helping her physicians with their individual goals on a day-to-day basis.

Heather graduated from Texas A&M University in 1995. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology with a specialization in Sports Management.

Johnny Walker
Manager Atlanta Division
Locum Tenens Consultant – Government
404.817.9757, ext. 222
johnny.walker@whitakermedical.com

Johnny Walker, a retired US Air Force MSgt - Health Professions Recruiter, is Manager of the Atlanta Division for Whitaker Medical and also heads the Government Contracting Division. He served 24 years on active duty, with 14 of those years in Air Force Recruiting. Five years of his military recruiting experience were specialized in health professions. He has worked in the Locum Tenens industry for 13 years.

Johnny graduated from Georgia Military College with an Associate Degree in Business Administration - Marketing. He has 13 years of  Government Contracting experience, 14 years recruiting experience with the U.S. Air Force and 5 years as a Healthcare Provider, Nurse, and Allied Health Recruiter. He is proud to serve all clients with a dedicated commitment to integrity, quality and personalized attention.

He is responsible for the entire Atlanta Division, which includes Emergency Medicine, Primary Care and all Sub Specialties, Radiology and management of all government contracts.

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Aalon Valentine is a 15 year veteran of the U.S. Navy. He spent 9 years assigned to the Navy's recruiting command. Since departing from the Navy in 2003, he has been working in the locum tenens industry. Aalon joined the Whitaker Medical team in October 2005. As primary care team leader of the Atlanta Division, he has helped bring the Atlanta team to new heights. His organizational skills, attention to detail and his ability to listen to provider and client needs has garnered him great success. With his positive mental attitude and knowledge, he has established himself as a top producing recruiter in all facets of Primary Care.

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Bruce Whitaker, CPC, CTS, CIPC
President, CEO - The Whitaker Companies
281.870.1000, ext. 2243
bwhit@whitcos.com

In the course of a distinguished career that began in 1968, Bruce Whitaker has personally completed and supervised thousands of successful searches. Starting as a technical recruiter with the largest firm in the search industry, he rose to manager of one of its top offices and spearheaded the start-up of a new division. Bruce left the firm in 1983 to establish The Whitaker Companies, where his visionary leadership and pioneering approach have enabled the company to provide the highest-quality staffing solutions while flexibly responding to its clients’ ever-changing staffing needs. Under Bruce’s direction, The Whitaker Companies has grown to more than 70 employees in five locations, and has enjoyed 25 percent year-over-year growth since 1990.

Bruce has been dedicated to the growth and integrity of the staffing industry and the professional development of its members for more than two decades. He is a tireless advocate who continues to play prominent roles in local, state and national personnel associations and the proud recipient of numerous industry awards.

Professional Affiliations

• TAPC (Texas Association of Personnel Consultants)
• Board of Directors (1986-1991; 2006-Present)
• President (1989-1990; 2008-Present)

• NALTO (National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations)
• Founding Member
• Arbitration Committee (2005-Present)
• Legislative Committee (2005-2007)

• Houston West Chamber of Commerce
• Board of Directors (2006-Present)

• NAPS (National Association of Personnel Services)
• Board of Directors (1999-2001)
• Nominating Committee (2001)

• HAAPC (Houston Area Association of Personnel Consultants)
• Board of Directors (1983-1986)

Awards

• Harold B. Nelson Award, (NAPS’ highest honor for contribution to the industry), National Association of Personnel Services (2007)
• The Norval Locke Award, (TAPC’s highest award for contribution to the industry), Texas Association of Personnel Consultants (1994)
• Outstanding Contribution to the Industry, HAAPC (Houston Area Association of Personnel Consultants), (1990)
• President's Award, NAPS (National Association of Personnel Services), (1989)
• CPC (Certified Personnel Consultant) of the Year, TAPC (Texas Association of Personnel Consultants), (1986)

Certifications

• CPC (Certified Personnel Consultant) by NAPS (National Association of Personnel Services)
• CTS (Certified Temporary-Staffing Specialist) by NAPS (National Association of Personnel Services)
• CIPC (Certified International Personnel Consultant)  

Karla Wild, M.D.
Medical Director
281.870.1000, ext. 2314
karla.wild@whitakermedical.com

Karla Wild, M.D. began working with Whitaker Medical as a locum tenens physician in 2006 and was recently named Medical Director. She will assist the Whitaker Medical team with the maintenance, development and implementation of the companies credentialing policies and procedures.  Dr. Wild is also a member of the peer review committee. Her focus will be ensuring the evaluation criteria of practitioners representing Whitaker Medical and that they meet the highest standards in the industry. The integrity, competency, and professionalism of our practitioners is what makes Whitaker Medical's reputation one of the best in the field.

Dr. Wild brings together a long history in the business of medicine with a love for the profession of medicine. She brings an interesting and diverse background whose common thread is program planning and implementation. She has worked primarily in heath care, including medical education, mental health and public health. Her career has included numerous activities and appointments involving quality assurance and credentialing.

Dr. Wild completed her medical degree and residency training at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. She holds a Masters Degree of Public Health from The University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston, Texas as well as a degree in Social Work Administration.

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