Behind the Stethoscope: The Heart of ERx

In 2025, we are highlighting the medical directors of our ERx team. Their commitment to rural health care is the driving force behind our organization

Mark Scott, D.O.
Medical School Year: 1991
Joined ERx: July 2018
Current Positions: Director of North Valley Hospital 

What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?

I decided that I wanted to be a physician as a young boy, influenced by the patriarch of our extended family, my grandpa. He practiced family medicine in Auburn, IN. Then, it was normal to practice in an office in your home, complete with minor procedures, a small pharmacy, and x-ray development by my mom (a young girl) in the basement. I honored his altruism and professionalism, while noting the respect with which he was held in the community and our family.

He graduated medical school in 1932. I graduated from the same medical school in 1991, then completed an IM/EM residency there.

Why did you choose to work in rural Emergency Medicine?

I came to North Valley Hospital hoping for a lower stress setting to practice emergency medicine. I had spent years in a busy urban ED, feeling the dreadful stress of averaging 34 patients on a day shift while dealing with a dysfunctional staff and an overbearing bureaucratic administration.

What are some of the unique challenges and rewards of working in a rural ER setting?

At NVH, I found a culture of hard working health professionals who take pride in their work, respect each other, and really work hard as a team to provide great care. I am usually able to spend plenty of time with my patients. During times of volume surges, I have been so impressed with the way hospital staff pulls together so that we can continue to care for patients quickly and safely.

How has your role as a physician director evolved over time, and what are some of your proudest accomplishments?

I decided to take on administrative roles, and I am glad to be the director and on most of the major hospital committees because I have the opportunity to use my knowledge to improve the facility and the care we provide. I want to work in a hospital that provides great care, and am grateful to be able to be a part of that care.

I started teaching medical students as associate professor at PNWU while at NVH, which wouldn’t have likely happened under the bureaucracy of many larger hospitals. Teaching gives me the opportunity to be of service to the local medical school and students while helping to keep me up to date.

The greatest source of satisfaction and pride is knowing that we are helping the community, and are valued and respected in return. I routinely hear the elder of the board of commissioners say, “I keep hearing good things about the ED, so keep up the good work”. I am grateful to have a part in creating this positive reputation.

I recognize that we are the highest level of care to which our patients have immediate access. Hearing the gratitude of a patient is the most satisfying, and the best compliment for any EM physician is when your patient asks at the end of their encounter, “Hey doc, I need a PCP. Are you able to be my doctor?”