As you’ve seen us across the internet, have you ever wondered: “What does Consilium actually mean?”?
In this piece, we wanted to give you a peek behind the curtain into what “consilium” is, the reasons we chose it for a locum tenens firm, and why it matters.
You’ll read:
- Our “consilium” definition
- Why we chose it for our agency
- How it informs our work
Let’s get into it.
Consilium Definition
Consilium means “council” or “advisory body” of experts that offers wisdom and guidance.
However, due to its storied history and roots in an ancient language, the word itself has had many definitions over the centuries.
For instance, “consilium” was once widely used in Roman political and legal contexts to refer to an emperor’s advisory council, a war council of military leaders, or a gathering of family members to make important decisions.
“Consilium” even has a history in medieval and early modern medicine referring to a formally written medical opinion or consultation (often for wealthy or noble patients). Those detailed case analyses and treatment recommendations later became vital tools in early medical education.
Today, “consilium” will occasionally appear in medical, academic, or legal contexts to refer to a formal gathering of experts providing specialized advice or consultation.
But that begs the question: Why did we choose to use it for a locum tenens agency?
What’s in a Name?
It all started with a chance meeting between two people. This led to a discussion, planting a seed teeming with purpose and potential.
That image may seem cinematic, but if you ask the locum tenens industry leaders who started Consilium, that’s truly what it felt like.
That chance conversation led to some ideas. Well, a lot of ideas.
“We had several brainstorming sessions,” says Consilium’s Executive Vice President, Matt Baade. “We’d start with a blank whiteboard and fill it with words and half-baked thoughts, just trying to get to the core of what we knew we wanted to build.”
What they wanted to build was a locum tenens agency of value, purpose, and opportunity with a culture of service to others. How do you say all of that in just one or two words?
One day, Joe Hawkins, colleague, friend, and true legend in physician placement, joined the fray with a friend (also named Joe) for an outside perspective.
“He sat there with us the whole day, I don’t think he said a word,” explains Baade, “Then the following day he came back with two words.”
One of those words was “Consilium”.
“As soon as we heard the definition, we knew that was the one.” Baade said.
As the branches of the company flourished, so did its roots. When asked what the word “Consilium” represents to her personally, Consilium Partner and DVP of Behavioral Health, Amy Gentile, said, “We will listen first and collaborate with clients to find the best solutions for their specific needs, coming from a place of understanding.”
What began with four industry veterans developed into a thriving locum tenens organization that’s only continuing to grow.
At Consilium, we aim to be a source of wisdom, provide guidance, and prepare a course of action for the clients and healthcare professionals we serve.
Gentile puts it best: “Our values serve as our compass, [guiding] how we do business, lead others, and treat each other, our clients, and our providers.”.
Everyone deserves to be cared for in a time of need, and we work towards this greater purpose every day.
How “Consilium” Manifests in our Work
As your advisory body offering wisdom, guidance, and a course of action – we don’t do one-size-fits-all solutions.
Consilium aims to be a true partner with our clients, working alongside you to understand the specific needs of your community and connect you with physicians and advanced practitioners who truly care.
We connect healthcare professionals with recruiters who understand the specifics of your medical specialty. By getting to know your work preferences, desired locations, and motivations for locum tenens work, we can ensure we find the best fit.
Whether you’re a healthcare professional or a facility looking to fill a position, you’ll have a dedicated representative who advocates for your best interests.
To put it simply: You know healthcare, we know locums. Let the consilium commence.
