Meet Weatherby Healthcare’s 2025 Locum Tenens of the Year award winners

Locum tenens providers continue to rise to the occasion amid growing healthcare demands. Around the nation—and especially in underserved and rural communities, where staffing shortages persist—these adaptable clinicians serve as essential pillars of care. 

That’s why Weatherby Healthcare annually celebrates outstanding locum tenens physicians and advanced practice providers whose professionalism, dedication, and quality of care make a meaningful difference where they’re needed most.

In announcing the 2025 Locum Tenens of the Year winners, Weatherby Healthcare president Michael DePaolis says, “Each of these providers exemplifies exceptional professionalism, work ethic, and compassion. We are proud to honor their invaluable contributions to patient care across our nation.”

2025 locum tenens of the year physician winners

Dr. Aileen Treto-Cabrera, family medicine/obstetrics

Dr. Treto-Cabrera’s locum tenens work in rural and critical-access hospitals across multiple states has been instrumental in sustaining obstetric services where they are most vulnerable. Her experience in surgical obstetrics and family medicine allows hospitals to maintain continuity and uphold quality care in regions often challenged by staffing shortages. Balancing her clinical responsibilities with her role as a mother of two, she demonstrates remarkable adaptability and devotion—not only to her patients, but also to the communities she serves.

Dr. Fauzia Butt, general surgery

Dr. Butt is a transplant surgeon renowned for elevating Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) in transplant programs. Her nationally recognized efforts in enhancing compliance and safety reflect a strong commitment to clinical excellence. In her locum tenens assignments, she adopts a collaborative, systems-focused mindset—seamlessly integrating with existing teams to raise standards of care and mentor peers, often leaving a lasting positive impact on the programs she supports.

Dr. Jason Powell, anesthesiology

Since completing his training at Indiana University, Dr. Powell has embarked on a locum tenens path defined by reliability, strong clinical judgment, and patient safety. At his current assignment at IU Ball in Muncie, Indiana, he’s been honored with the Great Catch Award for his vigilance and attention to detail. Dr. Powell consistently upholds high standards of care and professionalism, reinforcing trust in the teams and facilities he supports.

Dr. Fauzia Rana, hematology/oncology

Boasting more than two decades of experience in hematology and oncology, Dr. Rana brings deep expertise and compassionate leadership to underserved settings through locum tenens. With a fellowship from Harvard Medical School and a history of leadership in oncology care, she delivers stability, mentorship, and evidence-based treatment wherever she serves. Colleagues value her diagnostic acuity and humility, while the patients she treats benefit from her unwavering commitment to empathy-driven care.

2025 locum tenens of the year advanced practice winners

Roberta Herrick, NP

Roberta Herrick, NP, holds dual certification in family practice and emergency medicine, currently practicing across multiple Mayo Clinic emergency departments in northwest Wisconsin. Her clinical expertise is complemented by leadership and educational roles, including serving as Assistant EMS Medical Director and as an instructor. Since beginning locums work in 2024, she has rapidly distinguished herself—balancing urgent, high-demand clinical practice with mentorship and community service, all while maintaining her ties to rural life on a family-run Wisconsin farm.

Cheri Whelan, PA

Cheri Whelan, PA, brings a wealth of perioperative and cardiothoracic surgery expertise, underpinned by earlier experience in cardiology, vascular surgery, and primary care. Trained at the University of Utah and Albany Medical College, she contributes significantly to patient outcomes and surgical efficiency in high-acuity environments. Her technical proficiency, sound clinical judgment, and consistent excellence are widely respected and reflect her vital role in advancing cardiovascular surgery.

About Weatherby Healthcare:

Weatherby Healthcare is a leader in locum tenens staffing for physicians and advanced practice providers. Established in 1995, Weatherby has received numerous industry and workplace awards and is part of the CHG Healthcare family of brands — frequently ranked as a best place to work.

Let our Weatherby consultants help you start your locum tenens career. Give us a call at 954.343.3050 or view today’s locum tenens job opportunities.

This article was created with the assistance of AI technology.