Primary Care North Idaho $299,795 Salary | No nights/weekends + NHSC loan forgiveness

🏢 Summary: Full-time Pediatrician role providing comprehensive primary care to pediatric and adolescent patients up to age 21 in an outpatient setting, with strong work-life balance and loan repayment eligibility. The position offers a competitive salary, up to $50K loan repayment, 100% health coverage, CME support, and retirement matching. No nights or hospital rotations, with team-based, patient-centered care model. 🗂️ Requirements: MD or DO degree, Board Certified or Board Eligible in Pediatrics, Active Idaho medical license, Idaho Controlled Substance License, DEA License, BLS certification, 0-1 medical professional liability claims with indemnity settlements 📃 Skills: Pediatrics, PrimaryCare, BLS, DEA, PreventiveMedicine, DiagnosticTesting 🏢 Description: Opportunity Criteria Specialty: Pediatrics Candidate Type: MD, DO Visa Accepted: J-1 or H-1B Salary Range: $299,795.00 / Year Loan Repayment: Yes Bonuses Offered: None Not-for-profit: 501(c)(3) Pediatrician Opportunity in Beautiful North Idaho About the role: The Heritage Health Pediatrician provides high-quality care in accordance with national guidelines to all patients in a culturally competent manner. The Pediatrician strives to provide care consistent with the organization’s mission and is a strong leader who treats all staff with respect and supports teamwork and a positive work environment. The Pediatrician will obtain history, examine, diagnose, and treat pediatric and adolescent patients up to age 21. Treatments include education, prescribing medications, performing minor procedures, ordering/interpreting tests, and referral to outside specialists as necessary. Salary: MD/DO $299,795 Benefits: Health Insurance: 100% coverage for medical, dental, and vision (PPO & HAS via Regence, Delta Dental, VSP) Life Insurance: 1x annual salary (optional additional coverage) Disability Insurance: Short-term & long-term options based on age & salary CME: $3,000 & 40 hours annually (pro-rated for part-time) License Reimbursement: Includes professional licenses, Idaho controlled substance, & DEA registration. Retirement: 403 (b) plan: Matches up to 4% of employee contributions. Paid Time Off Benefits: 144 Hours Paid Time Off (PTO) 56 Hours Extended Illness Bank (EIB) 80 Hours Company Recognized Holidays Loan Repayment: Up to $50,000 for a 2-year service commitment at an NHSC approved site. Top Reasons to Join Our Team: Mission-Driven Culture: Dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive healthcare. Provider support: 24/7 Nurse Triage, Dietitians, and Pharmacy Services. Work Life Balance: No nights, 8–10-hour schedule, no hospital rotations, limited after-hours calls and no weekends. Team-Based Care: Collaborative team working together to provide the right service, in the right settings, for the best patient outcomes. Competitive Pay and Benefits: Including bonuses and relocation assistance. Requirements The Minimum Qualifications: Medical Degree or Doctor of Osteopathy Degree. Board Certified or Board Eligible in Pediatrics. Active Idaho medical license, Controlled Substance License and DEA License. BLS certification required. 0-1 Medical professional liability claims with indemnity settlements in professional history. Your Essential Duties: Scheduled primary care visits per agreed upon FTE status. Maintains a program of comprehensive health for pediatric patients, including preventive medicine, behavioral sciences, and community health. Prepares and reviews medical histories and obtains data through interviews. Examines patients, formulates differential diagnostic plans, defines and orders required diagnostic testing. Interprets examination findings and test results and implements treatment plans. Determines need for consultation and assists in medical care and treatment provided at the direction of other specialists. Participates in surgical procedures according to training, volume standards, and demonstrated ability. Promotes positive interpersonal relationships with employees, physicians and patients. Ensures confidentiality of patient information. Maintains regular and predictable attendance. Attends monthly staff meetings and other meetings as requested. Participates in QA/QI activities. Role models strong leadership skills and promotes teamwork. Follows established clinical protocols and procedures. Supports decision making of the Senior Management team. Participates in the Patient Centered Medical Home model of care as part of the PCMH Care Team. Performs other duties as requested. Your Success Factors: Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within Pediatrics. Able to work independently and within a group. Able to effectively manage and direct medical staff support activities while providing quality medical care. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Able to interact effectively with people of varied educational, socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

🏢 Summary: Full-time BC/BE Neurologist opportunity in an established outpatient practice offering a $425K salary guarantee plus RVU and quality incentives. The role includes general neurology with required EMG/NCS and EMG-guided Botox, minimal inpatient consults, and practice-only call. Comprehensive benefits, sign-on bonus, relocation support, and Epic EMR with AI technology are provided. 🗂️ Requirements: MD or DO, Board Certified or Board Eligible in Neurology, Eligible for H-1B visa, EMG/NCS proficiency, EMG-guided Botox injections, Full-time availability, Unable to accept J-1 visa candidates 📃 Skills: Neurology, EEG, EMG, NCS, Ultrasound, VNS, DBS, Botox, Epic, AI 🏢 Description: Opportunity Criteria Specialty: Neurology Candidate Type: MD, DO Visa Accepted: H-1B Loan Repayment: Yes Bonuses Offered: Sign-on, Stipend, Quality, Relocation, Productivity Neurology Opportunity Deaconess Memorial Medical Center is seeking a full-time, BC/BE Neurologist to join an established outpatient practice located near the hospital campus. Join a team of 2 experienced Neurologists and 2 APPs in a collaborative and supportive environment with a strong referral network of 30+ PCP clinics across an 8-county region. New graduates and fellows are welcome to apply. Position Highlights Procedures: - General Neurology - EEG reads - EMG/NCS required (Ultrasound preferred) - VNS and DBS management (preferred) - Botox injections (including EMG-guided) required Inpatient Consults: Rare, unless following a specific patient Call Schedule: Practice call only Work Schedule: Full-time, 5-day work week with 36 hours of patient care and 4 hours of administrative duties EMR: Epic with AI technology Compensation & Benefits - $425,000 1-year salary guarantee plus RVU and Quality Incentives - $50,000 sign-on bonus - 33 days of VHP (264 hours) - $3,500 CME allowance - $15,000 relocation allowance - Health, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement plans - Paid malpractice with tail coverage - Loan repayment available Unable to accept J-1 candidates. Hospital Highlights - Magnet® Recognition with Distinction (2024) - 114-bed modern facility - Level III Trauma Center - 30+ specialties supported by 250 physicians and advanced practice providers - 33 healthcare centers serving 8 counties - Recognized as a Top 20 Rural Community Hospital Community Highlights Jasper, Indiana offers a vibrant arts and cultural scene, outdoor recreation, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, low cost of living, and convenient access to multiple major cities.

🏢 Summary: Full-time Family Medicine Physician position at a California FQHC offering a 4-day outpatient workweek within a collaborative primary care environment. The role includes loan repayment eligibility, competitive salary, and multiple bonus opportunities. Ideal for mission-driven physicians seeking flexible scheduling and comprehensive benefits. 🗂️ Requirements: MD or DO degree, Extensive formal training in Internal Medicine, Active California medical license, Board eligible or board certified in Internal Medicine, Eligibility for H-1B visa (if applicable) 📃 Skills: FamilyMedicine, PrimaryCare, InternalMedicine, BoardCertification, MedicalLicensure 🏢 Description: Opportunity Criteria Specialty: Family Medicine Candidate Type: MD, DO Visa Accepted: H-1B Salary Range: $285,206.00 to $413,213.00 / Year Loan Repayment: Yes Bonuses Offered: Sign-on, Retention, Quality, Relocation, Productivity Not-for-profit: 501(c)(3) Position Highlights Primary Care Outpatient 4-day work week Collaborative team environment Full-time with alternative schedule options 2nd largest FQHC in the nation and state for patient visits Qualifying sites for Loan Repayment opportunities Sign-on bonus/relocation assistance, generous health and wellness benefits, and retirement packages are offered Generous PTO package Community Our health centers are located in the heart of California and are within a couple of hours drive from the state’s beautiful foothills, lakes, national parks, and the Central Coast. Our year-round mild climate allows staff opportunities to enjoy a family-friendly and diverse community without the high cost of living and traffic of metropolitan cities. Metropolitan living, small-town feel New schools & shopping centers Modern housing Abundant outdoor activities Active downtown & cultural events US World and News Report named Visalia one of The Best Places to live in California. License & Qualifications Professional & Technical Knowledge: Performance of the duties and responsibilities of the job requires the equivalent of extensive formal training in Internal Medicine, including an understanding of the application of the theory and practices of the profession to the operations of the organization, usually in the form of a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. Licenses & Certifications: Licensed in the state of California as an Internist. Board eligibility or certification in Internal Medicine may be required or desired in certain positions.

🏢 Summary: Opportunity for a board-certified or board-eligible Emergency Medicine Physician to provide comprehensive emergency care, including evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of acute illnesses and injuries in a collaborative, patient-centered environment. The role involves working with interdisciplinary teams, delivering evidence-based care, and supporting patients and families. Competitive compensation with bonus, relocation assistance, and performance incentives is offered. 🗂️ Requirements: MD or DO degree, Board certification or eligibility in Emergency Medicine, Active or eligible North Dakota medical license, Experience in Emergency Medicine, Strong clinical skills, Ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat acute conditions, Ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team 📃 Skills: EmergencyMedicine, PatientAssessment, Diagnosis, AcuteCare, TreatmentPlanning, Licensure, BoardCertification 🏢 Description: Opportunity Criteria Specialty: Emergency Medicine : Emergency Medical Services Candidate Type: MD, DO Visa Accepted: H-1B Salary Range: $384,791.00 to $404,030.00 / Year Loan Repayment: Negotiable Bonuses Offered: Negotiable Not-for-profit: 501(c)(3) Job Description Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Emergency Medicine Physician, you will join our dynamic healthcare team in Williston, specializing in Emergency Medicine and making a significant impact on patients’ lives and their families. Every day you will provide compassionate and expert care, conducting thorough assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to support the holistic well-being of your patients and their families. To be successful in this role, you will be a skilled, board-certified, and compassionate Emergency Medicine Physician who will evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who present to the emergency department with acute illnesses or injuries requiring immediate medical attention and have strong communication abilities. You will also demonstrate a deep commitment to patient-centered care and the capacity to thrive within a collegial and supportive environment. Conduct comprehensive evaluations of patients Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with families and interdisciplinary teams Provide ongoing management and follow-up care Offer guidance and support to parents and caregivers regarding strategies, educational resources, and community services Collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated approach to care Stay current with research and best practices to provide evidence-based care Participate in community outreach and education initiatives We are offering a generous base compensation, starting bonus, relocation assistance and performance incentives to those who qualify. Job Requirements Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution Board certification or eligibility in Emergency Medicine Active or eligible license in the state of North Dakota Strong clinical skills with experience in Emergency Medicine Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment Commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients and families Pay Range $384,791.00 - $404,030.55 /year

🏢 Summary: Locum tenens Pediatric Nurse Practitioner position in Idaho providing outpatient care to patients from birth through age 21. The role includes well and sick visits, minor procedures, vaccinations, and physicals on a 4x10-hour weekday schedule. Hospital privileges are required, and prior pediatric experience is preferred. 🗂️ Requirements: Active Nurse Practitioner license, Hospital privileges eligibility, Ability to work 4 x 10-hour shifts (7 am – 5 pm), Experience treating patients from birth to 21 years, 2–3 years of pediatric experience preferred, Ability to perform well and sick visits, Ability to manage lacerations and fractures, Ability to administer vaccinations, Ability to conduct adolescent and sports physicals 📃 Skills: Pediatrics, CriticalCare, PatientAssessment, LacerationRepair, FractureManagement, Vaccination, PhysicalExamination 🏢 Description: Quick Facts - 4 x 10-hour shifts — 7 am – 5 pm - 32 patient-facing hours per week - Patients from birth to 21 years of age - Well and sick visits, lacerations, fractures, and vaccinations - Adolescent services and sports, school, and work physicals - Hospital privileges required - 2 – 3 years of pediatric experience preferred Description Locum tenens Nurse Practitioner position providing pediatric care in Idaho. The provider will see patients from birth through 21 years of age and manage both well and sick visits, including minor procedures such as laceration repair and fracture care, as well as vaccinations. The schedule consists of four 10-hour shifts per week with 32 patient-facing hours.

🏢 Summary: Opportunity for a board-certified or board-eligible Emergency Medicine Physician to provide comprehensive acute care in an emergency department setting in Williston. The role involves evaluating, diagnosing, and treating patients with urgent illnesses or injuries while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team. The offer includes competitive base compensation, signing bonus, relocation assistance, and performance incentives. 🗂️ Requirements: MD or DO degree, Board certified or board eligible in Emergency Medicine, Active or eligible North Dakota medical license, Clinical experience in Emergency Medicine, Ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat acute conditions, Strong communication skills, Team-based care collaboration 📃 Skills: EmergencyMedicine, AcuteCare, PatientAssessment, Diagnosis, TreatmentPlanning, Licensure, BoardCertification 🏢 Description: Opportunity Criteria Specialty: Emergency Medicine : Emergency Medical Services Candidate Type: MD, DO Visa Accepted: H-1B Salary Range: $192,395.00 to $202,015.00 / Year Loan Repayment: Negotiable Bonuses Offered: Negotiable Not-for-profit: 501(c)(3) Job Description Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Emergency Medicine Physician, you will join our dynamic healthcare team in Williston, specializing in Emergency Medicine and making a significant impact on patients’ lives and families. Every day you will provide compassionate and expert care, conducting thorough assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to support the holistic well-being of your patients and their families. To be successful in this role, you will be a skilled, board-certified, and compassionate Emergency Medicine Physician who will evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who present to the emergency department with acute illnesses or injuries requiring immediate medical attention and have strong communication abilities. You will also demonstrate a deep commitment to patient-centered care and the capacity to thrive within a collegial and supportive environment. Responsibilities: - Conduct comprehensive evaluations of patients - Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with families and interdisciplinary teams - Provide ongoing management and follow-up care - Offer guidance and support to parents and caregivers regarding strategies, educational resources, and community services - Collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated approach to care - Stay current with research and best practices to provide evidence-based care - Participate in community outreach and education initiatives Compensation and Benefits: - Generous base compensation - Starting bonus - Relocation assistance - Performance incentives Job Requirements: - Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution - Board certification or eligibility in Emergency Medicine - Active or eligible license in the state of North Dakota - Strong clinical skills with experience in Emergency Medicine - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment - Commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients and families Pay Range: $192,395.50 - $202,015.28 /year

🏢 Summary: Emergency Medicine Physician role providing acute care in an emergency department, including evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with urgent illnesses and injuries. The position offers competitive base compensation, bonuses, and relocation assistance. The physician will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care. 🗂️ Requirements: MD or DO degree from accredited institution, Board certified or board eligible in Emergency Medicine, Active or eligible North Dakota medical license, Clinical experience in Emergency Medicine, Ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat acute conditions in emergency setting 📃 Skills: EmergencyMedicine, PatientCare, Diagnosis, TreatmentPlanning, BoardCertification, Licensure, MD, DO 🏢 Description: Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Emergency Medicine Physician, you will join a dynamic healthcare team specializing in Emergency Medicine and making a significant impact on patients and their families. Every day you will provide compassionate and expert care, conducting thorough assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to support the holistic well-being of patients and their families. You will evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who present to the emergency department with acute illnesses or injuries requiring immediate medical attention. You will demonstrate a strong commitment to patient-centered care and the ability to thrive in a collegial and supportive environment. Responsibilities: - Conduct comprehensive evaluations of patients - Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with families and interdisciplinary teams - Provide ongoing management and follow-up care - Offer guidance and support to parents and caregivers regarding strategies, educational resources, and community services - Collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated approach to care - Stay current with research and best practices to provide evidence-based care - Participate in community outreach and education initiatives Compensation and Benefits: - Base salary range: $384,791.00 - $404,030.55 per year - Starting bonus - Relocation assistance - Performance incentives - Loan repayment negotiable Job Requirements: - Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution - Board certification or eligibility in Emergency Medicine - Active or eligible medical license in the state of North Dakota - Strong clinical skills with experience in Emergency Medicine - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment - Commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients and families

🏢 Summary: Emergency Medicine Physician opportunity in Williston, North Dakota, providing acute care in a collaborative emergency department setting. The role involves evaluating, diagnosing, and treating patients with urgent illnesses or injuries while working closely with interdisciplinary teams and families. Competitive compensation, bonuses, and relocation assistance are offered. 🗂️ Requirements: MD or DO degree from accredited institution, Board certification or eligibility in Emergency Medicine, Active or eligible North Dakota medical license, Clinical experience in Emergency Medicine, Ability to work in a team-oriented environment, Strong communication skills 📃 Skills: EmergencyMedicine, MD, DO, BoardCertification, NorthDakotaLicense, H1B 🏢 Description: Opportunity Criteria Specialty: Emergency Medicine : Emergency Medical Services Candidate Type: MD, DO Visa Accepted: H-1B Salary Range: $384,791.00 to $404,030.00 / Year Loan Repayment: Negotiable Bonuses Offered: Negotiable Not-for-profit: 501(c)(3) Job Description Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Emergency Medicine Physician, you will join a dynamic healthcare team in Williston, specializing in Emergency Medicine and making a significant impact on patients’ lives and families. Every day you will provide compassionate and expert care, conduct thorough assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support the holistic well-being of patients and their families. You will evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who present to the emergency department with acute illnesses or injuries requiring immediate medical attention. The role requires strong communication abilities, a commitment to patient-centered care, and the ability to thrive in a collegial and supportive environment. Responsibilities: - Conduct comprehensive evaluations of patients - Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with families and interdisciplinary teams - Provide ongoing management and follow-up care - Offer guidance and support to parents and caregivers regarding strategies, educational resources, and community services - Collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated approach to care - Stay current with research and best practices to provide evidence-based care - Participate in community outreach and education initiatives Compensation and Benefits - Generous base compensation - Starting bonus - Relocation assistance - Performance incentives Job Requirements - Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution - Board certification or eligibility in Emergency Medicine - Active or eligible license in the state of North Dakota - Strong clinical skills with experience in Emergency Medicine - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment - Commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care Facility CHI St. Alexius Health Williston provides primary care, specialty care, family medicine, 3D mammography, orthopedics, neurology, and additional health services to the Williston community.

🏢 Summary: Emergency Medicine Physician opportunity providing comprehensive acute care in a hospital emergency department, including evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of urgent conditions. The role involves collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, patient and family education, and participation in community outreach. Competitive base salary with bonuses, relocation assistance, and performance incentives offered. 🗂️ Requirements: MD or DO degree, Board certification or eligibility in Emergency Medicine, Active or eligible North Dakota medical license, Clinical experience in Emergency Medicine, Strong communication skills, Ability to work in a team-oriented environment, Commitment to patient-centered care 📃 Skills: EmergencyMedicine, AcuteCare, Diagnosis, TreatmentPlanning, PatientAssessment, Licensure, BoardCertification 🏢 Description: Opportunity Criteria Specialty: Emergency Medicine : Emergency Medical Services Candidate Type: MD, DO Visa Accepted: H-1B Salary Range: $192,395.00 to $202,015.00 / Year Loan Repayment: Negotiable Bonuses Offered: Negotiable Not-for-profit: 501(c)(3) Job Summary and Responsibilities As an Emergency Medicine Physician, you will join a dynamic healthcare team specializing in Emergency Medicine and make a significant impact on patients’ lives and families. You will provide compassionate and expert care, conduct thorough assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support the holistic well-being of patients and their families. Responsibilities: - Conduct comprehensive evaluations of patients - Evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients presenting with acute illnesses or injuries requiring immediate medical attention - Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with families and interdisciplinary teams - Provide ongoing management and follow-up care - Offer guidance and support to parents and caregivers regarding strategies, educational resources, and community services - Collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated approach to care - Stay current with research and best practices to provide evidence-based care - Participate in community outreach and education initiatives Compensation and Benefits - Base salary ranging from $192,395.50 to $202,015.28 per year - Starting bonus - Relocation assistance - Performance incentives - Loan repayment negotiable Job Requirements - Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution - Board certification or eligibility in Emergency Medicine - Active or eligible medical license in North Dakota - Strong clinical skills with experience in Emergency Medicine - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment - Commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients and families

🏢 Summary: Full-time Family Medicine Physician opportunity offering MGMA-based guaranteed salary, RVU productivity bonuses, loan repayment, and comprehensive benefits. The role involves delivering full-spectrum primary care within a collaborative, patient-focused practice serving rural communities. Includes relocation support, CME, malpractice coverage, and sign-on incentives. 🗂️ Requirements: Board Certified or Board Eligible in Family Medicine, MD or DO degree, Eligible for Washington State medical license, Eligible for DEA registration, Ability to provide full-spectrum primary care for all ages, Commitment to patient-centered care, Strong teamwork and communication skills 📃 Skills: FamilyMedicine, PrimaryCare, BoardCertification, MedicalLicensure, DEA, RVU, CME 🏢 Description: Physician - Family Medicine Opening Opportunity Criteria Specialty: Family Medicine Candidate Type: MD, DO Visa Accepted: J-1 or H-1B Salary Range: $320,000.00 to $377,000.00 / Biweekly Loan Repayment: Yes Bonuses Offered: Sign-on, Relocation, Productivity Description Seeking a Board Certified/Board Eligible Family Medicine Physician to join a growing and well-established practice in Yakima Valley. This opportunity allows you to provide comprehensive primary care while working alongside a collaborative and patient-focused team, delivering rural healthcare to the community. Compensation and Benefits Guaranteed base salary based on MGMA standards RVU quarterly productivity bonuses during ramp-up Comprehensive full benefits package CME time and allowances Generous time off plus 7 holidays Malpractice coverage Relocation allowances Sign-on and/or commencement bonuses (subject to approval) Student Loan Repayment Programs Practice Highlights Flexible scheduling depending on specialty and practice Professional license renewal costs covered Administrative time based on productivity Marketing support for provider promotion Qualifications Board Certified or Board Eligible in Family Medicine Eligible for Washington State medical license and DEA Ability to provide full-spectrum primary care (all ages preferred) Commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care Passion for serving communities and improving access to rural healthcare Strong teamwork and communication skills Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required