Axis Spotlight Benjamin Russell

At Axis Medical, our people are at the priority of everything we do. In this Axis Spotlight, we’re highlighting Benjamin Russell, whose passion for building meaningful relationships and delivering personalized experiences shines through in every interaction. From an unexpected start in finance to finding a place in travel healthcare, Benjamin brings a thoughtful, people first approach to supporting providers and helping them reach their goals on the road.

Give us a little history of how you got into the Travel Healthcare Industry!

My professional background was originally in Finance and Insurance. I was a CFP and I owned multiple insurance agencies in my 20s. I was drawn to Healthcare staffing, specifically the travel segment, due to a desire to have more relationship based interactions instead of the very transactional experience in my previous career path. I was seeking meaning behind my work, impacting provider and patient lives for the better. Getting away from transactional interactions and being able to work for providers and their goals.

What do you enjoy most about working with Travel Healthcare workers?

There are a few things that come to mind. I love the detective work and research of it. First connecting with a traveler and then working on their behalf sorting through hundreds of options and openings to find their perfect fit for their current life situation and goals. I enjoy getting to know travelers on a personal level and building a successful and thriving long term partnership and friendship. I also really enjoy and take great pride in hearing stories and interactions where the travelers we place have a real world impact on patient lives.

Are there any locations you have found to be a favorite Travel Healthcare spot among travelers?

Not necessarily as of yet. It varies by traveler and is dependent on their goals. That is what makes this industry so great, there is a fit for everyone. I find that many in the northeast want to head west to open areas with outdoor activities and rural environments. Many in the west want to go northeast and spend some time in the city, see historical sites and experience a different pace of life.

What are the top 3 activities on your bucket list

I am an avid hiker and have climbed all the major peaks in Utah. I have not done much hiking or climbing outside the state. I would like to tackle some 14ers that the US has to offer in both Colorado and near Axis’s corporate headquarters, in Seattle, with Mt Rainier.

I have lived most of my life in Utah but crave exploring other areas of the country. I would like to live in other states and areas, possibly do the nomad life for a bit.

Share a piece of advice for someone looking to travel!

Do not chase jobs as much as finding the right fit with your recruiter. Having someone you are comfortable with, you can trust, and who knows what your priorities and goals are will end up making your entire travel experience exponentially better. Beyond that would be a secondary focus on facility fit and community. How do they treat and utilize their travelers? Prioritizing these will ensure you have an incredible experience not just on one assignment, but for years to come.

What would you say is your favorite U.S. location?

To visit, hands down, would be Hawaii. It has perfect weather, incredible beaches, and world class hiking. Add all that in with a great local culture and history, and you have the perfect destination.

Tell us about the most memorable vacation you have taken!

It has to be my oldest daughter’s Make A Wish trip. She had a multi year fight with cancer from age 5 to 7, with a resounding victory. In the middle between surgeries when she was 6, she chose Disney World as her Make A Wish trip. We had taken her before when she was just 2, but this time she was more mature and had also been going through a lot with chemo and surgeries, so it was a truly magical experience for her. They also roll out the red carpet for wish kids and it is a truly singular experience for these kids who are going through incredible hardships. It was a major uplift for her and fueled the rest of her fight with cancer.

What have you found that makes Axis different from the rest?

The company culture really is what they advertise externally, which is a rarity in today’s corporate world. Creating individualized attention, opportunities and serving them in the best way possible. There is not a focus on more, more, and more like I have experienced at other staffing agencies. It is a focus on better interactions with travelers, a better travel experience, a more personalized approach, and an end result that is second to none. It is an amazing feeling to have leadership’s focus on the quality of experience for our talent.