On February 6, at the 2026 NALTO/NAPR Annual Convention in Las Vegas, the locum tenens community gathered to celebrate the legends who built our industry.
NALTO is proud to announce the induction of its inaugural Hall of Fame class: Dr. Therus Kolff, John Daniel, and Patrick Donovan.
Each honoree has played a foundational role in shaping the locum tenens industry. From launching influential companies to serving in national leadership roles, their work has strengthened the profession and expanded access to care nationwide.
Established to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the locum tenens community, the NALTO Hall of Fame honors leaders whose achievements, integrity, and vision have left a lasting mark on the industry.
During the induction ceremony, each of these leaders was celebrated for the entrepreneurial spirit, service-minded leadership, and long-standing commitment that helped define today’s locum tenens landscape.
Dr. Therus Kolff: The Visionary Architect
Dr. Therus Kolff’s impact on the industry began with a simple observation: underserved communities needed doctors, and many physicians sought the flexibility of travel and diverse clinical experiences.
After completing temporary assignments in Yellowstone National Park and earning a degree in Health Policy and Management from Harvard in 1979, Dr. Kolff saw an opportunity to bridge this gap on a national scale.
He founded CompHealth, a pioneering organization that laid the groundwork for the modern locum tenens model. By turning temporary staffing into a sustainable, high-quality solution for healthcare access, Dr. Kolff helped ensure that no community—no matter how remote—would be left without essential medical care.
John Daniel: The Industry Builder
With a career spanning over 30 years, John Daniel has been a cornerstone of the physician recruiting profession.
A true serial entrepreneur and leader, he co-founded Daniel & Yeager in 1989 and TeamHealth in 1993, building two organizations that became dominant forces in healthcare staffing.
Beyond his corporate success, John’s legacy is defined by his service to the broader profession. As a founding member and President of NALTO, as well as a former President of NAPR, he has spent decades shaping the standards and ethics of our industry. His leadership has provided a steady hand through decades of growth and innovation.
Patrick Donovan: The Empowerment Advocate
Patrick Donovan’s journey in healthcare staffing began in 1989 and is marked by a deep commitment to both business excellence and the people who make it possible.
After founding Linde Healthcare and leading several major staffing firms, Patrick co-founded VeloSource in 2015. His mission was clear: create a firm rooted in employee empowerment and mission-driven service.
Patrick has also been a tireless advocate for the industry’s collective success. Having served on NALTO’s original board and as its President in 2008, he has played a critical role in the association’s strategic growth. His career serves as a testament to the power of combining business acumen with a heart for service.
Together, these three leaders represent the foundation upon which our industry stands. NALTO is honored to celebrate their achievements and looks forward to the continued inspiration their legacies will provide for generations of locum tenens professionals to come.
