LocumLife - May 2008 - (Page 12)

professional conferences. This is in addition to those cases when facilities or private practices simply are short-staffed and need extra personnel.” Temperature readings. When it comes to more calendar-based seasons, many decisions stem from climate preferences. For years, people have migrated south for the colder months and then returned back north for spring and summer. This pattern actually incorporates both types of seasonal locum tenens. “Both the Southeast and Southwest regions are very popular sites.” —Heather Fisher Heard “Whenever there is an upward population shift in an area,” explains Mr. Payne, “you will see an increase in patient census, and therefore, a greater need for medical professionals.” However, some people just like warmer environments. Notes Ms. Heard, “Both the Southeast and Southwest regions are very popular sites.” But weather and temperatures also drive locum tenens physicians and non-physician providers toward other geographic locales. “We have one physician who likes to hunt and asks to be placed in Alaska during summers,” says Ms. Heard. “There is another doctor whose wife suffers from severe allergies, so he prefers opportunities in the Southwest during spring and summer where pollen and other allergens are minimized.” Mr. Payne adds, “We also get a lot of requests from physicians to practice in the Northeast in the fall so they can observe the leaves turning colors. Skiers and snowboarders want to be sent to a variety of mountainous states in the winter.” This philosophy holds true for highly popular vacation destinations as well. During peak tourist times, the local communities often face a rise in patient needs, which can translate into locum tenens opportunities. “When tourism is at a greater level,” says Mr. Payne, “we will receive more calls for acute care or emergency medicine physicians.” This situation works out well for younger professionals with families who may have accumulated several weeks of vacation time.“Physicians with young children like to choose 1- or 2-week opportunities to take their families to places like Disney World or the coastal areas,” says Ms. Heard. “Often, they will know their schedule months in advance and let us know early on where and when they can agree to contracts.” Purposeful choices. Indeed, activities can help determine opportunity selection.“We have a female physician who is a huge NASCAR fan and who likes to attend as many races Circle Career Card No. 603 12 LocumLife MAY 2008 http://www.dystaffing.com

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LocumLife - May 2008 Insights Editorial Contents From NALTO Stat! Survey Says Resources Last-Minute Luxury Following the Seasons Neurology Career Centers Advertiser Index Opportunities Direct Destinations On Location Contest Rules Anyone's Guess La Vita Locum

LocumLife - May 2008

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