LocumLife - May 2008 - (Page 14)

states are quick to issue a license while others can take several months. “But once I have a license,” says Dr. David, “I can usually be credentialed and granted hospital privileges within a month.” “I like to ask the permanent staff about interesting sites in the area.” —Rachal David, MD As a backup plan, she is contemplating returning to the Pacific Northwest.“Each of the facilities I have practiced at so far has been short-staffed. For example, the hospitalist program here is relatively new and administrators are recruiting to fill four permanent placements. In the meantime, they have brought in a number of locum tenens physicians in addition to myself,” she states. “I feel fairly certain I could return to any of my previous contracts because those facilities were dealing with similar circumstances, and the opportunities most likely still exist.” Regardless of the specifics, Dr. David has learned that success as a locum tenens physician comes from being able to adjust quickly to new circumstances. “You have to adapt to different systems very quickly because the core staff expect you to maintain the same workload as their permanent doctors,” she states. “The hardest part for me has been learning the layout of the hospital as well as the procedure for calling in various specialists. “Still,” Dr. David concludes, “with each opportunity, I tend to catch on faster and am able to fit into a new environment more smoothly.” Seasonal Know-how ● Plan ahead and allow time for obtaining the appropriate licensure. ● Determine length of contract as well as time of year you desire. ● Be flexible with other terms in order to get specific locales or dates if necessary. ● Take the time to balance your professional and personal lives and explore everything the region has to offer. 14 LocumLife MAY 2008 SEEN THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS For Kevin Kennedy, RT(T), geography never seemed to be a major factor in his contract choices, but over the past 9 years of serving patients as a locum tenens radiation therapist, he has certainly discovered what areas he appreciates most. “Right now, I am pretty much alternating between the South and the West Coast.” He accepts opportunities primarily with the allied health division of Medical Doctors Associates’ Allied Health Group, a staffing company based in Norcross, Georgia. Mr. Kennedy’s interest in radiation therapy began while he was serving abroad in the U.S. Air Force. “When I was in Belgium, I volunteered in the X-ray department of a local hospital on my days off,” he explains. “It was there that I thought I might want to go enroll in an X-ray technician program after I retired from the military. However, the chief tech recommended that I look into radiation therapy because she thought I had the good bedside manner necessary to work with cancer patients. “It has been such a blessing because I have truly enjoyed being a therapist,” he continues. “I get to work with all age groups, from pediatrics to geriatrics. I especially value my time with children. I like letting them be kids even though they are cancer patients.” Mr. Kennedy spent the first few years of his healthcare career practicing in a full-time position at a few organizations then hit the road in 1999. “I traveled extensively while I was in the Air Force, including to Central and South America, Europe, and 35 states, so I was very used to it.” Some of his favorite locales are Northern and Southern California. While he typically travels to opportunities on his own, Mr. Kennedy’s wife, Denise, does join him when he returns to these areas. “We will spend weekends in Napa Valley or visit friends who live in the area.” Of course, some seasons seem to be better times of the year than others. “I love springtime in the northern region. I am an amateur photographer and I enjoy taking pictures of grapes and vineyards,” he notes. “I also look forward to attending the region’s Mustard Festival if I am in the area. The wineries plant mustard plants between the grape vines, and I think they look so pretty.” In fact, he spends most of his free time behind the camera lens. “I bring my laptop computer with me so I can click on local events to see and do, as well as find interesting things to photograph, like gardens,” says Mr. Kennedy. “But I am also adventurous. I will do anything as long as it gets me out.” www.LocumLife.com http://www.LocumLife.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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