LocumLife - June 2008 - (Page 15)

than in some of the rural communities where I have practiced. It is a wonderful place where I have formed lifelong friendships, and the people have become my family.” If you are considering this type of contract, advises Ms. Brittell, be aware that the living quarters are fairly tight. The staff sleeps in dormitories that are shared with roommates. In addition, the company puts everyone through psychiatric screenings, particularly before winter season sessions, to make sure staff is mentally up to the task. To fit into this isolated environment, you have to be willing to do whatever is required of you—like taking out the trash, mopping the floor, and doing the dishes. You have to be able to compromise, work together as a team, and adapt. “If you are like me,” suggests Ms. Brittell, “and you find the simplicity of this kind of lifestyle enjoyable, such a placement may be just what you have been searching for.” RETURNING HOME After 14 months on her first contract, Ms. Brittell had to leave Antarctica because of a maximum time limit one individual can spend there; but she was able to return after about 6 weeks. Since then, she has completed short rotations, one season at a time, for the past few years. In fact, she met her partner while in Antarctica, and they get back together when she returns. In between, she seeks out independent locum tenens contracts. “Having the freedom to do what I want is important to me,” emphasizes Ms. Brittell. “Professionally, one of my goals is to volunteer internationally, which is really hard to do if you have a 9-to-5 position. Locum tenens gives me the opportunity to see different communities and accumulate exposure to many intercultural experiences and various ways of practicing medicine. That is intellectually stimulating, and it is really good for the soul. I see a lot of my colleagues burning out while staying in the same place. Having the opportunity to go away helps reinvigorate me. Locum tenens allows me to be in charge of my time and goals.” Hopefully, she will be going back to Antarctica soon. “I am finishing up the credentialing process, so I could be leaving as early as October. Meanwhile, I likely will continue accepting locum tenens engagements. My hope for the future is to be able to split my time between Antarctica and other opportunities.” LL REFERENCES U.S.Antarctic Program. (2005, October 6). National Science Foundation: U.S. Antarctic Program. Retrieved May 21, 2008, from http://www.usap.gov/. Imaginis. (1999, October 26). The Women’s Health Resources. News, Rescued From The South Pole, Dr. Nielsen Confirms She Has Breast Cancer. Retrieved May 22, 2008, from http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/ news/news10.26.99b.asp Anne Baye Ericksen is a freelance writer based in Simi Valley, California. Circle Career Card No. 604 JUNE 2008 LocumLife 15 http://www.deltalocums.com http://www.deltalocums.com http://www.deltalocums.com http://www.usap.gov/ http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news10.26.99b.asp http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news10.26.99b.asp http://www.deltaplacement.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of LocumLife - June 2008

LocumLife - June 2008 Editorial Contents From Nalto Survey Says Last Minute Luxury Residency Corner Antarctica Bound 2008 Locum Tenens of the Year Awards Career Center Opportunities Direct Advertisers' Index Recruiters of the Year Showcase Contest Rules Destinations La Vita Locum

LocumLife - June 2008

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