LocumLife - June 2008 - (Page 36)

DESTINATIONS La vita locum Memorable tales from the road Building relationships while savoring freedom The freedom of the locum tenens lifestyle and consistency of repeat opportunities is no joking matter for board-certified neurologist Jeremy Meisel, MD. Amy Sutton older physician who has cut back office hours, and especially looks forward to the ongoing positive relationships he has formed with the practice owner and medical staff. “The weather is not always awesome,” he quips, “but the relationships I have established at this practice make up for it.” Dr. Meisel’s familiarity and ongoing relationships at this opportunity extend to patients as well. “I actually have patients who wait for me to come back to the practice.” A fter completing subspecialty training in 2004 and hearing about the benefits of temporary contracts from a colleague, Dr. Meisel felt drawn to the personal and financial freedom offered by this practice alternative. “I like the flexibility of not having to ask anybody for time off. I do not have to worry about a partner’s vacation or be concerned about reimbursements from insurance companies.” ENJOYING THE FREEDOM His first opportunity, with Medical Doctor Associates (MDA), headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, allowed him to dive headfirst into inpatient care in the Southeast. During his free time between contracts, Dr. Meisel was able to acquire additional board certifications in neurophysiology and vascular neurology.“Part of the reason that I have been able to obtain board certification in all three areas is because as a locum tenens physician I had time to study for my exams.” In the years following training, Dr. Meisel also partnered with three other staffing companies, completing approximately six contracts, as well as several repeat engagements, since beginning fulltime locum tenens practice. And though he avoids the paperwork and insurance headaches that may accompany practice ownership, Dr. Meisel does enjoy one surprising aspect traditionally afforded to those who choose a singular practice— consistency. One particular contract that Dr. Meisel enjoys returning to is located in the upper Midwest. He covers for an 36 LocumLife JUNE 2008 For those considering locum tenens, he points out that developing a relationship with the staffing agency also can make a significant difference in the ability to enjoy the temporary environment. “My staffing representative has been at the company for many years. She knows my preferences and I like consistency.” PUTTING IT IN PERSPECTIVE When it comes to relationships at home, however, Dr. Meisel—who travels alone —admits that there can be some personal challenges.“You are out of town so much that dating can sometimes be pretty tough. There are some advantages to that perspective, though: You do get a lot of free time, and you can take a vacation whenever your girlfriend wants.” Accepting locum tenens opportunities also affords Dr. Meisel free time to compete in local road races and halfmarathons. “But, if you are called into the hospital, you are going to have a hard time finishing the race,” he laughs, “and you probably will come in last place.” For physicians considering locum tenens opportunities, Dr. Meisel offers, “While collecting state licenses is as much fun as collecting state quarters, accepting repeat contracts does reduce the paperwork, and credentialing takes less time.” In the future, he may begin collecting passport stamps. Dr. Meisel is currently contemplating temporary options in the United Kingdom. LL Amy Sutton is a freelance writer based in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. www.LocumLife.com “Accepting repeat contracts reduces the paperwork and credentialing time.” —Jeremy Meisel, MD Two-thirds of my responsibilities involve covering the office and about one-third is directed toward inpatient care and conducting neurophysiology procedures, such as EEGs, EMGs, and sleep studies. The patient population is mostly Caucasian with some Native Americans, and there is a high incidence of fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy in the community. “At this location, I get to use a variety of skills, which provides great experience. On weekdays, I usually put in 10-hour days, and during the weekends I go in for about 3 to 4 hours, just to read sleep studies, see inpatients, and catch up on other work. For most contracts, I provide coverage straight through without days off. I am pretty much on call the whole time that I am at the facility— but that is how I prefer to do things.” http://www.LocumLife.com

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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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