LocumLife - July 2008 - (Page 10)

RESOURCES Dynamics Professional transitions never had access to an endocrinologist before, administrators were looking for a specialist to replace the physician who recently retired, or staff was in need of extra help for patient care.” REAPING THE BENEFITS Describing the overall allure of locum tenens for doctors like her, Dr. Padmanabhan says temporary contracts offer a very flexible lifestyle. “You can choose the location and the type of position you desire, plus you are your own boss.” One of her favorite contracts was in Tasmania, a small island off the coast of Australia. After registering with an Australian-based locum tenens group, Dr. Padmanabhan was asked to sign up for 2 years. At the time, it seemed like too long of a commitment, so she decided on a 6-month contract. “With locum tenens, you can practice for 10 months a year or cover for 6 months and pursue other hobbies,” she states. “This career alternative allows you to structure and tailor your life on your terms.” However, Dr. Padmanabhan believes it is not just the doctors who benefit from the locum tenens lifestyle; medical facilities and patients reap the rewards as well. Because contracts are for a specific period of time, she feels doctors arrive determined to get as much done as possible and with very positive attitudes. “Locum tenens practitioners are like a breath of fresh air. They are already enthusiastic because they know it is going to be a short-lived experience, so they try to put everything into their care—their enthusiasm, their energy, and their skills.” This is specifically true for Dr. Padmanabhan in her current locum tenens opportunity, which she claims is really fantastic. Contracted through Cleveland, Ohio-based Locum Medical Group, the opportunity at the 400-bed Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center is not far from where she lives in the Mid-Atlantic region. Continuing to www.LocumLife.com ENJOYING TIME OFF at Cascade Falls near Roanoke, VA. Unknown variables In her sixth year practicing locum tenens, Hema Padmanabhan, MD, FACP, relishes being able to provide services in stimulating locations, experience new communities, and care for the people who need it most—all without tying herself to long-term commitments. Kate Radway “Getting involved in locum tenens was a dream come true.” FINDING HER NICHE Her first engagement was a year-long internal medicine position as medical director of a federal government facility close to where she was living. The experience went well, and in 2004, she jumped at a second opportunity that was available in her specialty. Since then, Dr. Padmanabhan has accepted five contracts within the United States and abroad, for periods stretching from 6 weeks to over a year. “I prefer contracts that are 6 months or longer so that I can really get to know a place,” she asserts. “It also gives me enough time to determine whether I would like to settle there or even consider a permanent position.” One of the most rewarding aspects of locum tenens, according to Dr. Padmanabhan, is that her expertise in endocrinology is always in demand. “So far, almost every place I have gone has A fter finishing her fellowship in 2001, Dr. Padmanabhan accepted a permanent position as an endocrinologist in a rural northeastern town. Though she had visited during the interview process, she did not have a good feel for the hospital’s surrounding community and quickly grew unhappy with her situation. “I have found that you cannot get a complete picture of a potential staff position from just one visit. During the interview, there is never enough time to really look at the place. This is a definite drawback when applying for a permanent job.” Less than a year later, she left the facility and returned to the Mid-Atlantic where she had previously worked in a highly dynamic medical environment. It was then that Dr. Padmanabhan took her first temporary contract. She notes, 10 LocumLife JULY 2008 http://www.LocumLife.com

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LocumLife - July 2008 Editorial From Nalto Stat! Survey Says Last-Minute Luxury Dynamics Caring For the Older Generation Enjoying the Rewards of a Locum Tenens Lifestyle Advertisers' Index Opportunities Direct Going Mobile Contest Rules Anyone's Guess La Vita Locum

LocumLife - July 2008

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