LocumLife - July 2008 - (Page 11)

the end of the year, the commitment began in August 2007 and is the second temporary engagement that she has taken at a VA facility through the staffing company. Since beginning locum tenens, Dr. Padmanabhan has shied away from private practice options, preferring instead opportunities that require a variety of responsibilities in her specialty of endocrinology. Coverage at this VA facility extends from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and offers a rewarding mix of outpatient care, inpatient consultations, research, and teaching obligations. “Besides diabetes cases, I have seen patients with adrenal gland diseases, calcium and mineral disorders, bone disorders, pituitary problems, and thyroid diseases, including thyroid cancer. I also have cared for patients with women’s health issues and male sexual disorders.” She adds, “The advantage of practicing within the VA system is that it is organized and computerized. It has electronic medical records and all VA facilities are linked through an internal network. The pharmacy is also conveniently available on the system, so there is less chance of error when administering medications.” “This career alternative allows you to structure and tailor your life on your terms.” —Hema Padmanabhan, MD, FACP While doctors taking temporary contracts always must adjust to the idiosyncrasies of each new location, whether it is the unique way a healthcare facility is run, the specific needs of a patient population in another country, or odd shift hours, Dr. Padmanabhan points out the advantages outweigh the challenges. “I obtain exposure to different settings, but most important of all, I acquire experience treating a wide variety of problems within endocrinology and gain skills. For example, in Hawaii I treated a lot of thyroid cancers and pituitary tumors; whereas at other facilities, I became skilled at handling diabetes, adrenal conditions, and women’s issues.” With regard to future plans, Dr. Padmanabhan is leaving her options open. “While my present contract offers a great place to practice and a nice community, I would love to provide locum tenens services on a permanent basis and try out more facilities and geographic locations. It is an excellent way of broadening your horizons.” LL Kate Radway is a graduate student at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, specializing in magazine writing. JULY 2008 Circle Career Card No. 611 LocumLife 11 http://www.Staffcare.com http://www.Staffcare.com

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

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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