LocumLife - July 2008 - (Page 15)

because they are often the first line of defense for ailing seniors. From there, we see needs for certain subspecialties. Specifically, we have noticed a two-to-three-time increase in cardiac, ophthalmology, psychology, and urology opportunities. Additionally, the number of opportunities with Veteran’s Affairs (VA) facilities has more than doubled in the last few years, which is an indication of the demand for services for our aging veterans.” PATIENT APPRECIATION Ghassan Rifai, MD, actually prefers locum tenens opportunities at VA facilities to other practice environments. “For one thing, the credentialing process is streamlined because you only need one valid state license to practice at any VA hospital. You are not limited in your choices by the various licensure processes,” notes the physician who holds two licenses. “Also the patients are very appreciative of the care you provide them.” “Elderly patients routinely express a great degree of gratification.” —Ghassan Rifai, MD Throughout his 30-plus year career, Dr. Rifai has enjoyed the blend of services he provides as a board-certified urologist.“This is a specialty that combines both medical and surgical cases. I still get a feeling of euphoria from practicing this type of medicine, especially after conducting a major surgery.” The majority of his career was spent practicing in acute care facilities as well as with private physicians’ groups. To stir things up, Dr. Rifai twice spent periods as a locum tenens physician, currently with Irving, Texas-based Staff Care. “Locum tenens is like taking a sabbatical between jobs because you are in new settings where you can experience things from a different perspective,” he explains.“It mixes things up rather than coming to the office every day and seeing the same faces all the time.” Dr. Rifai’s first mobile venture came in 2000 when he agreed to one 3-month contract in the Southeast. After another several years in a permanent position, he once again chose to accept locum tenens opportunities. Starting in 2007, he spent 7 months at a VA in the South. For the time being, he has accepted a temporary contract with another government-run facility until his paperwork for a full-time position in a private group practice is finalized. “It is a small primary care VA facility in the Midwest, and most of the cases are medical or psychiatric,” he says. “They generally do not perform major surgeries here.” Although trends are changing somewhat, most VAs primarily treat older males. And as a urologist, this is commonplace for Dr. Rifai.“The vast majority of my patients are over 60, and Circle Career Card No. 608 JULY 2008 LocumLife 15 http://www.mdainc.com http://www.mdainc.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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