LocumLife - August 2008 - (Page 22)

Urgent Ca Most recently, Dr. Kaler has been fulfilling a contract through D&Y, a staffing firm located in Huntsville, Alabama. “I have been providing part-time services for a facility in the Southeast for several months now,” he explains. “There is a full-time physician there who takes care of most of the shifts, but other local providers come in to assist. I go in whenever our needs match up—4 days during some weeks, weekends during others. It has been a totally positive experience.” He continues, “My shifts usually run 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m., and I do not take call. I see approximately 18 to 30 patients and have treated conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, fractures, sprains, lacerations, skin infections, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, among others.” One particular case still stands out in his mind.“I saw a patient who was kicked by his horse for the third time. He had pain, bruising and hematoma formation and required further diagnostic testing to rule out deep venous thrombosis. After this third episode, he asked me what I thought he should do, to which I replied, ‘Get rid of the horse.’” Why does Dr. Kaler feel urgent care is in demand? “There is always a need for an alternative to emergency departments. Urgent care generally offers local, convenient, and lower-cost care with greater patient satisfaction and less wait time. Plus, centers provide services that family practice facilities do not, such as X-rays, labs, procedure supplies and IVs, injectable medicines, and additional treatment modalities.” Dr. Kaler recommends a constant awareness of your role as a locum tenens practitioner. “It takes a certain type of provider to master multitasking and shift work,” he offers. “Realize each situation has its own benefits and challenges. Every facility has different policies and protocols, so you must adapt and be flexible. You are not there to run the practice, but to help. Use skills and tools learned from previous experience and draw on guidance from colleagues and staff. Remember, you are part of a team with the same goal of delivering quality care.” As with everything, practicing locum tenens comes with its own pluses and minuses. “While it is challenging to be away from family, the benefits of this lifestyle include the ability to choose contracts based on location, duration, compensation, and patient load. You can figure out what sort of situation and type of practice setting you might be interested in, and weigh your options.” Says Dr. Kaler, “I have locum tenens opportunities scheduled during the coming months that will involve a mix of practice settings, and I will also be enjoying some time at home. The flexibility is one of the reasons why I like this career alternative. I generally do not prefer to be totally isolated in extremely rural or remote locations, but then again, I keep an open mind and never say never.” ABUNDANT OPPORTUNITIES Locum tenens providers will be at no loss to find urgent care opportunities to fit their needs. “Growth in population creates the need for healthcare services, Locum tenens profession Must-Haves ● Board certification in family practice, emergency medicine, or double certification in internal medicine and pediatrics. Certification in urgent care medicine a plus. ● Comfort level in treating both children and adults. ● BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications. ATLS also can be beneficial. ● Ability to handle a potentially life-threatening situation. ● A flexible demeanor. Circle Career Card No. 605 22 LocumLife AUGUST 2008 http://jobs.locummedical.com http://jobs.locummedical.com

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

LocumLife - August 2008 Insights Editorial Contents From Nalto Stat! Survey Says Resources Last-Minute Luxury Residency Corner Prescribed Advice Urgent Care Career Center Advertisers' Index Opportunities Direct Destinations Passport Contest Rules Anyone's Guess La Vita Locum

LocumLife - August 2008

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