LocumLife - September 2008 - (Page 6)

RESOURCES Dynamics Professional transitions Serving patients proves a perfect match Board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, Steve Waszak, MD, appreciates the late-career flexibility that locum tenens affords as he transitions out of full-time permanent practice. Amy Sutton his urban practice but in a less-populated setting. Photo: Steve Waszak, MD D r. Waszak ventured into locum tenens as a way to supplement his income from the OB/GYN practice he started in 1979. However, he soon found that this career option offered more than just monetary compensation; it also renewed his enthusiasm for patient care. “While my father may have been a better physician than I am, I always strive to be as good to my patients as he was to his. This formula has proved successful in the locum tenens arena as well. In fact, I am usually asked to take a permanent position wherever I go, and I consider that a great compliment.” Since 1999, Dr. Waszak has accepted the majority of his opportunities through Salt Lake City, Utah-based CompHealth. Currently licensed in two states and still running his private practice part-time, Dr. Waszak prefers shortterm contracts in underserved areas that offer similar clinical challenges as CARING FOR THOSE WHO SACRIFICE STEVE WASZAK, MD, and team Dr. Waszak particularly perform a C-section on a patient whose enjoys caring for referral husband was serving in Iraq at the time. patients who come to the clinic from a Naval base in the Pacific Northwest. “I respect the sacrifices these servicemen local paper got wind of the story and the and servicewomen are making for my next thing I knew, it was in the news. I freedom, and I do everything to provide really felt good about what we did for that excellent care and, when they are facing serviceman and his family.” deployment, expedite their treatment.” In another Pacific Northwest comOn a separate occasion, he proved his munity, Dr. Waszak served Mexicandedication during a C-section performed American farm workers at a clinic. on a patient whose husband was serving “Despite the language barrier, I found in Iraq. “The husband was very nervous that I could communicate with the help and called a number of times,” recalls of an interpreter. Because my father Dr. Waszak. “One of the nurses obtained came from a Polish immigrant family a digital camera so we could take the of coal miners who spoke no English, patient’s picture with her baby. We I understood the difficulties that these emailed it to her husband immediately so immigrants were facing, and I tried to he would not worry—I figured a picture make them feel as welcome and comwas worth a thousand words. Well, the fortable as possible.” SOUND ADVICE Establish relationships: Stay in close communication with your stafﬁng agency representative via e-mail and cell phone. Make every effort to get along well with your colleagues and staff. Enjoy the locum tenens lifestyle: Think of this career alternative as a great way to meet some wonderful people and see areas of the country that you would never have visited. Learn lessons: Use locum tenens as an opportunity to expand your clinical skills. If you are used to an urban environment, explore options in rural areas, and vice versa. Provide optimal care: Take steps to make your patients feel comfortable. Be the best physician you can be while you are at a contract facility. 6 LocumLife SEPTEMBER 2008 www.LocumLife.com http://www.LocumLife.com

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

LocumLife - September 2008 Editorial Contents From Nalto Stat! Dynamics The Net Last-Minute Luxury Unplugged Going Wireless on the Road Getting Oriented Advertiser Index Opportunities Direct Destinations On Location Contest Rules Anyone's Guess La Vita Locum

LocumLife - September 2008

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