LocumLife - October 2008 - (Page 19)

Gastroenterology Locum tenens physicians help safeguard lives From increased colon cancer screenings as the population ages, to the need for more diagnostic procedures for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other GI tract ailments, locum tenens professionals are more in demand than ever at hospitals and endoscopy centers across the country. Karen Tull “ T here has been a substantial increase in the demand for locum tenens gastroenterologists during the past 5 years,” says Stacie Laurence, director of sales/ select services of the Government Division and Physician Recruitment for Cleveland, Ohio-based Locum Medical Group. “This can be attributed to the higher need within endoscopy suites nationwide, as more patients are undergoing colonoscopies to screen for colon cancer.” Indeed, with current research demonstrating that rising obesity levels also affect the risk of colon cancer and development of GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma, the demand for these professionals’ services is clear. What is the typical role of a locum tenens gastroenterologist? “These specialists usually fill in at hospitals, which are often supported by group practices,” she explains. “They provide formal inpatient consultations, perform a range of procedures, and share on-call duties. These commitments can produce an average workweek in a private setting of 50 to 60 hours. “The other avenue for locum tenens gastroenterology is within government facilities— such as those of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the Indian Health Service (IHS)—all of which have great demand and adhere to the same standard of care as private settings. For these opportunities, gastroenterologists provide onsite services in both inpatient and ambulatory care settings, are available to answer on-call coverage for emergencies, admit patients to critical care units under consultation, give follow-up care in clinics, and handle various procedures.” Temporary engagements often create an ideal match. “We are seeing commercial and governmental contracts last a minimum of 3 months, usually with extensions that are mutually agreed upon by both parties,” she states. “I even have opportunities that run 1 to 3 years out. Sometimes, it is just a great fit and physicians choose to stay on long-term.” Gastroenterologists from all walks of life utilize this career alternative. “We have residents who choose the locum tenens route before committing to a full-time position, and if they have young OCTOBER 2008 LocumLife 19

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

LocumLife - October 2008 Insights Editorial Contents From Nalto STAT! The Basics Med Ec-cerpts Last-Minute Luxury Where Do You Stand? Gastroentrerology Career Center Advertiser Index Opportunities Direct Destinations Passport - Cairo, Egypt Contest Rules Anyone's Guess La Vita Locum

LocumLife - October 2008

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