LocumLife - December 2008 - (Page 22)

independent contracts. “After working at a private practice in the Northwest for over a year, I started to look for new opportunities. Because NICU openings are so limited where I live, I decided to provide locum tenens services until a new permanent position presented itself.” Currently, Dr. Morkos is maintaining two ongoing contracts near the West Coast. “My opportunity via the agency is at a medical center where I provide care between 10 and 13 days a month,” he notes. “You gain “Stints last 5 or 6 consecutive days, the experience during which time I cover 24-hour shifts. I only remain in-house when needed to face there is a baby on the vent; if not, I any challenge.” am finished by early afternoon and then take calls from my hotel. It —Ashraf Morkos, MD, FAAP has been a great experience—I was well received by the team and they oriented me to the hospital and their electronic medical records system. “For my independent contract,” he continues, “I cover 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. for 5 days at a time at a 72-bed Level III unit. While there, I am able to coordinate with every team, from neurology, cardiology, infectious disease, and gastroenterology, to endocrinology, surgery, and nephrology.” What are his typical duties upon arrival? “I usually receive the update from the on-call physician before taking over,” says Dr. Morkos. “Afterward, I make morning rounds with the nurses and examine the babies. If a baby is in need of intravenous nutrition, I write up the order and submit it to the pharmacy The Market Neonatologists practice in children’s hospitals, university medical centers, and large community hospitals, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. There are approximately 4,000 neonatologists in the U.S., reports the American Medical Association. Demand is expected to remain strong well into the future. Locum tenens neonatologists represent every age, gender, and marital status. Many neonatologists choose to moonlight while others practice locum tenens full-time. Pay rates depend on contract and shift lengths, level of service, average census, and presence of neonatal nurse practitioners, among other factors. 22 LocumLife DECEMBER 2008 early so it can be picked up in the afternoon. Then, I will sit and write my notes. In the meantime, I could be called to urgent or high-risk deliveries, C-sections, or consults for premature labor.” One particular case still stands out in his memory. “I was at my hotel and received a call about a baby who was expected to be born vaginally and without complication,” recalls Dr. Morkos. “When I arrived at the hospital, I found the child blue and unresponsive. We eventually discovered that the baby had a form of cyanotic heart disease that would not respond to the medication typically given in this sort of situation. So, we quickly transferred him to a tertiary care facility where his life was saved in the operating room.” His time as a locum tenens physician has already given him new insight into his field. “I have learned to work with all different types of people,” states Dr. Morkos, “and I have come to grasp the business aspect of medicine. During training, you think that you only will be making medical decisions, but in reality, you deal with more than that. With locum tenens, I have learned not only how to successfully adapt to different environments, but also how to master both sides of my profession.” Dr. Morkos has enjoyed the ability to prove himself to his new colleagues. “If you are just out of training,” he notes, “you may be viewed as green, so unless you demonstrate that you are up to the task, you are likely to be under the microscope for a while. Luckily, I was able to gain their confidence within a short period.” With his agency contract scheduled to last through May of next year, Dr. Morkos is more than satisfied with his current role. “I would gladly accept a job with either of the two facilities where I am providing coverage,” he says, “but my wife has her own successful practice back home. So, for now, I will continue to provide full-time locum tenens services. This career alternative is a good choice, especially for those of us who have certain family obligations.” He recommends colleagues try this lifestyle to reap additional benefits. “Being in a new environment constantly develops your ability to interact well with people,” adds Dr. Morkos. “It affords f lexibility with your schedule and provides opportunities to treat various types of patients. And, of course, if you are looking for a permanent position, it is a great means of finding that dream job. During the interim, you learn exciting lessons and gain the experience needed to face any challenge.” www.LocumLife.com http://www.LocumLife.com

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

LocumLife - December 2008 Editorial Contents From Nalto Stat! The Basics Last-Minute Luxury Mixing Business &�Pleasure Med Ec-cerpts Neonatology Advertiser Index Opportunities Direct On Location Contest Rules Anyone's Guess La Vita Locum

LocumLife - December 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.