LocumLife - February 2009 - (Page 28)

RESOURCES Residency Corner Job search tips from industry insiders Residency do’s & don’ts Transitioning into locum tenens practice After years of education and training, most physicians are eager to put their medical skills to use. Locum tenens gives new physicians a chance to experience different practice settings and geographic areas before making a permanent commitment—right out of residency. Erik Turner selecting practices or hospitals before making a long-term commitment. In retrospect, those who had signed a permanent agreement felt they did not fully understand the terms and conditions of the contract. For others, the compensation package was not what they expected. In some instances, the practice environment turned out to be different from the actual experience they had after they accepted the position. MAKING CONTACT With locum tenens, you have the chance to research your options more any doctors are straddled with considerable debt in one form or another once they have finished training. In addition, they are faced with numerous decisions that can either hinder or benefit their career paths. Consequently, finding a permanent situation after residency can seem like a daunting task—especially in an economic climate like the one we are experiencing now. Physicians who have recently completed residency programs note that, if given the chance, they would like to take more time and care in M THE BENEFITS Experience different work environments before making a long-term commitment Broaden your clinical skills and professional expertise Enhance your curriculum vitae Travel to communities across the country Gain the ﬂexibility and freedom to practice medicine in environments that best suit you Receive malpractice coverage Avoid administrative and ﬁnancial hassles Gain support through credentialing and licensing activities Receive immediate income thoroughly while continuing to build on your experience and develop your clinical skills. If you are interested in pursuing this practice alternative, the primary step is to connect with a knowledgeable locum tenens consultant. Contact one or more locum tenens companies and talk to consultants about the care you are currently providing and the type of setting in which you would like to practice. These initial conversations not only will give you a better perspective on the services that are available, but also will provide valuable information about whether the company’s credentialing process meets your standards and whether representatives can deliver support for hospital privileging, licensing, and travel arrangements with a high level of professionalism. It is very important to keep in mind that many agreements with locum tenens companies are not exclusive, which means you can register with more than one company. Also, once you begin a relationship with a consultant, you still have the ability to pursue or decline any opportunities presented to you—which gives you a great amount of freedom and flexibility in www.LocumLife.com 28 LocumLife FEBRUARY 2009 http://www.LocumLife.com

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LocumLife - February 2009 Editorial Insights Contents From Nalto Stat! Money Matters Resources Last-Minute Luxury Opening the Door Med Ec-cerpts Winning the Battle Career Center Advertisers' Index Opportunities Direct Residency Corner Destinations Contest Rules Anyone's Guess La Vita Locum

LocumLife - February 2009

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