LocumLife - March 2009 - (Page 19) then are off for 7 days. “They may rotate between day and night shifts or have a slightly different on/ off schedule, but these physicians generally provide services in blocks of time.” Internists who are interested in transitioning into hospital medicine will likely need to meet certain requirements. “Inpatient experience is key,” she notes. “Plus, some facilities require that physicians are proficient in procedures, comfortable in the ICU, and able to respond to codes. A good bedside manner and communication skills are also vitally important in this role.” Physicians who choose to go the hospitalist route are typically younger, says Ms. Trobee. “Most of the hospitalists I work with are age 55 or under. I have found that physicians coming out of residency or waiting for a fellowship really seem to thrive in this capacity.” She adds, “Although the majority is male, the number of female physicians in this role is increasing. Marital status is fairly equally divided. As with other specialties, whether a physician will take along his or her spouse on the locum tenens opportunity depends on age and family situation.” Not surprisingly, the demand for hospitalist services is on the rise, with rural areas demonstrating the greatest need. “The same can be said for facilities that are in the process of implementing new hospitalist programs. They tend to utilize locum tenens physicians while recruiting permanent staff.” Demand for these professionals is increasing in government-run institutions like VA hospitals as well. “These settings are attractive to hospitalists for a few reasons,” observes Ms. Trobee. “First of all, government engagements are usually longer. Facilities often ask for a 3-month commitment up front, with the option to extend each year. They also offer a lower patient volume and slower pace. Hospitalists at government facilities may see 5 to 10 patients during a shift, while physicians at commercial facilities may see 15 to 20 patients.” She continues, “Government opportunities also have appealing shift lengths. The standard day is www.LocumLife.com typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If call is involved, it is usually more of a back-up situation. Another plus is that physicians can practice at government facilities with any state license, which affords them the ability to go to a variety “This practice model of places.” allows everyone to be Locum tenens hospitalists can expect to receive more efficient, prevents satisfactory compensation burnout, and creates for their time as well. In essence, states Ms. Trobee, a better lifestyle for the more rural the contract physicians, which equals locale, the higher the pay. “Urban areas tend to have better patient care.” an abundance of physi- —Sue Trobee cians, so compensation there will be lower. Right now, we are paying anywhere between $90-$140/hour, on average, for hospitalist services.” » THE MARKET More internists are moving into the hospitalist specialty Rural areas and facilities implementing new hospitalist programs have the greatest need for these services Government facility contracts—especially at VA hospitals—are on the rise Block scheduling (7 days on/7 days off) is the most common Most hospitalists are age 55 or under, with younger physicians particularly thriving in this role The number of female hospitalists is growing Compensation in rural regions is higher than in urban areas. LocumLife 19 MARCH 2009 http://www.LocumLife.com
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