Continuing medical-education (CME) conferences are primarily intended to help you stay abreast of current research and the
latest advances in your specialty, but they can also be a great place for career-related networking. Talking with colleagues
in your specialty, meeting physicians from other parts of the country, and engaging with recruiters can all be useful when
considering future professional decisions.
If you are on your way to a medical meeting and pondering the possibility of locum tenens as either a full-time, part-time,
or occasional practice option, conduct some basic research ahead of time to identify companies you want to connect with while
attending the conference. (A list of NALTO agency recruiters can be found at http://nalto.org/). CME brochures or advance programs often include a vendor list that you use to see who will be at the meeting. Try to visit
with as many recruiters as possible between attending your educational sessions. The more information you gather, the better
equipped you will be to make informed decisions. Here are five tips to help you make the most of your time meeting with locum
tenens recruiters.
1. Update your CV and have plenty of copies with you. Be sure it includes all states where you are currently licensed to practice and all of your contact information, including
your e-mail address and cell phone number.
2. First impressions count, so be sure to present yourself well. This does not mean you have to get decked out in a suit, tie, and shiny shoes, but it does mean presenting a professional
appearance. Save shorts, T-shirts, and sundresses for your leisure time. Think "business casual" and you will be fine. 3. Be flexible. Recruiters look for certain attributes in potential locum tenens physician candidates. Near the top of the list is flexibility
on the part of the doctor. It is not uncommon for engagements to open up on short notice, although this is not always the
case. When speaking with recruiters, you should let them know if you are likely to be available more or less spontaneously,
or if you prefer a longer lead time to make decisions about accepting opportunities as they arise.
4. Discuss your geographic preferences. Do you want to practice mostly in your home state or immediate area, or are you eager to see many parts of the country (or
even the world)? Are you open to obtaining medical licenses in other states? If so, make that clear to the recruiter. The
more flexible you are in terms of location, the more likely you will have a steady stream of offers coming your way.
5. Maintain a positive attitude. Even though the practice of medicine has become very complex in recent years and you may find certain aspects of the healthcare
system frustrating, avoid slipping into pessimistic conversations when speaking with recruiters. They understand the challenges
you face and, in fact, part of their job is to make practicing locum tenens appealing to you by taking some of the "hassle
factor" out of the equation.
In addition to presenting your qualifications and conveying your preferences to recruiters, you will want to take this opportunity
to find out as much as you can about each recruiter's agency. Here are a few questions to consider asking.
- How long has your company been in business?
- What are your company's core specialties?
- Where are the majority of your practice opportunities? Regional, national, and/or outside the United States?
- What is the typical engagement length?
- What is the process for getting signed on with your agency?
- Who would I primarily communicate with if I worked with your company?
- How does your physician-compensation plan compare with other agencies and with permanent practice options?
- What expenses do you cover and what am I expected to take care of when on location?
- What kind of professional liability insurance coverage do you provide?
- May I speak with other physicians in my specialty who have worked with your company?
Plan your meeting time well, connect with as many recruiters as possible, and fill your canvas tote bag with brochures and
applications. Once you've taken in all of the new information you've gathered, make follow-up phone calls or exchange e-mail
to decide which locum tenens agencies you want to develop a relationship with. Ideally, once you've signed on with one or
more companies, you will have just that—a relationship that will be lasting and mutually beneficial.
