Fred Panico, MD

A HELPING HAND

Eager to assist other clinicians he knew at surrounding hospitals, Dr. Panico enlisted the help of Salem, New Hampshire-based Medicus Staffing to secure local opportunities for him. One such contract was at a 231-bed county hospital with a Level III Trauma Center, where he completed three 5-day stints during vacation time in May and July of last year. "The contract involved providing anesthesia services in the OR from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. I covered two to three rooms and handled a spectrum of cases—everything from thoracic and vascular to OB and orthopedic. The surgeons and nurse anesthetists were excellent. It was a wonderful experience."

Another perk of the contract was that it provided some potential networking benefits. "Because of this opportunity, I am now credentialed with a large healthcare group in the area, which can offer me a foothold in another facility if I ever want to branch out in the future."

Although he was not far from home, Dr. Panico was still able to take advantage of various community offerings while in the area. "There is a YMCA a couple of blocks from that hospital, so every day after my shift I would go over to swim laps and relax. A nice shopping center is also nearby, and I have enjoyed some of the local restaurants, too."

TIME WELL SPENT

Have his experiences as a part-time locum tenens physician complemented his full-time positions? "I am able to compare different aspects of my temporary experiences to my past and current practices. Locum tenens is really the best type of education because it sheds light on the ways clinical practices vary, which affords a lot of learning. As with any experience, you should always keep your ears and eyes open."

Any exposure you can have to locum tenens—whether part-time, full-time, far, or near—the effort is always worth it, says Dr. Panico. "If you have the time, you should try it. You can always evaluate your own practice better when you get an idea of what other people are doing, which is a very positive aspect. Plus, practicing locum tenens is a great way to broaden your professional and clinical perspectives, and to me, that is the most important benefit."

He continues, "Being a locum tenens practitioner also gives you independence, and because it educates you in various practice environments—everything from VA and military hospitals to private practices in rural and urban settings—it is the best way, in my opinion, to find a permanent position."

LOOKING AHEAD

What is next for Dr. Panico? His upcoming agenda could involve traveling a somewhat longer distance to an opportunity, and he looks forward to whatever the future might hold. "I have been offered a contract in the Southeast that I may fulfill this summer," he explains. "Although I mainly provide locum tenens services part-time, the market is dynamic, and this could change to full-time down the road."

Karen Tull is the editorial assistant for LocumLife.