Amy Griffin

Some physicians are finding it tremendously exciting to practice in foreign countries. But how do you know if it is right for you?

If you are flexible and happy to go with the flow, willing to keep your commitments, and recognize—and maybe even embrace the notion—that things will be different from U.S. practices, an overseas opportunity could be just what you are looking for. Most locum tenens physicians commit to 1-year contracts abroad, though a few shorter-term stints are available. In many instances, doctors will extend engagements in order to stay longer.

Robin Shapiro

As a U.S.-based physician, you should be prepared to discuss your medical qualifications, state licenses (which must be in good standing), and CV with a locum tenens recruiter. American titles, terms, and descriptions need to be analyzed to make certain they conform to the language used in the other country. Your staffing firm will help you with any necessary revisions to your CV and explain the differences in descriptive terminology within the profession. Applying these suggestions will highlight your practice experience in terms familiar to those at your destination country. Rely on your staffing partners to coach you through cultural differences, some of which may be significant.

The locum tenens company you choose also should assist you with registration (licensure), visas, and private health insurance. Assistance with housing, rental car, and airfare are negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Other benefits also may be provided.

In addition, representatives at your locum tenens company likely will prepare documentation for you to hand carry to your contract destination. These materials should include visas, passports, original verifications, copies of training certificates, travel details, itinerary, notes on who will pick you up at the airport, and information to help you get settled. If your destination country requires a mandatory in-person meeting with a representative of the medical council, you will need to bring these documents along as well.

Should you be traveling with your spouse or significant other, your staffing agency might even help find a position or volunteer opportunity for him or her. Once you have signed on, the medical facility will offer suggestions about schools, neighborhoods, and places to live. Remember, depending on where you will be relocating, you may find the seasons and the school year are the opposite of those in the U.S.

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

Select U.S.-based staffing firms have established a reputation for placing physicians in Australia and New Zealand. These two English-speaking countries have a pressing demand for doctors in family medicine, psychiatry, emergency medicine, radiology, obstetrics/gynecology, anesthesiology, and internal medicine. Several specialists, who typically perform outpatient services in the U.S. may find that those same procedures are ordinarily done in a hospital abroad. As a result, family medicine practitioners will find opportunities available in outpatient, hospital-based, and urgent care settings.

What can you expect to earn? A locum tenens physician in New Zealand can receive between $95,000 and $250,000 New Zealand dollars per year (roughly $55,000 to $146,000 U.S. dollars). By New Zealand standards, specialty is the primary factor determining salary, followed by years in practice.

In Australia, a locum tenens physician can earn $120,000 to $300,000 Australian dollars, or roughly between $80,000 and $199,000 U.S. dollars. Likewise, salary is based on specialty and years in practice.