Erik Turner

Physicians who have recently completed residency programs note that, if given the chance, they would like to take more time and care in 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

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 choosing where and when to practice. Ultimately, you will have your own unique experiences, which will benefit you in different ways.

Your consultants should be as concerned about the quality of patient care as they are about placing you in the right environment to practice medicine. Partnering with consultants with whom you feel comfortable, and who have working relationships with the contract facilities, can make all difference in finding rewarding opportunities.

EXPLORING YOUR OPTIONS

Fortunately, locum tenens practice enables you to earn an income while providing more time to determine how to move forward with your career. You may find you are like some physicians who had an idea of a satisfying long-term practice option, but changed their minds about the type of environment in which they wanted to practice after finishing a locum tenens engagement. Suppose, for example, that you believe private practice is right for you. After trying locum tenens opportunities in different settings, you may discover that you prefer a hospital-based environment—or vice versa.

Depending on the needs of a contract facility, you could be offered a permanent position by the hospital or practice where you had originally provided locum tenens services. Moving from locum tenens to a permanent employee can make the transition easier, since you already have provided services at the healthcare facility, and it keeps your confidence level high. Moreover, using locum tenens to find a permanent job helps to reduce or eliminate any unexpected deviations in working conditions. Another benefit is that your locum tenens company accepts responsibility for medical malpractice coverage during the transition period.

Accepting locum tenens opportunities not only gives you the time to make better educated decisions about your career, it helps build your curriculum vitae and develop marketable skills. Furthermore, partnering with a locum tenens company offers you the chance to acquire additional experience and professional references from several different locations and practice environments—which could be the determining factor that opens up doors to successful career choices for you.

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