There are some key points to consider when trying to blend a traditional vacation with a locum tenens opportunity, according to seasoned professionals. An essential step is to look impartially at the job details without being biased by the location. And then, on arrival, take some time to plan out a careful balance between shift responsibilities and free time.

PLANNING AHEAD

"Being sure that you are comfortable with the responsibilities outlined in the contract should be your top priority," continues Ms. England. "And then consider the schedule, as well. To ensure some true vacation time, think about staying on for a few extra days either before or after the length of the contract."

BROADENING THE HORIZONS

Cheryl Reichert, MD, PhD, learned from experience how to maximize her time while providing temporary services in a tropical paradise. "Though I had not done locum tenens before, I was intrigued by the potential adventure and reward of doing something I enjoy, without getting bogged down in politics," she says. "So after I retired from my private pathology practice, I threw my name in the hat at a locum tenens staffing agency. I did not have a specific location in mind, but I did want to experience a different healthcare delivery system and a change of scenery."

So when Murray, Utah-based Global Medical Staffing (GMS) offered Dr. Reichert a 3-month opportunity in the Cayman Islands, she happily accepted. "When they told me that I would be the only pathologist on the islands, I figured the work would be varied and interesting, and I was right," she notes. "About two-thirds of my responsibilities were based at a hospital on Grand Cayman, where I spent the mornings reading slides that doctors needed evaluated and the afternoons taking growth specimens from the operating room to make sections for evaluation."

But Dr. Reichert's responsibilities also took her out of the hospital. "I sometimes needed to travel between the three Cayman Islands, which required flying in a twin-turboprop plane," she says. "It was like flying into a picture postcard with puffy white clouds and palm trees. On some days I got to teach medical students from the university, and on others I gave testimony at coroners' inquests. I also averaged one or two autopsies a week and did the forensics part of a murder investigation. Overall, my work was very interesting, and I was given a lot of latitude in terms of scheduling."

SEEING THE SIGHTS

As the only pathologist around, however, Dr. Reichert was on call at all times. "I was not used to that kind of demand and, fortunately, I was not called out very often," she says. "I tried to stick to conventional work hours whenever possible, and every chance I got I hopped in the car to go exploring, although it did take me a while to feel comfortable driving on the left side of the road. But I got to examine the flora and fauna, and discovered that I enjoy snorkeling. Seeing the colorful fish in the Caribbean is like being immersed in a giant aquarium. I also took a fascinating tour of the island's early structures."

Dr. Reichert also indulged in her other favorite hobby—eating. "There are hundreds of gourmet restaurants in this little country, and my goal was to try them all," she notes. "When my husband and grown children came to visit, I took them out to eat. And I also tapped different doctors who were willing to be my dining companions. I never had a bad meal."