quarterly career check-up//May 2008

Making the Transition from Permanent to Locum Tenens

As with any profession, the path of your medical career will rarely be a straight line. It is important to constantly explore new options, experience new environments, and develop your skills as a medical practitioner. If you began your career as a full-time physician in a permanent job, making the transition to locum tenens can be a stressful process, but also an incredibly beneficial one. Trust the physician recruitment experts from Linde Healthcare and Kendall & Davis to help you make the most of your transition to locum tenens.

Among the many benefits of working as a locum tenens physician, you will have the opportunity to:

• Work according to your own schedule
• Practice without the headaches of managing your own practice
• Explore new practice settings and make new contacts
• Expand your medical skills
• Have a strong impact on a local community
• Gain hands-on experience with different technologies

Although the benefits are many, making the transition from a permanent job to a locum tenens lifestyle is an adjustment process. There are several key things to remember during this progression:

• Be flexible. One of the most exciting aspects of the locum tenens lifestyle is the lack of regularity. Use this as an opportunity to test different schedules to find the one that works for you, visit different locations, and assist in new procedures.
• Keep thorough records. While working as an independent contractor, keeping records of all your assignments, paychecks, schedules, and paperwork is essential. Staying organized will help you avoid schedule conflicts and paperwork mishaps between assignments.
• Your recruiter is your best resource. Your recruiter can help you manage your schedule, assist you through the placement process, help with travel arrangements, connect you with new job opportunities, and more. They are there to help you make the most of your locum tenens experience.
• Maintain strong connections at home.When traveling, it is important to maintain strong connections with your family and friends. Consider writing letters instead of less-personal emails, including photos from your travels. Make frequent phone calls to share your experiences with your friends and professional relations.
• Acquire assistance with your taxes and financial planning.Especially during your first year as a locum tenens physician, the adjustment from working as a salaried physician to an independent contractor will necessitate some financial planning. An accounting professional can help you prepare yourself for tax season and beyond.

Unsure of the first steps? Linde Healthcare is here to help you get the process started.

1. Prepare your CV. Ensure that you have your work experience catalogued appropriately and your necessary papers in order to begin the job search process.
2. Choose a locum tenens recruitment agency. When choosing an agency to represent you, look for an agency that supports the ethical standards and guidelines of the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO). Also ensure that you will have a dedicated recruiting consultant – this consultant will be your best resource throughout your locum tenens career.
3. Keep in close contact with your recruiter. Your dedicated recruiter will present you with multiple assignment opportunities from which to choose. It is important to keep in close contact during this process, discuss the opportunities with your family, and let your recruiter know of your interest as soon as possible.
4. Complete the locum tenens placement process. See the accompanying article in this newsletter regarding Linde Healthcare’s locum tenens placement process for more details about what you can expect.

Although the transition from a permanent job to a locum tenens lifestyle can be a tumultuous one, proper planning and a sense of adventure can help you make the most of it. For more information regarding locum tenens assignments, contact Linde Healthcare at 1-866-480-3874 or by e-mail at today!