Locum Link

• Make these six changes to build your best-ever CV

  April 23rd, 2013

  Since recruiters read hundreds of CVs a day, make sure yours is properly written and formatted. For example, one simple thing that some doctors leave off a CV, says Jennifer Cutter, a senior recruiter here at Locum Leaders, is contact information:  email and phone numbers for follow-up. Here are Jennifer’s other tips to help you polish your CV and make it shine for your next job search.

  Update your work experience
  List your most recent hospital employer and work backwards in chronological order. Make sure to include the hospital’s city and state location.

  Include education and training
  List your entire academic background, beginning with the most recent education and going back to your undergraduate degree. Include the names of each institution and dates you attended them, but leave off high school information. Also add in the states where you hold an active medical license, specialty board and organization memberships and offices held, certifications (including the dates they were obtained and when they expire), and a list of your relevant publications and presentations.

  Keep it simple
  “Long paragraphs are unnecessary, and they make a recruiter’s job more time consuming,” says Cutter. Use bullet points instead of lengthy sentences. Simplicity is best.

  List your references
  Most hospitals won’t even consider you unless you have a complete list of references, so provide full names, email addresses and phone numbers for them to streamline the process.

  Mind the gaps
  Provide the recruiter with reasoning for gaps longer than one month in your work history, such as travel, maternity leave and illness. Remember that gaps are only a red flag if you do not explain them. “Be truthful and upfront,” says Cutter.

  Go the extra mile
  List all of your achievements and awards, any languages you speak (if you’re applying within the U.S.), hobbies and interests. Recruiters like to see what makes you stand out from the rest of the applicants, and these items give your resume personality.

  Tags: career, CV, Medical education
  Posted in Ask The Recruiter

• In-Flight Angels: Responding to Mid-Air Medical Emergencies

  February 19th, 2013

  If you log a lot of airline miles, like many locum tenens, then chances are you could be asked to respond to an in-flight medical emergency.

  Your initial instinct is most likely to immediately respond to an ailing passenger; however, you may wonder if you are sufficiently equipped to help while in the air. Liability issues may also be a concern.

  Dr. Robert Harrington, Chief Medical Officer for Locum Leaders, says most physicians won’t just sit by in these situations. By training, he says, “physicians want to help others. In case of an in-flight emergency, they should respond as quickly as possible.”

  Harrington, a hospitalist and a licensed pilot, offers these tips for physicians who may be asked to provide aid in the air:

  • All airplanes are equipped with an onboard medical kit, which is accessible to all doctors. A defibrillator is included in this kit and may help in case a passenger is experiencing cardiac issues.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask other passengers for specific medications.  Many travelers carry on their heart medications, asthma inhalers, and other prescribed therapies that could help another passenger.
  • If you feel you are dealing with a life-threatening situation, have the flight attendants tell the pilot that it is necessary to divert the plane and get on the ground as soon as possible.

  An article on in-flight emergencies in The New York Times suggests that Good Samaritan laws likely provide sufficient protection for physicians concerned about liability. Physicians cited in the article also offered these pointers:

  • When booking your flights, make sure to note that you are a doctor. This way, in case there are medical emergencies, the flight attendants will know to contact you and where you are seated.
  • If the sick passenger is traveling with family members or friends, ask them to provide you with his or her medical history. This way, you are better able to assess what you are dealing with.

  Tags: emergency, hospitalist, in-flight aid, locum tenens
  Posted in Ask The Recruiter

• Focus on Emergency Medicine Risk Mitigation

  December 26th, 2012

  Our Occurrence Malpractice Insurance provider, Medical Protective (MedPro), recently shared the following graphs showing a review of emergency medicine-related physician claims from 2005–2011.

  The first graph shows that failure to diagnose and improper treatment allegations represent over two-thirds of all emergency medicine-related claims. An allegation of failure to diagnose was identified in 77 percent of top-dollar indemnity claims (see graph #1) and 46 percent of top allegations overall for emergency medicine (see graph #2). In a review of failure to diagnose claims, patients who had cardiac-, infection-, and neurological-related symptoms accounted for 65 percent of these types of claims (see graph #3).

  Given the number of lawsuits, it’s important, according to MedPro, to involve medical staff in hospital risk management programs.

  

  Posted in Ask The Recruiter

• Benefits of the Locum Life

  October 9th, 2012

  The October issue of Today’s Hospitalist puts several of our physicians in the spotlight. The article is a reminder that increasing pay rates aren’t the only reason physicians gravitate to locum tenens jobs.

  “Overall, I’d say that it’s the lifestyle and the flexibility that are most important to hospitalists who work locum,” says Robert Harrington Jr., MD, chief medical officer of Locum Leaders, a national recruitment and staffing company based in Atlanta.

  For Dr. Philip Paustian, a Locum Leaders contractor, locum tenens means avoiding the hassles and politics of running an office-based practice.

  I have the pleasure of knowing that I’ll get a paycheck and won’t have to worry about making payroll,” Dr. Paustian says. “And as an independent contractor, I don’t get quite as excited about the politics because I know I’m not going to be there forever.”

  Dr. Eric Kerley, also with Locum Leaders, likes to experience different practice settings.

  “Traveling to different hospitals is good for you professionally,” says Dr. Kerley, who has also worked locum positions in Colorado and Pennsylvania. “I have gained from seeing how things are done in other places and become more flexible in my own practice.”

  With hospitalist locum tenens pay rates on the rise, and all of the other benefits noted above, an increasing number of physicians are exploring locum opportunities. If Locum Leaders can assist you, just contact one of our recruiters at 877-562-8656.

  Tags: hospitalists, Locum Leaders, locum tenens, Today's Hospitalist
  Posted in Ask The Recruiter

• Locum Leaders Critical Care Training

  July 2nd, 2012

  Our critical care training program for Hospitalists helps locum tenens physicians improve their skills. Take a look at our two-day seminar–offered only through Locum Leaders.

  Tags: critical care, Dr. Harrington, hospitalists, Locum Leaders, locum tenens, training
  Posted in Ask The Recruiter

• Five Resolutions for Your Locum Tenens Career

  January 6th, 2012

  Happy New Year! What’s on your list of career resolutions?  If you are a locum tenens physician or are considering locum work, why not resolve to take a few simple steps to prepare for your next opportunity.  Here’s what our recruiters recommend.

  Refresh your CV. If you haven’t reviewed your CV in a while, chances are, it could use updating. See our tips and ensure that you’ve added all of your new skills, licenses and other relevant information since your last update.

   Enhance your skills. CME is a must, and if you’re going to do coursework, focus on classes that improve your skills and marketability. If you’re a hospitalist, consider procedures training. If your specialty demands other skills, make this the year that you get up to date.

  Contact your References. A new job typically means reference checks—so when was the last time you reached out to someone you’re listing as an employment reference? If it’s been a while, a New Year’s greeting is a great excuse to reach out and renew that relationship. Remind the individual that you are still listing them as a professional reference, and consider asking them to write a newly dated reference letter.

  Check-in With Your Recruiter. While you’re doing outreach, renew that relationship with your recruitment professional.  Even if you have worked with a firm in the recent past, a periodic check-in is a good idea. Have your personal circumstances changed? Do you have more or less availability than you have had in the past?  All of this information will help you and your recruiter build a plan to keep you happily employed throughout the year. (See our tips for building strong recruiter relationships).

  Review your Licenses. Up to date licensure info is a must. Do you have yours handy? January is also a good time to get started on new licenses if you seek to move to or work in a new state in the new year. Locum Leaders can help get you started. We’ll often reimburse you for your license costs if you work for our firm in a new state.

  Good luck in 2012! We look forward to hearing from you—and working with you—in the New Year.

  Tags: career, CV, locum tenens, MD recruitment
  Posted in Ask The Recruiter

• Full-time MDs Dominate Locum Ranks

  October 10th, 2011

  Many locum tenens physicians work exclusively as self-employed contractors, but that’s not the only option for physicians interested in locum work.

  In fact, many physician locums are full-time employees elsewhere, but take on occasional shifts to fill gaps in their schedule.

  We recently confirmed this pattern with a survey of the nation’s hospitalists. The survey, conducted for Locum Leaders by Today’s Hospitalist magazine, found that 10% of all Hospitalists worked as locum tenens in the past 12 months. Of those Hospitalist locum tenens, 82% said they were employed full-time and also working as a locum. 11% said they were self-employed—working exclusively as a locum tenens hospitalist, while 7% said they were employed part-time and also working locum tenens assignments.

  It is common for locum tenens physicians to be drawn from the ranks of salaried doctors. But employed hospitalists, even more than other specialists, may be more inclined to take on locum work, according to Robert Harrington, MD, SFHM, Chief Medical Officer of Locum Leaders.

  “Hospital Medicine shift patterns are the biggest reason,” said Dr. Harrington. “Since most hospitalist programs rely on a 7-on, 7-off schedule, you end up with a large population of doctors who have a lot of time-off. They want to use that time productively and so they come to agencies, like Locum Leaders, for additional work.”

  If you are a full-time or part-time physician and wish to explore locum tenens options, contact our recruiters today.

  Tags: hospitalist, survey
  Posted in Ask The Recruiter

• Balancing Work and Family

  August 16th, 2011

  Locum tenens careers can help physicians balance difficult work-life challenges. As we’re written before in this blog, the ability to choose your own work schedule as a locum tenens is appealing to many physicians.

  But any medical career—whether working full-time or part-time—can put be stressful. Just because you take a locum job, doesn’t mean you’ll immediately achieve a healthy balance between your professional and personal responsibilities. It takes some effort on your part. Here are some ways to ensure that your locum life doesn’t overwhelm your family life.

  Work with your recruiter. Let them know about your family and your personal goals and interests. They can help you find an assignment that allows for flexibility to work around these things.  And the more they know, the better they’ll be able to find an assignment that fits your lifestyle.

  Planning and lists are your secret weapons. Keep your calendar handy so you’re always in the know about family events and milestones.  You can create a shared calendar online using sites like Google. Have your family go in and update it with activities and events, so you always have the latest schedule handy. Also, make a list of your priorities and goals. This helps you to focus on what you need and want to get done, so you can get to spending time with your family quicker.

  Now that you’ve set your priorities, don’t be afraid to say no. For most people, work and family come first. So if you’re being asked to do something that would interfere with either, it’s ok to politely decline.

  When it comes to family time, unplug. Give them your full attention. Though it might be hard to step away from your Blackberry for a few hours, spending quality time with your kids and spouse will make it worth the sacrifice.

  There’s no secret formula when it comes to achieving the ultimate balance.  Whatever your perfect mix of family, friends, work and hobbies makes you feel fulfilled is what’s right for you.

  Follow Locum Leaders on Facebook and Twitter.

  Tags: family, locum tenens
  Posted in Ask The Recruiter

• Building a Successful Relationship with a Recruiter

  July 11th, 2011

  Surveys show that most locum tenens physicians work with an agency recruiter (or two or three) to assist them in their job search. In our experience, the recruiter-physician relationship is a win-win for both parties when built on candor and professionalism. Below are some tips for turning your recruiter into a strong, long-term ally:

  Share a complete, accurate employment history. Your recruiter needs all relevant information about past work, including disclosure of malpractice history, known credentialing issues, or gaps in employment. Employers seek reasonable explanations for past work issues. If you have concerns, a good recruiter will help you portray your history in a factual, but positive way. Trying to hide work-related issues or employment discrepancies, especially in the age of internet databases, usually leads to trouble—and is a good way to burn a bridge.

  Be forthcoming about assignment preferences.  Are you looking for work in a certain geographic area? Do you have specific pay  or shift requirements? Are there jobs and institutions you’d like to avoid? Letting your recruiter know this kind of information upfront is a real time saver and can help ensure that you’re quickly matched with opportunities that best fit your needs.

  Track and disclose your recruitment activity. Recruiters understand that doctors may work with several agencies. If you’ve been submitted for a job by an agency, don’t let other agencies submit you for the same assignment. Multiple submissions from different agencies are frustrating for employers as well as the recruiters involved. Keeping a log of where and when you have been submitted—and sharing that information, upon request, with a recruiter is greatly appreciated.

  Stay in touch. Once you’re placed, be sure to keep in touch with your recruiter and provide updates on your experience, particularly if you’re having issues. Use your agency as an ally to help get things back on track. Over the long-term, periodic check-ins with your recruiter can be beneficial, especially if you need to update information in your profile or if you are looking for different types of opportunities.  

  Expect honesty and outstanding service from your recruiter. Relationships are a two way street. If you’re being professional and helpful to your recruiter, you should expect the same. If you have an issue that you feel wasn’t dealt with appropriately by a recruiter, let them know or contact his or her boss.

  If you stick with these principles, you’re sure to establish a long, successful relationship with your locum tenens recruiter.

  To speak to a Locum Leaders recruiter, call 877-562-8656.

  Follow Locum Leaders on Twitter (@Locumleaders) and Facebook!

  Tags: locum tenens, physician recruitment, recruiter
  Posted in Ask The Recruiter

• Adjusting To Your New Locum Assignment

  June 9th, 2011

  Whether it’s your first or fiftieth locum tenens assignment, arriving at a new practice or hospital can be nerve-racking. Making a quick adjustment to your new surroundings is key to having a positive experience. 

  Plan ahead: Getting to know the nitty gritty about your new assignment before you start can help you get off on the right foot. Knowing where you’re going, how to get there and who to meet on your first day will help to ease your anxiety. Your recruiter can provide you with a wealth of information, so don’t be afraid to ask, but they can also connect you with a point person at your new job. Having a contact right away is valuable so you not only have an immediate connection, but you also have a resource for more detailed questions that your recruiter might not be able to answer. 

  Get acquainted: Once you’ve started your new gig, start figuring out your way around. Some places offer a formal orientation, complete with a tour. However, sometimes the best way to familiarize yourself is to get lost a few times and find your way back. In addition to getting to know your physical surroundings, it’s also a good idea to get to know the institution’s capabilities.  Do they treat trauma patients? How about open heart surgery? This is useful information, especially if you’re a hospitalist. In the process, you’ll also want to find out more about the types of major systems that are utilized for billing and ordering. Has EMR and/or CPOE been instituted? What are the procedures for patient handoffs? These are great things to ask your contact. 

  Home sweet home: Now that you’ve begun to settle into your new assignment, it’s time to start getting settled into your home outside of work. Use social networking to connect with friends and former colleagues that may live in the area. Facebook and LinkedIn are great for finding out who you may know in the area. In the meantime, you’ll want to get familiar with the city. First and foremost, you’ll want to figure out the best way to get around town. Using your GPS and online tools such as Google Maps, can help you find the best routes, avoid highways and steer clear of tolls. If the area is brand new to you, sites such as Yelp provide helpful reviews on restaurants, bars, salons, even gyms. The reviews are written from real customers with real experiences, so you can avoid some terrible places and find some hidden gems at the same time. 

  Another great website is Citysearch, which gives you the lowdown on area shopping, nightlife, festivals and more. If you’re a runner or a biker looking for a route, head over to Map My Run, a website that will help you find the best route in your area and even show you the routes other runners are taking. Also, check out Active.com, which helps you find races and other activities in your area.

  And don’t forget to report back to your recruiter with questions and updates during your assignment. Letting them know what you like and don’t like let’s them build their knowledge base about the institution and helps them understand more about your personal job preferences. 

  Find Locum Leaders on Facebook and Twitter (@Locumleaders.)

  Tags: new jobs, orientation
  Posted in Ask The Recruiter