Colin Zhu, DO, DipABLM, Chef shares his insights on how to plan and get ready for a locum tenens assignment.
Whether you’re a first-time locum tenens physician or a seasoned one, preparing for a new assignment can be both exciting and daunting. A new assignment will represent new opportunities — whether it’s working at a new facility or city, meeting new people, or potentially even a brand-new permanent job for yourself. Regardless of your goals, when you’re getting ready for a new assignment, all the details need to be clear to start off on the right foot.
Before you arrive
In my four years working as a locum tenens physician — in four states and eight assignments — I’ve learned to navigate onboarding for these new assignments effectively. This process starts before you enter the clinic or office by coordinating with your recruiter.
Your recruiter’s job is to make sure that all the pieces of the puzzle are in place before you onboard to reduce as many complications as possible. This includes (but is not limited to) location, parking, and where to go on your first day of the assignment. They will also be responsible for securing your housing, finalizing your travel plans, and getting your rental vehicle. Try to get at least 48 hours to settle in before your assignment starts, though this may not be possible with every assignment. Sometimes they give you just 24 hours to settle in before you start.
If you are traveling from a different state or city, make the right level of preparations based on the duration of your assignment. I advocate packing as light and as minimally as possible.
You should also coordinate with the office or practice manager. Make sure you have all their contact information before you arrive.
What to do the first week
It’s imperative that you receive enough time and training with the facility’s electronic medical record or EMR. Your familiarity with the EMR will determine how long your onboarding with the computer system will be. Use this time to familiarize yourself with the system — especially if you’re new to the EMR — so you can be at your maximum comfort level before seeing patients. Don’t be shy about asking questions!
After completing your computer orientation, determine where you will be sitting and make sure everything in your cubicle or desk is exactly how you want it to be. For example, I like to work with a standup desk; you can ask for something like this ahead of time. If your office is missing certain items, it is important to let them know so you are not scurrying to acquire them while seeing patients.
You should also confirm how patients will come in and out of the office and verify who your medical assistant/nurse will be and how you will work with them during your assignment. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with all the staff members in the office, because they are integral to how effective and efficient you will be when seeing your patients.
Relax and enjoy what you do
Lastly, remember the best part of being a locum tenens physician is seeing patients and working to improve healthcare. This is one of the best opportunities to further your skillset as a physician, to network with other physicians and staff, and to make a difference. After all, this is the reason why we’re here.
Article originally published in CompHealth.com. Reprinted with permission.
