The Locumstory Podcast

After a career spanning academia, pharma, and even restaurant ownership, Dr. Lydia Fazzio found herself at a crossroads. She shares how locum tenens helped her reconnect with the heart of psychiatry, embrace uncertainty, and build meaningful connections with patients and colleagues. Interested in locum tenens? Check out Weatherby Healthcare (weatherbyhealthcare.com) to learn more.

Today's guest, Dr. Gabrielle Johnson, dove straight into locum tenens work after residency. From her first nocturnist assignment in Minnesota to an adventurous six-month stint in Guam, she shares how locums gave her the freedom, flexibility, and personal growth she was seeking.Dr. Johnson shares her unconventional journey into medicine, the challenges of transitioning from residency to independent practice, and the emotional intelligence required to thrive in ever-changing clinical environments. She also reflects on how locums has helped her explore the world beyond the hospital, build meaningful relationships, and rediscover her “why” in medicine.Want to learn more about international locum tenens? Check out Global Medical Staffing (gmedical.com).

Radiologist Dr. Sean Jersey has embraced the adventure of international locum tenens work in New Zealand post-retirement. Dr. Jersey shares his unique journey from a 15-year career as an Air Force engineer to pursuing radiology and eventually transitioning to locum tenens assignments abroad. Dr. Jersey discusses the rewarding experiences of practicing medicine in New Zealand and enjoying the country's adventure sports during his off time. He gives insights into the logistics of practicing medicine abroad, including navigating visa processes, housing, and transportation with the support of a staffing agency. Dr. Jersey also touches on cultural and social considerations when providing care to the local population, and offers advice for physicians considering international locum tenens assignments. If you're interested in international locum tenens, check out Global Medical Staffing (gmedical.com).

Dr. Jenny Underwood, a board-certified OB-GYN from Texas has been navigating the world of locum tenens and telehealth since 2019. Dr. Underwood shares her unique journey from fellowship training at MD Anderson to embracing locum tenens work, which has allowed her to maintain her clinical skills while achieving a strong work-life balance.Dr. Underwood discusses the challenges of balancing her professional responsibilities with raising three children, and how locum tenens has provided the flexibility she needed. She highlights the importance of choosing assignments based on schedule rather than location, and the support she received from locum agencies in obtaining state licenses.Interested in locum tenens? Check out Weatherby Healthcare (weatherbyhealthcare.com).

Dr. Gary Drizin, a seasoned pulmonologist who transitioned to locum tenens work in semi-retirement, shares his journey from nearly four decades in private practice to embracing locum tenens assignments.Originally planning to retire from his Pennsylvania-based practice, Dr. Drizin found a new path in locum tenens, allowing him to balance work with his love for skiing, hiking, and biking. He discusses the challenges and rewards of adapting to new environments, the importance of teamwork, and the positive impact of patient care on his life.Tune in to hear Dr. Drizin's insights on navigating the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), the role of technology in modern healthcare, and his advice for late-career physicians considering locum tenens work. Interested in locum tenens? Check out CompHealth at comphealth.com.

Dr. Kirk Heath, a board-certified general surgeon and the founder of Modio Health, shares his unique journey from practicing medicine to pioneering healthcare IT solutions. He discusses his transition from traditional practice to becoming the medical director of IT for a large healthcare system, to pursuing multiple entrepreneurial ventures.Dr. Heath is the founder of Modio Health, a credentialing and career management solution for healthcare providers. Modio was acquired by CHG Healthcare in 2019.Tune in to hear about the challenges and rewards of his career, the importance of adaptability, and his insights on the future of healthcare innovation and locum tenens work.Learn more about Modio at modiohealth.com.

Family medicine physician Dr. Jordan Salmon shares his journey from military service to starting his own practice, all while working locum tenens assignments to maintain income and flexibility. He discusses the benefits of locum tenens, including the ability to balance his professional and personal life, support his young family, and gain unique medical experiences. Dr. Salmon highlights the importance of finding the right recruiter, the unique challenges of credentialing, and the rewarding aspects of telehealth.Interested in locum tenens? Check out Weatherby Healthcare (weatherbyhealthcare.com).

Adrena Johnson, a physician assistant with over 15 years of experience in hematology oncology, shares her journey from traditional practice to locum tenens. She discusses the importance of finding the right recruiter, the benefits of a flexible schedule, and the joy of providing quality care. Adrena highlights how locum tenens has allowed her to balance her professional and personal life, offering the freedom to be present at home while pursuing her career.Interested in locum tenens? Check out Weatherby Healthcare (weatherbyhealthcare.com).

Pediatric neurologist Dr. Kellie Sweet dives into the unique challenges and rewards of working as a locum tenens physician in a high-demand specialty. She highlights the flexibility that locum tenens offers, explaining how it has allowed her to balance home and work life effectively. Dr. Sweet emphasizes the importance of finding the right recruiter and the benefits of fair compensation. She also explores the future of telemedicine and its potential to expand access to specialized care. Interested in locum tenens? Check out CompHealth for more details (comphealth.com).

Gregg Crowe, a locum tenens consultant with Weatherby Healthcare, shares his insights into the evolving world of locum tenens and telehealth. Gregg discusses his role in guiding physicians through the locums process, the growing opportunities in telemedicine, and the unique challenges of licensing and onboarding. If you're interested in exploring locum tenens opportunities, check out Weatherby Healthcare for more information (weatherbyhealthcare.com).

Dr. Jamila Goldsmith shares her journey of becoming a full-time locum tenens physician right after residency, discussing the key moments and decisions that led her to choose this path over traditional roles. She highlights the flexibility of locum tenens work, balancing her professional and personal life, and the support she received from mentors.  Learn more about Dr. Goldsmith's locum tenens experiences on Instagram (@locumslounge) and check out her podcast: The Locums Lounge - available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

In this episode, Dr. Coleen Haynes shares her inspiring journey from nursing to becoming a physician, and how she has embraced the locum tenens lifestyle. Dr. Haynes describes her experiences working in diverse locations such as Saipan, St. Thomas, and St. Croix. She discusses the unique challenges and rewards of practicing medicine in rural and international settings, and how her love for travel and adventure has shaped her career. Interested in international locum tenens? Check out gmedical.com for more details.

Dr. Mark Connolly, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, shares his journey to locum tenens work after a 35-year career in heart surgery.  He discusses the flexibility and freedom locums provides, allowing him to balance professional and personal commitments. He highlights the importance of working with trustworthy agencies and representatives, and the unexpected joy he has found through his locums assignments. If you're interested in exploring locum tenens opportunities, check out Weatherby Healthcare (weatherbyhealthcare.com). 

In this episode, neurosurgeon Dr. Ravi Kumar shares his inspiring journey of transitioning to locum tenens, a move that allowed him to maintain his love for medicine without compromising his personal interests and priorities.  Discover how locum tenens work has given him the freedom to pursue his passions, including moving his family to India for a year-long medical mission trip.  Learn more about his family's experience in India here: https://www.chosunkumar.com/ If you're interested in exploring locum tenens opportunities, check out https://weatherbyhealthcare.com/.

Dr. Alison Liewen has crafted a unique and fulfilling medical career, blending her passion for adventure with her dedication to compassionate care. Dr. Liewen discusses her transition to locum tenens work and her experiences working on assignments in Alaska. She also highlights the rewards and challenges of balancing locums assignments and how to maintain a broad scope of practice while making a significant impact on underserved communities. If you're interested in exploring locum tenens opportunities, check out CompHealth (comphealth.com) and Global Medical Staffing (gmedical.com).

Dr. Elyas Parsa has taken a non-traditional route in his medical career, and it's a choice that has clearly paid off. His passion for helping underserved communities and his dedication to lifelong learning have shaped his journey as a family medicine physician. In this episode, Dr. Parsa shares insights from his unique career path, highlighting the challenges and rewards of working locums assignments, and how his experiences have fueled his growth both personally and professionally. If you're interested in exploring international locum tenens assignments, check out Global Medical Staffing at gmedical.com

Locumstory Podcast guest host, Dr. Mariam Aboukar, dives deep into the art of contract negotiation for physicians with Resolve CEO, Kyle Claussen. With years of experience advocating for healthcare professionals, Kyle shares invaluable insights on how to navigate the complexities of employment, avoid common pitfalls, and which key clauses to watch out for to ensure you're getting the best possible terms. To learn more about Resolve visit their website here.

This month we will be celebrating National Locum Tenens week and on the Locumstory Podcast we have had the chance to talk to physicians from all specialties, about how they have built a successful and fulfilling career. We asked them what advice they have to help physicians launch their own careers and find the right fit for them. From taking the risk on a new opportunity, to getting free from student debt, there is a story to help you find what you are looking for as a physician.

Struggling with student debt can seem like a long journey, with no end insight. That's why we met up with Andrew Paulson from StudentLoanAdvice.com to discuss effective strategies for managing and paying off student loans. Andrew shares expert advice on navigating repayment options, optimizing loan plans, and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you're a recent graduate or well into your repayment journey, Andrew's insights will empower you to take control of your student loan debt and work towards financial independence. Learn more at studentloanadvice.com

Physicians have a lot of experience looking after the health of their patients, and they have a lot of practice putting their needs last. The Whole Physician seeks to create a safe place for physicians to get the help they need to face burnout and be emotionally ready to handle to toll that patient care takes on them over time. Dr. Amanda Dinsmore and Dr. Laura Cazier from The Whole Physician join us to talk about the importance of physician wellness and how to get back to the joy of practicing medicine. Check out their website and podcast. The Whole Physician Website Drive Time Debrief with The Whole Physician

As Dr. DerrickBarnes started work as a full-time OBGYN, he quickly realized that his number one resource was time, and he didn't want to waste any of it, so he turned to locum tenens as a way to make the most out of his career. Now, he is able to give back by serving patients in rural areas in need of care, sharpen his skills with his full-time practice, and spend quality time with his family who even join him on some assignments! To learn more about Dr. Barnes and his story check out his website at dr.derrickbarnes.com

Dr. Daniel Shin knew about locum tenens, but he never thought it would be an option for him in his career, until he discovered it was the perfect fit. Working locums tenens assignments allows him to have the most efficient time in medicine as possible, allowing him to grow his real estate investing business, build social media presence, and spend time with his family. Now Dr. Shin has the time to educate other physicians and high-income professionals how to achieve financial security and grow their wealth. To learn more about how to take control of your financial destiny check out thedarwiniandoctor.com Find the Darwinian Doctor on social media Youtube LinkedIn Tiktok

Dr. Rip Patel, Dr. Marye McCroskey, and Dr. Trevor Cabrera are locums experts, but they also know how to find fun and adventure while on assignment. Whether it is discovering a local gem, enjoying the outdoors, or just finding ways to connect with their patients and learn about the community they serve, these doctors believe in making the most out of each and every job.

These days there are so many options outside of practicing medicine to help physicians build their own wealth. That is why Dr. Lance Holton helped start the company, Real Asset Investing Team, which is dedicated to helping people find investments and financial opportunities that work for their lifestyles. Dr. Holton draws from his own experience as a practicing anesthesiologist and businessman to help set his clients up for success.  In this episode, Dr. Holton talks through the difference between being a W-2 employee versus a 1099 contractor and what physicians need to consider when taking control of their finances. Learn more about Real Asset Investing Team by visiting: realassetinvestingteam.com

Nurse practitioner Alisa Hearron loves to travel! She loves traveling as a locums NP and traveling for enjoyment with her family. A lot goes into keeping all of her 14 state licenses active, and finding assignments that work for her schedule. However by working with several agencies at a time and finding ways to earn hotel points and airline miles, Alisa has been able to hack travel for work and for fun.

Dr. Cory Fawcett wants physicians to have a good life, like the one he has. In medical school, Dr. Fawcett drew up plans to retire by the age of 50. Other professionals told him that it wasn't possible, but he did it anyway. Now, Dr. Fawcett is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and experiences with other physicians to help them find success and financial satisfaction in their careers. Learn more about Dr. Cory Fawcett at financialsuccessmd.com.

Dr. Genevieve Jacobs has always had a thirst for adventure, so when she heard about locums as a career path for physicians she knew she had to learn more. After gathering insights from other physicians, both good and bad, she was able to form her own opinion of locums and build a career that works for her. Since finishing her residency she has travelled the country, experiencing different communities and always adding to her medical toolkit. Locums has given her the opportunity to chase her interests, including her building her website drjacobshealth.com and creating her social media persona The Locum Lady. Click here to check out the locums checklist from Dr. Jacobs.

"If you take a leap to try something new, what's the worst that could happen?" That's what anesthesiologist Dr. Gregory Charlop has to say to physicians looking for ways to switch up their career, and he knows what he is talking about. Dr. Charlop is an accomplished author, public speaker, and practicing locum tenens physician. By following his own advice, Dr. Charlop has been able to craft a career that leaves time for all of the things he loves: his family, his passion projects, and practicing medicine. To download your own free copy of "The Physician Wellness Project: A Doctor's Roadmap to Job Satisfaction" click here. To learn more about the Creatives in Care conference follow this link.

How to negotiate a contract isn't a skill that is usually taught in medical school, but it is crucial that physicians learn to negotiate in order to have a successful and fulfilling career.   On this episode of the podcast, we talked with Dr. Linda Street about the ins and outs of contract negotiation for physicians. Dr. Street is a board-certified Maternal and Fetal Medicine Specialist and the founder and CEO of Simply Street MD negotiation. Her company is dedicated to helping female physicians take charge of their career by negotiating contracts for the salaries, promotions, and jobs that they deserve. To find out more about contract negotiation check out simplystreetmd.com and listen to Dr.Street's podcast "Simply Worth It".

After 30+ years working as a critical care physician, Dr. Ronald Stiller transitioned into locums work as a way to slow down into semi-retirement and be able to spend more time with his daughter. Now, his flexible locums schedule allows him to continue practicing medicine while also being able to travel and sightsee with his partner, whom he met while on a locums assignment.

When trauma surgeon Dr. Chrissy Guidry took an audit of her life, she discovered what is important to her personally and professionally. She learned that to provide excellent care for her patients, she needed to focus on her own health and prioritize personal goals. In this episode, Dr. Chrissy talks with Locumstory podcast guest host Dr. Aboukar about how this realization led her to create her own company, Whole Body Optimism, which is dedicated to helping physicians take care of their physical, emotional, and spiritual health.   To learn more about Whole Body Optimism, visit their website or listen to their podcast.   To download Dr. Chrissy's free guide to clean pantry swaps click here.   To listen to Dr. Chrissy's TedX talk click here.     Don't forget to follow Dr. Chrissy on Instagram!

Dr. Barrett made the switch to full-time locums six years ago, and he isn't looking back. Locums allows him time to develop his many hobbies and gives him the time off needed to schedule medical missions around the world, without diminishing his skills and abilities as a general surgeon. In this episode we talk about what it takes to be a locums surgeon, and how controlling your schedule can make all the difference in your career.

After 37 years of practice, Dr. Linda Holt decided to leave her permanent position and start work as a locum tenens physician. This career change has given Dr. Holt the flexibility to practice medicine in multiple states, take part in a medical mission to Zambia, and the opportunity to spend more time with her grandchildren.

On this episode of Locums Lately, we've gathered the Locumstory Physician Advisory Board to talk about all things locum tenens. From why they took their first assignment, to debunking locums myths, these four physicians combine their years of experience to answer questions about all things locums. Join Dr. Rip Patel, Dr. Nicholas Kusnezov, Dr. Marye McCroskey, and Dr. Trevor Cabrera for this special episode!

Have you ever thought about practicing medicine abroad? In this episode of the podcast, Locumstory Physician Advisory Board member Dr. Rip Patel, speaks with two doctors who both worked international locums assignments in New Zealand. The physicians each share their unique perspectives and give insight into how to get licensed for international assignments, what compensation is like, and even how to travel and work with a family.

After her first locums assignment, nurse practitioner Kelly Lueck packed her bags and headed to Brooklyn New York to help fight the shortage of healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was a crash course in being a locums provider, and made her question her career in medicine. However the lessons she learned encouraged her to take more assignments and continue to expand her skill set.   Learn all about being a locums NP from licensing to adapting new a new facility in this episode of the podcast.

A broken chair led Dr. Naomi Lawrence-Reid to look for career opportunities outside of her full-time traditional role as a pediatrician. During her search, she tried per diem contracts, locums tenens assignments, independent telemedicine, medical writing and consulting, and even started her own aesthetics practice, just to name a few. Now, Dr. Lawrence-Reid uses her knowledge and experiences to help other physicians create flexible and fulfilling careers through her own company, Doctoring Differently. Check out her website here: Doctoring Differently Connect with Dr. Naomi on social media: Instagram | Twitter | ⁠LinkedIn

In this episode, we examine how physicians can avoid 3 of the biggest job search mistakes with Dr. Dike Drummond of TheHappyMD.com. Dr. Drummond reviews how and why physicians make these common mistakes and what they should do instead. To access Dr. Drummond's online course: Ideal Physician Job Search Formula, visit https://www.thehappymdacademy.com/store/hUXKudq8 and use discount code LOCUMS at checkout to save.

September is Women in Medicine Month. To celebrate, we put together a special episode highlighting a few of the incredible women who have joined us on The Locumstory Podcast. We are incredibly grateful for them and for all women in medicine who work hard to treat patients and deliver care across the country and world. 

Dr. Benjamin Schmidt joins us on the podcast to talk about how his experiences being a medical student, fellow, and now a practicing gastroenterologist inspired him to create his online persona, Doc Schmidt. Now he has 1.3 million followers on social media, allowing him to teach and interact with people all over the world. Find Doc Schmidt on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Check out his children's book, The Night Before Med School: A Medical Bedtime Story.

A natural nomad, Cara Bosco never thought she would have a career in medicine. However, after a semester abroad in Tanzania she learned how important it is for people everywhere to have access to healthcare resources. Now Cara has found a way to combine her love of travel, giving back, and still spend time with her husband and kids as a full-time locums PA. 

In celebration of National Locum Tenens Week (August 14-18), we've put together a special episode highlighting a handful of different experiences from locum tenens providers that have shared their stories on the podcast. Thanks for celebrating with us and thank you to all the locum tenens physicians, PAs, and NPs who help provide excellent care to patients across the globe. 

Dr. Franklyn Rocha-Cabrero is an adult neurologist and clinical neurophysiologist who began working locum tenens shortly after completing his fellowship. He joined us on the podcast to discuss how he's leveraged locums to optimize his work-life balance, work with underserved communities, increase his earning potential, and diversify his skill-set as a physician. Dr. Rocha-Cabrero was initially inspired to pursue locums after reading Dr. Wilner's book - The Locum Life: A Physician's Guide to Locum Tenens. 

Psychiatrist Dr. Mariam Aboukar joins us on the podcast to discuss how COVID-19 impacted her life both professionally and personally, how she got started doing locum tenens work, and what she enjoys about her current telehealth assignment. Dr. Aboukar is the CEO of Empath Medicine and the Director of Wellness at MEDspiration. Connect with Dr. Aboukar on social media or reach out via email: @medspiration | empathmedicine@gmail.com | dr.aboukar@gmail.com

Neurologist Dr. Sue Ming shares her experience working locum tenens in Guam and how the recent typhoon impacted patient care. She shares insight into her assignment, what she's enjoyed about living in Guam, and some words of advice for other physicians considering locums. 

Terry Rand, a PA who specializes in Cardiothoracic Surgery, joins us on the podcast to share advice and insight into her experience working locum tenens since 2015. 

Description: Dr. Dike Drummond of TheHappyMD.com rejoins us on the podcast to talk about his process for helping physicians obtain their ideal job. Dr. Drummond explains how to determine what your ideal job description should be, as well as the steps for how to achieve it. To access Dr. Drummond's online course: Ideal Physician Job Search Formula, visit https://www.thehappymdacademy.com/store/hUXKudq8 and use discount code LOCUMS at checkout to save. 

Dr. Chinenye Onyemaechi, an experienced locums psychiatrist since 2018, joins us on the podcast to share the ways in which she's used locum tenens to travel to new places, earn financial freedom, and support her growth and development goals. 

Dr. Dike Drummond, CEO and founder of TheHappyMD.com joins us to talk about recognizing, preventing, and addressing physician burnout. To access Dr. Drummond's online course: Ideal Physician Job Search Formula, visit https://www.thehappymdacademy.com/store/hUXKudq8 and use discount code LOCUMS at checkout to save. 

Sophia Khawly is a Family Nurse Practitioner from Miami, Florida. After starting locums, she realized that there isn't much information available to NP's who are interested in taking locums assignments, so she started her own blog, "Traveling NP". She covers everything from choosing the right agency to making time for travel and adventures while on assignment.  To learn more visit her blog at https://travelingnp.com/.

The White Coat Investor (Dr. Jim Dahle) shares financial tips for new physicians about financial mistakes to avoid, paying down student loan debt, and how locum tenens can play a part in their financial and career success. For more information from Dr. Dahle, visit thewhitecoatinvestor.com.