Locum Tenens Education Center

NALTO is committed to providing educational resources regarding the locum tenens industry to physicians, healthcare facilities, and NALTO company members.  Below you will find articles, whitepapers, helpful links, and more.  If you would like more information or to be contacted by a NALTO company member, simply sign up as a physician or submit a job order.

Locum Tenens Education Library

 

Agreements, Finance, and Taxes

On the Job

Personal Topics

Professional Development

Your Locum Tenens Career

Physicians, How locum tenens physicians stay fit while traveling

By Karen Childress, October 15, 2011

As every physician knows, eating well and exercising are two key factors in preventing illness and disease and for maintaining optimal health. But as every locum tenens physician knows, making good food choices and finding time for regular workouts while on the road is no easy task. Here are practical tips for staying fit and healthy while traveling.

(read more)

Physicians, How locum tenens physicians stay fit while traveling

By Karen Childress, September 15, 2011

As every physician knows, eating well and exercising are two key factors in preventing illness and disease and for maintaining optimal health. But as every locum tenens physician knows, making good food choices and finding time for regular workouts while on the road is no easy task. Here are practical tips for staying fit and healthy while traveling.

(read more)

Physicians, How locum tenens physicians stay fit while traveling

By Karen Childress, August 15, 2009

As every physician knows, eating well and exercising are two key factors in preventing illness and disease and for maintaining optimal health. But as every locum tenens physician knows, making good food choices and finding time for regular workouts while on the road is no easy task. Here are practical tips for staying fit and healthy while traveling.

(read more)

Physicians, Why locum tenens may be the perfect career now

By Karen Childress, July 15, 2009

For decades, physicians have engaged in locum tenens practice for a variety of reasons at different times throughout their careers. Newly minted residents unsure about where they want to settle or what type of practice setting they might enjoy use locum tenens as a way to explore options. Mid-career physicians take locum tenens engagements to see how other practices operate or when they are between permanent jobs. Semi-retired doctors enjoy that locum tenens allows them to keep a hand in medicine without the hassle of staying fully immersed in practice.

(read more)

Physicians, Risk management for locum tenens practitioners

By Karen Childress, June 15, 2009

One of the many benefits of practicing as a locum tenens physician is that the hassle and expense associated with liability insurance is largely a non-issue since it is an industry standard that locum tenens agencies provide practitioners with insurance. Still, if you are considering practicing as a temporary physician, you must consider certain issues and ask questions to make sure you are well taken care of in this regard.

(read more)

Physicians, The locum tenens process: From inquiry to paycheck

By Karen Childress, May 15, 2009

Engaging in locum tenens practice as a full-time career or on a part-time basis is simpler than you might think. While there are several steps in the process that take you from initial inquiry to being paid for providing services, each one is straightforward. The process will vary somewhat among agencies, but here are nine steps that are consistent from firm to firm.

(read more)

Physicians, Acing the phone interview

By Karen Childress, April 15, 2009

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. That rule especially applies to phone interviews for locum tenens positions. Unlike approaching a permanent-practice opportunity where you might engage in several phone interviews followed by an on-site visit, the locum tenens evaluation process usually occurs during the course of a single phone conversation. During this brief encounter, it is important to make a good first impression, and equally important to use the time to make sure you will be comfortable stepping into the temporary practice opportunity under consideration.

(read more)

Physicians, Your CV: What to include, what to leave off

By Karen Childress, March 15, 2009

Depending on how long you have been out of training, your curriculum vitae (Latin, meaning "course of life," CV for short) may fit onto one page or have the heft of a small book. Either way, it is important to keep this record of your education, training, experience, and professional accomplishments up to date.

(read more)

Physicians, Consider part-time locum tenens to boost income

By Karen Childress, February 15, 2009

When the economy is unstable, as it is now and most likely will be for some time to come, even high-income professionals feel the impact. An economic downturn probably will not mean, as it does for many people, that doctors will have to cut back on essential purchases such as food, clothing, and fuel. But if you are watching your retirement account balance fluctuate wildly and have seen the value of your home decline over the last couple of years, you may be feeling the pinch—if only in terms of your ability to plan for the future and afford a few luxuries.

(read more)

Physicians, Tax tips for locum tenens physicians

By Karen Childress, January 15, 2009

Although it is only January, April 15 will be here before you know it. Physicians who practice locum tenens are independent contractors and, as such, have certain financial opportunities and responsibilities related to their tax status. Here are six ways to reduce stress and help you save on taxes when it is time to file your returns.

(read more)

Physicians, Strategies for obtaining state medical licenses

By Karen Childress, December 15, 2008

Much like obtaining staff privileges at hospitals, the process of getting state medical licenses is becoming more arduous for physicians as medical boards tighten standards. As you consider your locum tenens career, think strategically about which licenses you will need. The more places you are licensed, the more choices you will have, but that does not mean you need a license in dozens of states. Depending on the size of the primary states in which you practice—the larger the state, the more opportunities typically available—five to eight is probably about right.

(read more)

Physicians, Simplifying the medical staff application process

By Karen Childress, November 15, 2008

Every physician knows that the process of applying for medical staff membership and privileges can be tedious and time consuming. The forms and photocopies, that long list of yes/no questions, and pouring over the clinical privilege request sheet can take hours. The good news for locum tenens physicians is that, with a little organization on the front end, this process can be streamlined considerably. The best locum tenens agencies do everything they can to reduce paperwork for doctors who are busy traveling the country (and sometimes the world) to practice medicine. (read more)

Physicians, Reduce your carbon footprint on the road

By Karen Childress, October 15, 2008

There is no shortage of information available today about how to "go green" and reduce your carbon footprint. At home, many people take steps toward this effort by adjusting the thermostat, recycling, combining errands to save gas, or buying locally grown food. But what can you do while traveling to and from locum tenens engagements, and practicing in unfamiliar surroundings? Plenty. (read more)

Physicians, From NALTO: Managing student loan debt

By Karen Childress, September 15, 2008

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the average debt for a 2008 medical school graduate is $139,517, and more than 75% of graduates have debt in excess of $100,000. These figures are comparable to a home mortgage in some parts of the country. This enormous debt can be daunting, especially considering that a physician does not begin earning (residency salary aside) until his or her late 20s or even early-to-mid 30s. (read more)

Physicians, Volunteer opportunities for locum tenens physicians

By Karen Childress, August 15, 2008

A sizeable percentage of physicians are altruistic by nature and give of themselves—professionally and personally—in various ways throughout their careers. Locum tenens practitioners are in a unique position to take part in volunteer opportunities because they have such flexible schedules. In this article, we explore how you can volunteer at home, away from home, and even during your locum tenens engagements. (read more)

Physicians, Ethics: What locum tenens physicians should know

By Karen Childress, July 15, 2008

Within the locum tenens industry, there are ethical guidelines that, when followed, make life easier for all involved—from the physicians and the facilities where they practice, to the locum tenens agencies that put the two parties together. Here are a few things every physician should know about ethics and locum tenens practice. (read more)

Physicians, Making yourself marketable for locum tenens practice

By Karen Childress, June 15, 2008

Physicians who travel regularly for locum tenens engagements have the process of leaving home and returning again down to a science. One important factor to handling home affairs while away is knowing that everything is in order—although the definition of "in order" may vary, depending on the physician. If you are single and live in an apartment, arranging for someone to collect your mail may be all you need to do before beginning your engagement. If, on the other hand, you are leaving a spouse, children, a hundred-year-old house, and several pets behind, a bit more planning may be required. Here are a few ideas that should help you leave for your next opportunity with relative ease. (read more)

Physicians, How to manage home life while traveling

By Karen Childress, May 15, 2008

Physicians who travel regularly for locum tenens engagements have the process of leaving home and returning again down to a science. One important factor to handling home affairs while away is knowing that everything is in order—although the definition of "in order" may vary, depending on the physician. If you are single and live in an apartment, arranging for someone to collect your mail may be all you need to do before beginning your engagement. If, on the other hand, you are leaving a spouse, children, a hundred-year-old house, and several pets behind, a bit more planning may be required. Here are a few ideas that should help you leave for your next opportunity with relative ease. (read more)

Physicians, From training to locum tenens practice: Myths and realities

By Karen Childress, April 15, 2008

Are you a resident or fellow about to complete training? Not yet sure where you want to settle down? Waiting for a new job to start and looking to generate income and gain valuable experience in the interim? Locum tenens may be your answer. Consider these common myths and realities to find out more about this practice alternative. (read more)

Physicians, Q&A: Common questions about locum tenens pay rates

By Karen Childress, March 15, 2008

Few among us would work without fair compensation, no matter how much we loved our jobs. Physicians who practice locum tenens on either a part-time of full-time basis are naturally interested in earning potential. In this article, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about pay rates. (read more)

Physicians, Why choose locum tenens?

By Karen Childress, February 15, 2008

To answer the question, "Why choose locum tenens" requires first addressing the question of who practices locum tenens as either a full-time career or on a part-time or occasional basis. In this article, we break the who question into five categories, each one followed by answers to the why question. (read more)

Physicians, New ideas for achieving goals

By Karen Childress, January 15, 2008

The beginning of a new year brings with it the opportunity for a fresh start and renewed commitment. We make resolutions, but often fail to create a corresponding action plan that will help us reach those goals. By summer, most of us have all but forgotten what it was that we were so excited about changing or accomplishing back in the dark, short days of January. Can 2008 be different? Could this be the year that you succeed in reaching an important professional or personal goal? Very possibly. Consider a few new ideas. (read more)

Physicians, The art of negotiation

By Karen Childress, December 15, 2007

Negotiation often brings to mind complex transactions like selling a house or legal matters like settling a divorce or dissolving a business partnership. Even negotiating something as seemingly simple as buying a car can conjure up images of conflict. Well, there is good news when it comes to negotiating a locum tenens contract. In fact, the process is so straightforward that it usually requires very little negotiation. This is because all of the parties involved want the same thing - a qualified physician to take care of patients on a temporary basis. (read more)

Physicians, The benefits of moving from locum tenens to a permanent position

By Karen Childress, November 15, 2007

The interview went great. Your potential new partners were friendly and eager to show you the best of everything - within the practice, at the hospital, and in the community. You were entertained at fine restaurants. A chatty real estate agent drove you around town while boasting about the quality of the schools, the fabulous amenities in the community, and the great climate. You accept the position and 6 months later realize that the practice is on shaky ground financially, your partners are not highly thought of within the medical community, the school board is more dysfunctional than your cousin Leonard's family, and it has not stopped raining since you arrived. If I had only known, you think to yourself. (read more)

Physicians, Five constants of career development

By Karen Childress, October 15, 2007

Whether you are a year out of residency or a year from retirement, there are certain career constants that you enjoy - or contend with, depending on your point of view - as a physician. Embracing ongoing career development can help ensure a satisfying and meaningful professional life. Consider these five practice guidelines. (read more)

Physicians, Understanding locum tenens agreements

By Karen Childress, September 15, 2007

Reviewing and signing a long-term employment agreement can be a daunting experience. Page after page of legal language plus difficult to decipher compensation formulas are enough to give you a headache and heartburn, and that is before your attorney starts poking holes in every other clause. When it comes to reviewing a locum tenens agreement, however, you can leave your analgesics and antacids in the medicine cabinet. (read more)

Physicians, Tips on selecting locum tenens agencies

By Karen Childress, August 15, 2007

Type "locum tenens agency" into the search box on Google and you’ll find more than 100,000 website links. Okay, there are not actually that many companies in operation, but they would all like to help you find your next temporary engagement. So how do you choose the best staffing firms for you? Here are some tips that will help. (read more)

Whitepaper: To provide or not to provide workers’ compensation?

By David Baldridge, September 15, 2006

Physician staffing can be a fickle business. In today’s fiercely competitive market where loyalty runs thin, staffing agencies will bend over backwards to attract and keep a physician in their locum tenens pool or a hospital as a client. So when a physician or client insists that you sweeten the pot by providing workers’ compensation, what’s a locum tenens agency to do? (read more)