In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Victoria Mohr, an OB/GYN hospitalist with over 18 years of experience as a career locum tenens physician.
Dr. Mohr takes us on a journey through her global locum tenens career, sharing how it differs from traditional medical missions and how she’s crafted a life full of meaningful work and personal fulfillment.
Passionate about global medicine, academic mentorship, and thriving in high-risk, high-volume settings, Dr. Mohr reveals how locum tenens has allowed her to make an impact around the world.
From mentoring students who’ve gone on to lead in medicine to choosing assignments that align with her passions, she offers practical advice on starting your own locums journey and trusting the process to find assignments that truly fulfill you.
If you’ve ever dreamed of combining your skills with the freedom to shape your career, this episode is a must-listen!
You find out more about Dr. Mohr's work on her Facebook Page Victoria Mohr Foundation for Health & Humanity:
https://www.facebook.com/VMFHH/
You can follow Dr. Mohr on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vmohrmd
Want to know if you should set up an LLC or S-corp for your locum tenens business?
Today on the show I have a very special guest, tax expert and locums CPA Stephen Lee where we cover several important topics that new and experienced physicians can benefit from.
We'll cover:
You can grab Stephen's E-Book 'A CPA's Guide To Locum Tenens: Tax Tips for New and Experienced Physicians here: stan.store/thelocumcpa
Check out more of his content on his YouTube Channel: https://m.youtube.com/@locumcpa
Today I have a special guest named Mark Robbins who is the Senior Director of People and Culture at Comphealth. Today we talk about the power of what we call 'incumbency' as well as setting yourself up for success by becoming a master of networking and social skills.
We'll also go into some rate strategy as well as preparing you to have the 'home court' advantage in your locums assignments that will pave the way for you to create demand in your personal brand.
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Grab my Ultimate Locum Tenens Playbook here:
https://simonparsons.ck.page/locums
If you would like to set up a strategy call with me (general, trauma or vascular surgery) or would like me to connect you with a reputable locums recruiter in a different specialty, please email me at: simon.parsons@comphealth.com
Today I have a chat with the very first physician I ever worked with!
Col Bruce Lynch who I have worked with since January of 2014 shares his best practices and reflections of doing locum tenens work.
He reflects on why he does locums and some of the benefits he has experienced as well as shares what he would tell someone who is considering doing locums work but hasn't started yet.
New feature on Spotify: you can leave a comment for me or my guests or ask questions!
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Grab my Ultimate Locum Tenens Playbook here: https://simonparsons.ck.page/locums
If you want to book a strategy call with me (general, trauma or vascular surgery) or have me connect you with a reputable recruiter in another specialty, reach out to me at simon.parsons@comphealth.com
As a locum tenens recruiter, the number one reason why there has been such a boom in interest of locum tenens work is that people are getting tired of working 60-80 hours for weeks, months and years on end.
Burnout is defined as: A syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job and reduced professional efficacy.
Physician burnout dramatically increased after COVID, reaching above 50% overall for physicians as a whole and much higher in certain higher stress specialties.
Symptoms of Physician Burnout
Emotional exhaustion, mental and physical fatigue
Cynicism (loss of altruism)
Lack of engagement, feeling a lack of contribution or purpose
Depression/Addictions/Suicidal Thoughts
Burnout leads to:
Poor quality of work and increased medical errors
Patient safety issues
Poor patient satisfaction
Lack of provider engagement
Poor retention rate and early retirement, or leaving the profession to do something else.
Strategies I discussed on this episode:
Call to action:
In this engaging episode of The Locum Strategist Podcast, OBGYN Dr. Marilyn Stahl shares her fascinating journey from being overworked and overwhelmed in a private practice to having the courage to claim back her freedom by pursuing a locum tenens path. Dr. Stahl’s candid recounting of the chaos in her life, from overwork to personal challenges, offers a relatable backdrop for anyone considering a change.
Dr. Stahl provides invaluable insights for those exploring locum tenens work. She emphasizes the importance of thorough research, understanding the benefits of contracting, and building a strong relationship with your consultant. She discusses the autonomy to create your own schedule, the thrill of traveling to new places, and the joy of rediscovering your passion for medicine without the constraints of long-term contracts and hospital politics. Her advice on balancing professional goals with personal fulfillment is sure to resonate with many.
Dr. Stahl shares the highs and lows of locum tenens work, from achieving work-life balance and ticking off bucket list items to the heartbreak of canceled assignments. Hear her heartwarming story of making a significant impact on a distressed team of nurses and her practical tips for integrating into new hospitals.
This episode is packed with Dr. Stahl’s personal stories and expert advice, making it a must-listen for anyone curious about the locums lifestyle.
Your call to action:
Grab my Ultimate Locum Tenens Playbook here: https://simonparsons.ck.page/locums
Today I'm going to show you step by step on how to optimize your CV specifically for locum tenens work. You can use these notes as a resource and list these sections in this order:
1. Contact Information
Start with your name, address, and contact information at the top of your CV. Ensure your phone number and email address are current and professional.
2. Education
List your educational background in reverse chronological order:
• Fellowships: Specify the institution, your specialty, and the dates (mm/yyyy) you attended.
• Residency: Include the institution, your area of specialization, and dates.
• Medical School: Name the institution and the dates of attendance.
• Undergraduate: List your degree, the institution, and your graduation date.
3. Work History
Your work history should also be in reverse chronological order. For each position, include
• The name of the hospital or clinic,
• Your role or title,
• The dates you worked there (mm/yyyy format),
• A brief description of your duties and special achievements, especially those relevant to locum work.
4. Board Certifications
Clearly list any board certifications you hold, along with the certifying body and the date of certification.
5. Certifications
Include any relevant certifications such as Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Basic Life Support (BLS), Fundamental Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS), and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). These are crucial for surgeons and highly valued in locum tenens roles.
6. State Licenses
Make sure to include all state licenses that you currently have active, if you have an IMLC letter of qualification it would be good to include this as well. DEA's and Controlled Substance Permits are optional but in my opinion just add clutter and aren't needed.
7. Societies and Professional Memberships
Detail any professional societies or memberships you are a part of, as these connections can enhance your credibility and network.
Optional Items
While not essential, you can include awards, recognitions, and publications if they are relevant and recent. Keep this section brief to maintain focus on your primary qualifications.
Proofreading Your CV
Before submitting your CV, ensure it is free from spelling and grammar errors. Here are a few tips: Use a reliable spell checker, but don’t rely solely on it. Read your CV thoroughly to catch errors that automated tools might miss. Have a colleague or mentor review your CV. A fresh set of eyes can catch mistakes and offer valuable feedback. Read your CV out loud. This can help you catch awkward phrasing or errors that you might overlook when reading silently.
Use a Clean, Professional Format
• Consistent Formatting: Use a clean, professional format with consistent fonts and clear headings. This makes your CV easier to read quickly.
• PDF Format: Save and send your CV as a PDF to maintain the formatting across different computers and operating systems.
Use Chat GPT for feedback, questions, spell check or revisions. You an copy and paste your CV (or upload it) and tell it exactly what to do by using prompts. Here are some examples of what a prompt is:
"Generate a professional summary for a surgeon with 10 years of experience in trauma surgery."
"List action verbs for describing surgical duties in a CV."
"Help me format the education section of a medical CV with reverse chronological order."
"Suggest concise descriptions for surgical procedures commonly performed in locum tenens assignments."
"Review this bullet point for clarity and impact: [insert bullet point]."
"What are some effective ways to highlight locum tenens work specifically in a surgical CV?"
"Create a list of professional societies related to general, trauma, and vascular surgery."
"Draft a brief section on ATLS certification for a surgical CV."
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Contact me at simon.parsons@comphealth.com
On this episode I'll share some best practices on how to nail your phone or virtual interview for your locum tenens position.
These days, about 60% of the locums assignments that we book require 1 or sometimes multiple interviews before they get the green light.
I'll share some of my best tips to set you up for success and many of these tips can be used for perm interviews or can give you some ideas on improving communication skills as well as how to play to your strengths and some good questions to ask.
Please share this episode with someone who can use this message and don't forget to rate this podcast if listening to on Apple or Spotify, it takes just a second to drop some stars!
If you are a general, trauma or vascular surgeon, you can book a 30 minute strategy call with me here: https://calendly.com/simon-parsons/physician-strategy-call
If you would like to leave feedback, suggest a topic, ask a question or have me put you in touch with a reputable recruiter please email me at simon.parsons@comphealth.com
Thank you for your support!
What is it like to do Locum Tenens as a career? I had the incredible opportunity to interview PM&R physician Dr. Genevieve Jacobs as she dives deep into her 3 year career out of residency as a career locum tenens physician.
In this value packed episode, Dr. Jacobs details what its like to travel all around the country, including up to Alaska.
She shares her best practices when it comes to integrating into a new hospital setting, how to find a reputable locums agency and recruiter, what questions to ask before you book a locums assignment and most importantly: the number one piece of advise she would give to anyone who is thinking about doing locum tenens work.
Dr. Jacobs now documents her locum tenens journey and uses social media to help educate other physicians on the things that she wish she knew when she first started.
Connect with Dr. Jacobs
Website & blog: https://www.drjacobshealth.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelocumlady/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevievejacobsdo/
Imagine getting booked for your dream locums gig. Everything looks great, you've done all the paperwork, your plane tickets and hotel is booked and you are getting ready to leave for an assignment and you get a call from your recruiter telling you that they couldn't get you through credentialing!
It happens, especially when working with inexperienced recruiters that look the other way and ignore red flags or don't properly qualify their candidates. While some things are out of your control, one thing that is in your control is making sure you have a solid list of references that you can count on.
In this episode I'll be breaking down how you can set yourself up for success by asking your recruiter exactly what you need to pass credentialing and not leave it to chance. I'll also share with you some nightmare scenarios that can happen when you don't get intentional about cultivating your list of locum tenens advocates (aka references).
I will also tell you exactly what I would do if I was a physician looking for locum tenens work.
Your calls to action:
I don't want to sell you on Locum Tenens work. What I want to do is give you an objective peek inside the Locums world and decide for yourself if its right for you.
I've done extremely well as a locum tenens recruiter by giving candid feedback to the physicians I talk with. I tell them the bad and the good.
Today's episode is a compilation of clips I've shared on social media from some of the interviews I've done with the doctors I've worked with.
Locum tenens is not right for everyone, but it might be a very good fit for people who:
If you are a trauma, general or vascular surgeon you can set up a 30 minute strategy call with me here: https://calendly.com/simon-parsons/physician-strategy-call
You can also email me if you would like to leave feedback, request a topic or have me refer you to a reputable recruiter: simon.parsons@comphealth.com
Please share this episode and take 1 minute to 'drop some stars' on this podcast (Apple or Spotify).
Did you know that winning a locums contract is kind of like playing a game of cards?
In a crowded locums market, it helps to know what makes for a 'winning hand' because you may be competing with multiple agencies and each of those agencies may be fighting to get their doctors in for that job.
In this episode I'll break down what a 'presentation' is in the locums world and how to maximize your chances of being the one with a winning hand.
Here is a recap of the most important factors in securing a locums position (having a winning hand), its important to remember that if you don't have these it doesn't mean that you won't get the job, but by having these it means you will have a strong hand:
How You Can Support This Podcast: Please share this podcast with someone who could use this episode and drop some stars for me on Spotify or Apple, it just takes a second.
Contact me: You can email me at simon.parsons@comphealth.com if you would like me to put you in touch with a reputable recruiter. You can also use that email to leave me feedback, ask questions or request a topic.
Strategy Call: You can also schedule a 30 minute strategy call with me if you are a general, vascular or trauma surgeon: https://calendly.com/simon-parsons/physician-strategy-call
One of the hardest things to do in your professional career is to make a pivot when you've invested so much time, money and energy going in a certain direction.
If you stay the course you risk burning out, hating what you do and being miserable (which affects how you perform and others around you.
But making a pivot could mean feeling like a failure or letting other people down.
On this episode, I speak with General Surgeon Dr. Jesus Rosado about having the courage to make that pivot and why it may be the best thing you could do.
We'll also talk about doing locum tenens work as a new physician and how to use locum tenens work as a bridge between residency and fellowship.
We cover a lot of great topics on this value packed 23 minute episode!
Action items:
Make sure to schedule a 30 minute strategy call with me if you are a vascular, general or trauma surgeon and interested in locum tenens work: https://calendly.com/simon-parsons/physician-strategy-call
If you are not a surgeon but would like me to refer you to a reputable recruiter you can email me at simon.parsons@comphealth.com
You can also ask me questions, send me feedback or request a topic.
I would love it if you would share this episode with someone who can use this message.
Please rate this podcast, it just takes 2 seconds on Apple or Spotify, just pull out your phone and drop some stars!
One of the questions I get the most is "should I set up an LLC" when it comes to creating income from Locum Tenens.
In this episode I'll break down some of the pro's and con's of setting up an LLC so you can make the best decision as it relates to your personal situation.
* Please note: I am not a tax strategist, accountant or lawyer so make sure to do your due diligence and recognize this episode is not a specific recommendation for any tax strategy or business entity.
I've used this company for setting up 2 of my LLC's and they have done an exceptional job: https://laughlinusa.com/
I recommend getting with a tax strategist to see how locums and creating an LLC can fit into the bigger picture of your overall situation, they can give you a higher level view and create a 'tax strategy' that takes into account your entire situation.
I like to use Chat GPT (AI App that is free to use or has a paid subscription of $20 per month) to act as a virtual admin or to bounce ideas off. Inside Chat GPT is a 'Custom GPT' called 'US Tax Advisor' that I can ask tax related questions. AI is known to make errors so always double check any crucial data.
For example I can ask Chat GPT about deductions or tax forms needed or common questions about taxes without having to search through a bunch of websites or set up a call with an accountant or tax strategist.
If you are a general, trauma or vascular surgeon you can book a strategy call with me here: https://calendly.com/simon-parsons/physician-strategy-call
If you would like me to refer you to a reputable locums recruiter or like to leave feedback, ask questions or request a topic please email me at: simon.parsons@comphealth.com
Today I'm going to share 3 ways to stay highly efficient and organized when it comes to locum tenens work.
I work with a lot of physicians and see how much easier or hard it can be to keep up and a lot of that has to do with how you stay organized, and starting off the right way will help you for years to come.
On this episode I'll share with you some easy ways to keep your email in check, plus all of your documents such as certifications, board certs, applications, diplomas in one place where you can access them anywhere and anytime.
Ill also share with you how to use a shared calendar that you can use with your spouse or partner as well as your locums rep.
If you would like to book a 30 minute strategy call with me (vascular, trauma or general surgeons only): https://calendly.com/simon-parsons/physician-strategy-call
If you would like to request a topic, ask a question or have me connect you with a reputable recruiter you can email me at simon.parsons@comphealth.com
My favorite apps for organization:
Google Drive
Google Calendar
GMail
Asana (project management app)
Want to know the #1 things that causes physicians to get cut short on locum tenens assignments (or not get asked back)?
Believe it or not it's interpersonal issues and social skills, and that is something that can be totally avoidable.
But on top of that, becoming a great communicator creates more demand and helps you get booked more, and asked to return more after you get in; plus you can have an influence on rates and scheduling!
In this episode I'll share some of the ways that physicians can 'get in their own' way when it comes to communication, and a lot of times its simply a lack of self awareness.
I'll also share some simple tips and strategies on how to build rapport and connection; and how to get your locums rep motivated to make you their biggest priority.
Resources mentioned on this episode
Book recommendation: How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
Grab The Ultimate Locum Tenens Playbook: https://simonparsons.ck.page/locums
Book A 30 Min Strategy Session (for general, vascular or trauma surgeons only): https://calendly.com/simon-parsons/physician-strategy-call
Feedback, Questions, Topics You would like me to cover; or if you would like me to refer you to a reputable locum tenens rep: simon.parsons@comphealth.com
Please Rate This Podcast and share with someone who could find value from the content.
Quick Recap:
Want to know one of the biggest mistakes most physicians make when selecting a locums rep or agency to work with them? They don't realize that they have a choice of who they get to work with. They simply start talking with the reps that are right in front of them without taking the time to figure out if that is the best option they could have.
You could work with a rep that has been on the job for a few months. You could work with a rep that is thinking about their paycheck before yours. But you could also work with a rep that has years of experience and a proven track record of results (results mean they are getting physicians booked and taking care of them).
In this episode I'll share with you 8 pillars to look out for when finding a rep or an agency to work with. Experience matters but more importantly it doesn't cost you ANYTHING to work with the best locum tenens rep (or the worst one).
Make sure to grab my Ultimate Locum Tenens Playbook here: https://simonparsons.ck.page/locums
Trauma, Vascular and General Surgeons can book a 30 minute strategy call with me here: https://calendly.com/simon-parsons/physician-strategy-call
Feedback, topic suggestions or if you'd like me to refer you to a reputable locum tenens rep, you can email me at simon.parsons@comphealth.com
Episode Recap:
You get to choose who you work with, you don't have to work with the first rep or company that you talk to before committing to anyone. Ask about history and results.
Feedback from Peers: Talk to other physicians who have worked with the company or recruiter. First-hand experiences provide invaluable insights.
Specialization - jack of all trades/master of none. does the company specialize in certain areas or have teams/reps that specialize? Story about learning about trauma surgeons, use analogy of specialization in medicine
Transparent communication - make sure they are open and communicate well when it comes to rates, locations, presentations.
Support Services - ask about their support services when it comes to travel, credentialing, malpractice, licensing and payroll. Do they have dedicated people or teams or does the rep handle it all?
Personal connection - You want a recruiter who listens and understands your career goals and personal preferences. They should feel like a career partner, not just a job provider.
Flexibility and Variety: A diverse range of opportunities means you can find assignments that truly fit your lifestyle and career aspirations.
Malpractice Insurance: Ensure the company provides adequate malpractice insurance coverage. It's a critical aspect often overlooked. If you have questions, ask to be in touch with someone who can give you the answers that you need.
Do you know how much you are actually making for your time? Physician salaries may seem high on the front end but if you are working 70, 80, 90 hours per week then your time for yourself is slipping away at the same time you are getting paid less.
On this episode I'll be talking about how to calculate your numbers and figure out 1) how much you are actually making, 2) how much you need to make (your budget number) and how to find out 3) how much you need to work using locums to hit your numbers.
#1 Your real hourly rate: Your yearly salary/weeks per year/hours per week.
For example:
$400k salary/49 weeks per year/40 hours per week = $204 per hour.
$400k salary/49 weeks per year/80 hours per week = $102 per hour, significantly LESS per hour and LESS time to do what you want in life.
#2 Your Budget Number = all of your expenses including loans, discretionary income, food, car, house, investments, savings x 1.4.
For example:
My expenses/savings/investments come out to $192k per year, multiplied by 1.4 for taxes = $268k per year. I need to meet or exceed this number WITHOUT taking time away from my family or things I want to do in life.
https://www.calculator.net/budget-calculator.html
#3 Know Your Locums Number - talk with your locums recruiter and find out what is the average daily income a physician in that specialty makes, they should have plenty of data.
Once you know your Budget Number: divide it by the Daily Number, then divide that number by 12 to get the number of days per month you need to work to hit your Budget Number.
For example:
$300k per year (budget number)/$1400 daily rate/12 months per year. This means you need to work 18 shifts per month to make $300k per year.
From there you can optimize your income or time even further.
Grab the Ultimate Locums Playbook Here: https://simonparsons.ck.page/locums
If you are a vascular, general or trauma surgeon you can book a 30 minute strategy call with me here: https://calendly.com/simon-parsons/physician-strategy-call
For questions, feedback, topic suggestions or if you would like me to connect you with a reputable recruiter you can email me here: simon.parsons@comphealth.com
How much are you making per hour?
$250k at 40 hours per week = $127.55
$250k at 50 hours per week = $102.04 $250k at 60 hours per week = $85.03 $250k at 70 hours per week = $72.87
$300k at 40 hours per week = $153.06 $300k at 50 hours per week = $122.45 $300k at 60 hours per week = $102.04 $300k at 70 hours per week = $87.44
$300k at 80 hours per week = $76.53
$400k at 40 hours per week = $204.08
$400k at 50 hours per week = $163.27
$400k at 60 hours per week = $136.05 $400k at 70 hours per week = $116.62
$400k at 80 hours per week = $102.04
What do the 5 regrets of the dying have to do with being a physician or locum tenens work?
A decade ago, an impactful book was published by a Palliative Nurse who spent 20 years interviewing people in their last days about the regrets they had in life.
The 5 most common regrets are:
Every day I see more and more people who are unsatisfied with their current path, working 60-100 hours per week, stressed out and losing their passion for medicine because they are being worked to hard.
You have a choice and can opt out of the current paradigm but it starts with setting direction.
This will be a 2 part episode on how to reverse engineer getting what you want in life.
Don't wait until the end and 'wish you would have', instead, be glad that you did but taking the steps you need to right now.
Make sure to grab the Ultimate Locum Tenens Playbook Here: https://simonparsons.ck.page/locums
If you are a vascular, trauma or general surgeon you can set up a 30 minute strategy call with me here:https://calendly.com/simon-parsons/physician-strategy-call
If you'd like to leave feedback, ask a question or have me refer you to a reputable locum tenens recruiter you can email me at simon.parsons@comphealth.com
Want to 10x your success with locum tenens work? This episode will tell you how to do it.
Today's show we will be talking about the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). This episode is your key to understanding how this innovative initiative is revolutionizing the way surgeons practice across different states.
As more states join this initiative, the IMLC is emerging as a significant force in modernizing medical practice. It offers a streamlined approach to licensing, opening doors to practicing in multiple states. This is the IMLC’s promise – a gateway to diverse opportunities and professional freedom.
The benefits for surgeons are substantial and exciting. The IMLC paves the way for enhanced flexibility, consistent work, and a broader range of opportunities, particularly in locum tenens roles. It’s about taking your valuable skills to where they’re needed most, often leading to a more fulfilling career and a higher rate of success in diverse clinical environments.
For the full scoop on how to be part of this exciting venture, make sure to listen to the episode. We’ve packed it with all the essential information, presented in a clear and straightforward manner.
Make sure to grab my Ultimate Locum Tenens Playbook here: https://simonparsons.ck.page/locums
If you are a trauma, vascular or general surgeon and would like to set up a 30 minute locum tenens strategy call with me, book here: https://calendly.com/simon-parsons/physician-strategy-call
Feedback/topic suggestions or want me to put you in touch with a reputable recruiter? Email me at simon.parsons@comphealth.com