Geeta Arora, MD

For the last 8 years I have worked as a locum tenens hospitalist. I began on this path when it was the least popular option upon graduation from residency.

I did countless hours of research trying to find accurate information about locum tenens companies, but never found anything written by physicians, only by the companies themselves. So, I stepped into this field blindfolded and learned the hard way. Since than, I have worked with over 16 locum tenens companies, 14 hospitals, and eight electronic medical record systems.

Through these experiences I’ve realized that, unfortunately, some locum tenens companies do not act with the professionalism and efficiency that both physicians and hospital systems would expect. This can lead to more stress than an actual employed position for physicians, and poor coverage with enormous costs for hospitals.

I decided to take matters into my own hands because I wanted to make the locum tenens system easier to navigate. I believe that the system can play a role in decreasing physician burnout, and I deeply understand the need that hospitals have to serve their patients with a shortage of doctors. As locum tenens physicians, we serve a need and shouldn’t have to deal with inefficient placement systems.

Here are five mistakes to avoid for physicians that are first entering into the locum tenens world:

1. Beware choosing a “factory mill” locum tenens company. Bigger companies have higher overhead, which usually means that they take more of a margin from physicians. Generally speaking, larger locum tenens companies pay their recruiters a lower percentage commission, so each recruiter has more physicians. This can lead to mistakes which can cause stress for both physicians and hospitals.

2. Beware long travel. Hourly rates that are $5-$10 dollars more per hour in remote locations are attractive. However, the amount of travel needed to get to these locations may not be worth it. When negotiating a rate, make sure not to lose sight of the amount of time it will take to travel to the hospital or outpatient location.

3. Beware short-term placements. There are a lot of hospitals that just need one or two weeks covered. Even if it’s at a much higher rate, the amount of paper work and credentialing hassle may not be worth the amount of time you work there. The greater number of cumulative hospitals worked, the longer credentialing will take in future locum tenens placements.

4. Beware using multiple travel services. Stick to one airline, one rental car company, and one hotel chain. This way when you are not working, you may be able to use the points earned during your work days for future vacations.

5. Beware companies that are not organized. If you find that a locum tenens company is asking you to do all of the paperwork to get credentialed, move on. This can be a red flag and may mean they lack credentialing staff. You should never have to fill out your own paperwork; rather you should be the one that simply reviews and corrects it.

Dr. Arora works as a liaison between hospitals, physicians, and locum tenens companies and is a member of The Hospitalist’s editorial advisory board. She negotiates rates and expectations with multiple locum tenens companies on behalf of physicians in all fields of practice and does not own or endorse a locum tenens company. You can contact her at www.doctorsliaison.com.

For the last 8 years I have worked as a locum tenens hospitalist. I began on this path when it was the least popular option upon graduation from residency.

I did countless hours of research trying to find accurate information about locum tenens companies, but never found anything written by physicians, only by the companies themselves. So, I stepped into this field blindfolded and learned the hard way. Since than, I have worked with over 16 locum tenens companies, 14 hospitals, and eight electronic medical record systems.

Through these experiences I’ve realized that, unfortunately, some locum tenens companies do not act with the professionalism and efficiency that both physicians and hospital systems would expect. This can lead to more stress than an actual employed position for physicians, and poor coverage with enormous costs for hospitals.

I decided to take matters into my own hands because I wanted to make the locum tenens system easier to navigate. I believe that the system can play a role in decreasing physician burnout, and I deeply understand the need that hospitals have to serve their patients with a shortage of doctors. As locum tenens physicians, we serve a need and shouldn’t have to deal with inefficient placement systems.

Here are five mistakes to avoid for physicians that are first entering into the locum tenens world:

1. Beware choosing a “factory mill” locum tenens company. Bigger companies have higher overhead, which usually means that they take more of a margin from physicians. Generally speaking, larger locum tenens companies pay their recruiters a lower percentage commission, so each recruiter has more physicians. This can lead to mistakes which can cause stress for both physicians and hospitals.

2. Beware long travel. Hourly rates that are $5-$10 dollars more per hour in remote locations are attractive. However, the amount of travel needed to get to these locations may not be worth it. When negotiating a rate, make sure not to lose sight of the amount of time it will take to travel to the hospital or outpatient location.

3. Beware short-term placements. There are a lot of hospitals that just need one or two weeks covered. Even if it’s at a much higher rate, the amount of paper work and credentialing hassle may not be worth the amount of time you work there. The greater number of cumulative hospitals worked, the longer credentialing will take in future locum tenens placements.

4. Beware using multiple travel services. Stick to one airline, one rental car company, and one hotel chain. This way when you are not working, you may be able to use the points earned during your work days for future vacations.

5. Beware companies that are not organized. If you find that a locum tenens company is asking you to do all of the paperwork to get credentialed, move on. This can be a red flag and may mean they lack credentialing staff. You should never have to fill out your own paperwork; rather you should be the one that simply reviews and corrects it.

Dr. Arora works as a liaison between hospitals, physicians, and locum tenens companies and is a member of The Hospitalist’s editorial advisory board. She negotiates rates and expectations with multiple locum tenens companies on behalf of physicians in all fields of practice and does not own or endorse a locum tenens company. You can contact her at www.doctorsliaison.com.

For the last 8 years I have worked as a locum tenens hospitalist. I began on this path when it was the least popular option upon graduation from residency.

I did countless hours of research trying to find accurate information about locum tenens companies, but never found anything written by physicians, only by the companies themselves. So, I stepped into this field blindfolded and learned the hard way. Since than, I have worked with over 16 locum tenens companies, 14 hospitals, and eight electronic medical record systems.

Through these experiences I’ve realized that, unfortunately, some locum tenens companies do not act with the professionalism and efficiency that both physicians and hospital systems would expect. This can lead to more stress than an actual employed position for physicians, and poor coverage with enormous costs for hospitals.

I decided to take matters into my own hands because I wanted to make the locum tenens system easier to navigate. I believe that the system can play a role in decreasing physician burnout, and I deeply understand the need that hospitals have to serve their patients with a shortage of doctors. As locum tenens physicians, we serve a need and shouldn’t have to deal with inefficient placement systems.

Here are five mistakes to avoid for physicians that are first entering into the locum tenens world:

1. Beware choosing a “factory mill” locum tenens company. Bigger companies have higher overhead, which usually means that they take more of a margin from physicians. Generally speaking, larger locum tenens companies pay their recruiters a lower percentage commission, so each recruiter has more physicians. This can lead to mistakes which can cause stress for both physicians and hospitals.

2. Beware long travel. Hourly rates that are $5-$10 dollars more per hour in remote locations are attractive. However, the amount of travel needed to get to these locations may not be worth it. When negotiating a rate, make sure not to lose sight of the amount of time it will take to travel to the hospital or outpatient location.

3. Beware short-term placements. There are a lot of hospitals that just need one or two weeks covered. Even if it’s at a much higher rate, the amount of paper work and credentialing hassle may not be worth the amount of time you work there. The greater number of cumulative hospitals worked, the longer credentialing will take in future locum tenens placements.

4. Beware using multiple travel services. Stick to one airline, one rental car company, and one hotel chain. This way when you are not working, you may be able to use the points earned during your work days for future vacations.

5. Beware companies that are not organized. If you find that a locum tenens company is asking you to do all of the paperwork to get credentialed, move on. This can be a red flag and may mean they lack credentialing staff. You should never have to fill out your own paperwork; rather you should be the one that simply reviews and corrects it.

Dr. Arora works as a liaison between hospitals, physicians, and locum tenens companies and is a member of The Hospitalist’s editorial advisory board. She negotiates rates and expectations with multiple locum tenens companies on behalf of physicians in all fields of practice and does not own or endorse a locum tenens company. You can contact her at www.doctorsliaison.com.

In early 2014, I decided to use the six state licenses I had obtained as a locum tenens physician to start practicing telemedicine. Since then, I have worked with several telemedicine platforms. I have found that telemedicine companies differ dramatically in their overall ease of use for the provider. Here are my top tips for deciding which telemedicine company to work with.

1. Technology support: Telemedicine is dependent on technology. If it is difficult to get help from tech support, do not credential with the company. Tech support is your lifeline to your patients. Make sure you can get help right away if you are having problems finishing or starting a consult. Companies that send automatic emails saying they will get back to you within 24 hours are the most difficult to work with.
2. Nursing support: All of the telemedicine companies that I have worked with have amazing nurses, but some are overwhelmed with work. Telemedicine nurses are able to connect to your patients via direct callback numbers in a way that you cannot connect. They are able to call in prescriptions to pharmacies if the platform is down or if the patient put in the wrong pharmacy information. Make sure that the company has a nurse that is able to call you back right away. A few telemedicine companies are understaffed with nurses, and it can take hours for a callback. If the key to telemedicine is volume, this is frustrating to deal with.
3. Chief complaints: Many telemedicine companies are moving away from making the “chief complaint” visible to providers before choosing to take the consult. For me, this is a big red flag. It can be as simple as, “I have a cold.” I like this because if I see a patient who says, “I have abdominal pain,” I know to triage them first.
4. Volume: Telemedicine is great for staying connected to outpatient medicine. If you are looking to work on a telemedicine platform for your main source of income, then volume is key. A lot of telemedicine companies will tell you how many calls they get per day; the key question is how many calls they get for the states that you are licensed in and how many providers they have licensed in those states. If you want higher volume, then ask if they will pay for your license in states with higher needs (some will). If you are willing to pay to be licensed in additional states, make sure the volume is high enough to make that extra out-of-pocket cost worth it.
5. Malpractice coverage: Many companies provide malpractice coverage as part of their credentialing package. If they do not, make sure your malpractice coverage covers you for telemedicine.
6. Documentation: Documentation during your telemedicine consult is arguably even more important than in an outpatient visit. Everything is on the phone or by video, so make sure, in the subjective area, that you are quoting what the patient is telling you. You are not able to do a physical exam, so your recommendations will be based on what the patient is saying.

Have fun! Telemedicine has been really enjoyable for me. I like being able to have the time to educate my patients about things like antibiotics. I enjoy the technological aspects and understanding all of the different platforms. Telemedicine gives you a unique opportunity to practice your skills from the comfort of your own home. TH

In early 2014, I decided to use the six state licenses I had obtained as a locum tenens physician to start practicing telemedicine. Since then, I have worked with several telemedicine platforms. I have found that telemedicine companies differ dramatically in their overall ease of use for the provider. Here are my top tips for deciding which telemedicine company to work with.

1. Technology support: Telemedicine is dependent on technology. If it is difficult to get help from tech support, do not credential with the company. Tech support is your lifeline to your patients. Make sure you can get help right away if you are having problems finishing or starting a consult. Companies that send automatic emails saying they will get back to you within 24 hours are the most difficult to work with.
2. Nursing support: All of the telemedicine companies that I have worked with have amazing nurses, but some are overwhelmed with work. Telemedicine nurses are able to connect to your patients via direct callback numbers in a way that you cannot connect. They are able to call in prescriptions to pharmacies if the platform is down or if the patient put in the wrong pharmacy information. Make sure that the company has a nurse that is able to call you back right away. A few telemedicine companies are understaffed with nurses, and it can take hours for a callback. If the key to telemedicine is volume, this is frustrating to deal with.
3. Chief complaints: Many telemedicine companies are moving away from making the “chief complaint” visible to providers before choosing to take the consult. For me, this is a big red flag. It can be as simple as, “I have a cold.” I like this because if I see a patient who says, “I have abdominal pain,” I know to triage them first.
4. Volume: Telemedicine is great for staying connected to outpatient medicine. If you are looking to work on a telemedicine platform for your main source of income, then volume is key. A lot of telemedicine companies will tell you how many calls they get per day; the key question is how many calls they get for the states that you are licensed in and how many providers they have licensed in those states. If you want higher volume, then ask if they will pay for your license in states with higher needs (some will). If you are willing to pay to be licensed in additional states, make sure the volume is high enough to make that extra out-of-pocket cost worth it.
5. Malpractice coverage: Many companies provide malpractice coverage as part of their credentialing package. If they do not, make sure your malpractice coverage covers you for telemedicine.
6. Documentation: Documentation during your telemedicine consult is arguably even more important than in an outpatient visit. Everything is on the phone or by video, so make sure, in the subjective area, that you are quoting what the patient is telling you. You are not able to do a physical exam, so your recommendations will be based on what the patient is saying.

Have fun! Telemedicine has been really enjoyable for me. I like being able to have the time to educate my patients about things like antibiotics. I enjoy the technological aspects and understanding all of the different platforms. Telemedicine gives you a unique opportunity to practice your skills from the comfort of your own home. TH

In early 2014, I decided to use the six state licenses I had obtained as a locum tenens physician to start practicing telemedicine. Since then, I have worked with several telemedicine platforms. I have found that telemedicine companies differ dramatically in their overall ease of use for the provider. Here are my top tips for deciding which telemedicine company to work with.

1. Technology support: Telemedicine is dependent on technology. If it is difficult to get help from tech support, do not credential with the company. Tech support is your lifeline to your patients. Make sure you can get help right away if you are having problems finishing or starting a consult. Companies that send automatic emails saying they will get back to you within 24 hours are the most difficult to work with.
2. Nursing support: All of the telemedicine companies that I have worked with have amazing nurses, but some are overwhelmed with work. Telemedicine nurses are able to connect to your patients via direct callback numbers in a way that you cannot connect. They are able to call in prescriptions to pharmacies if the platform is down or if the patient put in the wrong pharmacy information. Make sure that the company has a nurse that is able to call you back right away. A few telemedicine companies are understaffed with nurses, and it can take hours for a callback. If the key to telemedicine is volume, this is frustrating to deal with.
3. Chief complaints: Many telemedicine companies are moving away from making the “chief complaint” visible to providers before choosing to take the consult. For me, this is a big red flag. It can be as simple as, “I have a cold.” I like this because if I see a patient who says, “I have abdominal pain,” I know to triage them first.
4. Volume: Telemedicine is great for staying connected to outpatient medicine. If you are looking to work on a telemedicine platform for your main source of income, then volume is key. A lot of telemedicine companies will tell you how many calls they get per day; the key question is how many calls they get for the states that you are licensed in and how many providers they have licensed in those states. If you want higher volume, then ask if they will pay for your license in states with higher needs (some will). If you are willing to pay to be licensed in additional states, make sure the volume is high enough to make that extra out-of-pocket cost worth it.
5. Malpractice coverage: Many companies provide malpractice coverage as part of their credentialing package. If they do not, make sure your malpractice coverage covers you for telemedicine.
6. Documentation: Documentation during your telemedicine consult is arguably even more important than in an outpatient visit. Everything is on the phone or by video, so make sure, in the subjective area, that you are quoting what the patient is telling you. You are not able to do a physical exam, so your recommendations will be based on what the patient is saying.

Have fun! Telemedicine has been really enjoyable for me. I like being able to have the time to educate my patients about things like antibiotics. I enjoy the technological aspects and understanding all of the different platforms. Telemedicine gives you a unique opportunity to practice your skills from the comfort of your own home. TH

Over the past five years, I have worked as a locum tenens hospitalist with more than 12 different locum tenens companies. I have learned a lot through this process. At one point, I even considered starting my own locum tenens company because of the frustrations I was feeling about the inefficiencies of many of these companies. I would like to help those of you either already practicing as a locum tenens physician or considering practicing through this process to make it as painless as possible.

Here are my tips to be aware of when choosing a locum tenens company to work with.

1. Bigger isn’t necessarily better. There are a few companies that advertise a lot. I’m sure you are all very well aware of them. They send out many emails, call numerous times, and somehow have a banner on every website you visit. These companies tend to have large overhead costs. These costs mean that your hourly rate may be lower. Smaller companies are sometimes less efficient, but as long as you make sure your expectations are heard, they will often give you a rate that the bigger companies cannot afford.
2. State your terms. As physicians, we are often not the most business savvy. Remember that locum tenens companies exist because there is a shortage of hospitalists in some areas. We need to be able to state certain terms; if you don’t like something, then make sure you add that into your contract. For example, patient safety should always come first; make sure you establish a cap for the number of patients you are willing to see per day.
3. Be protective of your CV. Remember that locum tenens companies profit when you work, so they will want to hand out your CV to as many hospitals as possible. While they make it sound like it is in your best interest, it may not be. If a company presents you to a hospital, most of the time the contract you sign with them states that they “own” your presentation for two years. This means that if you do not like the locum tenens company or if another company is offering you more for the same hospital, you have to work with the company that presented you first. Make sure you have a written agreement between you and your locum tenens company with regard to presentations stating which hospitals the locum tenens company can present you to, with a follow-up response from the locum tenens company stating when they presented you.
4. Your recruiter is your best advocate. Make sure you get along. Make sure you have very good communication with your recruiter, who is the one who will be doing all of your scheduling and negotiating. If you do not have a good relationship, move on to a new recruiter or to a new company.
5. Have fun! Working as a locum tenens physician, in my opinion, is the best of everything combined. There are very few jobs where you can decide when you want to work, dictate your terms, and get paid well doing something you love. Locum tenens takes a little bit of getting used to; when you have it figured out, it is empowering and enjoyable. TH

Geeta Arora, MD, is board certified in internal medicine and integrative holistic medicine.

Over the past five years, I have worked as a locum tenens hospitalist with more than 12 different locum tenens companies. I have learned a lot through this process. At one point, I even considered starting my own locum tenens company because of the frustrations I was feeling about the inefficiencies of many of these companies. I would like to help those of you either already practicing as a locum tenens physician or considering practicing through this process to make it as painless as possible.

Here are my tips to be aware of when choosing a locum tenens company to work with.

1. Bigger isn’t necessarily better. There are a few companies that advertise a lot. I’m sure you are all very well aware of them. They send out many emails, call numerous times, and somehow have a banner on every website you visit. These companies tend to have large overhead costs. These costs mean that your hourly rate may be lower. Smaller companies are sometimes less efficient, but as long as you make sure your expectations are heard, they will often give you a rate that the bigger companies cannot afford.
2. State your terms. As physicians, we are often not the most business savvy. Remember that locum tenens companies exist because there is a shortage of hospitalists in some areas. We need to be able to state certain terms; if you don’t like something, then make sure you add that into your contract. For example, patient safety should always come first; make sure you establish a cap for the number of patients you are willing to see per day.
3. Be protective of your CV. Remember that locum tenens companies profit when you work, so they will want to hand out your CV to as many hospitals as possible. While they make it sound like it is in your best interest, it may not be. If a company presents you to a hospital, most of the time the contract you sign with them states that they “own” your presentation for two years. This means that if you do not like the locum tenens company or if another company is offering you more for the same hospital, you have to work with the company that presented you first. Make sure you have a written agreement between you and your locum tenens company with regard to presentations stating which hospitals the locum tenens company can present you to, with a follow-up response from the locum tenens company stating when they presented you.
4. Your recruiter is your best advocate. Make sure you get along. Make sure you have very good communication with your recruiter, who is the one who will be doing all of your scheduling and negotiating. If you do not have a good relationship, move on to a new recruiter or to a new company.
5. Have fun! Working as a locum tenens physician, in my opinion, is the best of everything combined. There are very few jobs where you can decide when you want to work, dictate your terms, and get paid well doing something you love. Locum tenens takes a little bit of getting used to; when you have it figured out, it is empowering and enjoyable. TH

Geeta Arora, MD, is board certified in internal medicine and integrative holistic medicine.

Over the past five years, I have worked as a locum tenens hospitalist with more than 12 different locum tenens companies. I have learned a lot through this process. At one point, I even considered starting my own locum tenens company because of the frustrations I was feeling about the inefficiencies of many of these companies. I would like to help those of you either already practicing as a locum tenens physician or considering practicing through this process to make it as painless as possible.

Here are my tips to be aware of when choosing a locum tenens company to work with.

1. Bigger isn’t necessarily better. There are a few companies that advertise a lot. I’m sure you are all very well aware of them. They send out many emails, call numerous times, and somehow have a banner on every website you visit. These companies tend to have large overhead costs. These costs mean that your hourly rate may be lower. Smaller companies are sometimes less efficient, but as long as you make sure your expectations are heard, they will often give you a rate that the bigger companies cannot afford.
2. State your terms. As physicians, we are often not the most business savvy. Remember that locum tenens companies exist because there is a shortage of hospitalists in some areas. We need to be able to state certain terms; if you don’t like something, then make sure you add that into your contract. For example, patient safety should always come first; make sure you establish a cap for the number of patients you are willing to see per day.
3. Be protective of your CV. Remember that locum tenens companies profit when you work, so they will want to hand out your CV to as many hospitals as possible. While they make it sound like it is in your best interest, it may not be. If a company presents you to a hospital, most of the time the contract you sign with them states that they “own” your presentation for two years. This means that if you do not like the locum tenens company or if another company is offering you more for the same hospital, you have to work with the company that presented you first. Make sure you have a written agreement between you and your locum tenens company with regard to presentations stating which hospitals the locum tenens company can present you to, with a follow-up response from the locum tenens company stating when they presented you.
4. Your recruiter is your best advocate. Make sure you get along. Make sure you have very good communication with your recruiter, who is the one who will be doing all of your scheduling and negotiating. If you do not have a good relationship, move on to a new recruiter or to a new company.
5. Have fun! Working as a locum tenens physician, in my opinion, is the best of everything combined. There are very few jobs where you can decide when you want to work, dictate your terms, and get paid well doing something you love. Locum tenens takes a little bit of getting used to; when you have it figured out, it is empowering and enjoyable. TH

Geeta Arora, MD, is board certified in internal medicine and integrative holistic medicine.

So I quit medicine.

I ended up working with a few NGOs (nongovernmental organizations) at the time, becoming the healthcare director of a medium-sized NGO. I learned the enormous amount of red tape that was scattered in that world, and I began missing medicine.

So I unquit medicine.

I decided that the best thing for me was to be my own boss. I didn’t know how to do this. As someone with absolutely no business background, I started reading about different types of work I could do where I was in charge of dictating my hours. Opening up a clinic or starting my own hospitalist group felt like being shackled down in the system again. I talked to my colleagues from residency, and they all seemed underwhelmed with the love of their jobs and overwhelmed by the number of hours that they were working. They still sounded like residents.

After getting a taste of a world outside of medicine, I realized that I had so many hobbies and interests outside of practicing as a hospitalist. I found a love of surfing, I wanted to volunteer and do medical relief work abroad, I wanted to travel the world, and I wanted to study herbal medicine and integrative holistic medicine in great depth—all while being able to keep one foot in the medical system.

That is when I found locum tenens hospitalist-based medicine. Suddenly, I could make my own schedule, decide where and when I would work, and have the flexibility to leave any given hospital if I felt as though I was being pushed into practices that would compromise patient care and safety.

It’s been four years since I began practicing locum tenens hospitalist medicine, and I have never looked back. I have been able to take up surfing more seriously; I’ve traveled around the world and continue to do so—I have been able to travel to Haiti for volunteer work and am traveling to Nepal shortly for medical relief work—and I have been able to dive deeply into integrative holistic medicine. I get to pick and choose how often I work and, most importantly, when I do work, it is an absolute joy. I can happily say I am able to give my patients the care that they deserve without feeling burnt out.

I am a big fan of the way I have decided to practice the art of medicine and can honestly say that I am enjoying my journey.

Geeta Arora, MD, board certified in internal medicine and integrative holistic medicine

So I quit medicine.

I ended up working with a few NGOs (nongovernmental organizations) at the time, becoming the healthcare director of a medium-sized NGO. I learned the enormous amount of red tape that was scattered in that world, and I began missing medicine.

So I unquit medicine.

I decided that the best thing for me was to be my own boss. I didn’t know how to do this. As someone with absolutely no business background, I started reading about different types of work I could do where I was in charge of dictating my hours. Opening up a clinic or starting my own hospitalist group felt like being shackled down in the system again. I talked to my colleagues from residency, and they all seemed underwhelmed with the love of their jobs and overwhelmed by the number of hours that they were working. They still sounded like residents.

After getting a taste of a world outside of medicine, I realized that I had so many hobbies and interests outside of practicing as a hospitalist. I found a love of surfing, I wanted to volunteer and do medical relief work abroad, I wanted to travel the world, and I wanted to study herbal medicine and integrative holistic medicine in great depth—all while being able to keep one foot in the medical system.

That is when I found locum tenens hospitalist-based medicine. Suddenly, I could make my own schedule, decide where and when I would work, and have the flexibility to leave any given hospital if I felt as though I was being pushed into practices that would compromise patient care and safety.

It’s been four years since I began practicing locum tenens hospitalist medicine, and I have never looked back. I have been able to take up surfing more seriously; I’ve traveled around the world and continue to do so—I have been able to travel to Haiti for volunteer work and am traveling to Nepal shortly for medical relief work—and I have been able to dive deeply into integrative holistic medicine. I get to pick and choose how often I work and, most importantly, when I do work, it is an absolute joy. I can happily say I am able to give my patients the care that they deserve without feeling burnt out.

I am a big fan of the way I have decided to practice the art of medicine and can honestly say that I am enjoying my journey.

Geeta Arora, MD, board certified in internal medicine and integrative holistic medicine

So I quit medicine.

I ended up working with a few NGOs (nongovernmental organizations) at the time, becoming the healthcare director of a medium-sized NGO. I learned the enormous amount of red tape that was scattered in that world, and I began missing medicine.

So I unquit medicine.

I decided that the best thing for me was to be my own boss. I didn’t know how to do this. As someone with absolutely no business background, I started reading about different types of work I could do where I was in charge of dictating my hours. Opening up a clinic or starting my own hospitalist group felt like being shackled down in the system again. I talked to my colleagues from residency, and they all seemed underwhelmed with the love of their jobs and overwhelmed by the number of hours that they were working. They still sounded like residents.

After getting a taste of a world outside of medicine, I realized that I had so many hobbies and interests outside of practicing as a hospitalist. I found a love of surfing, I wanted to volunteer and do medical relief work abroad, I wanted to travel the world, and I wanted to study herbal medicine and integrative holistic medicine in great depth—all while being able to keep one foot in the medical system.

That is when I found locum tenens hospitalist-based medicine. Suddenly, I could make my own schedule, decide where and when I would work, and have the flexibility to leave any given hospital if I felt as though I was being pushed into practices that would compromise patient care and safety.

It’s been four years since I began practicing locum tenens hospitalist medicine, and I have never looked back. I have been able to take up surfing more seriously; I’ve traveled around the world and continue to do so—I have been able to travel to Haiti for volunteer work and am traveling to Nepal shortly for medical relief work—and I have been able to dive deeply into integrative holistic medicine. I get to pick and choose how often I work and, most importantly, when I do work, it is an absolute joy. I can happily say I am able to give my patients the care that they deserve without feeling burnt out.

I am a big fan of the way I have decided to practice the art of medicine and can honestly say that I am enjoying my journey.

Geeta Arora, MD, board certified in internal medicine and integrative holistic medicine