quarterly career check-up//June 2007

Helpful Hints for Working with a Locums Agency

If you are unfamiliar with locum tenens agencies, determining which firm will best represent you can be tricky. As one of the nation’s leading physician locum tenens firms, Linde Healthcare knows what it takes to build a strong physician relationship. When choosing a locum tenens agency, it is important to consider several key factors.

1. Integrity: Locum tenens agencies that are members of the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO) are bound to uphold high standards and ethical guidelines to ensure that you will receive quality service.

2. Specialization: It’s impossible for a recruiter to fully understand your needs if they don’t understand the nuances of your field. However an agency must be able to obtain a broad array of opportunities in numerous specialties. At Linde Healthcare, each medical specialty has an exclusive group of dedicated physician recruiters to maximize the physician’s experience while maintaining a large network of clients.

3. Communication: Communication is the most important aspect of any relationship and the physician-recruiter partnership is no exception. Your initial impression of a company’s communication skills is the most important. Are they responsive to your inquiries? Can you contact your recruiter directly? Is their website fresh and useful? Are you able to have a telephone interview with the facility before your assignment begins?

4. Confidentiality: Your CV is a precious resource in your journey to find quality locum tenens assignments. You will need to find a locum tenens agency that will ask for your permission before sending your CV to be considered by facilities. This simple step will prevent your reputation from being tarnished and will enhance your chances of landing that assignment.

5. After Placement Services: Having services that continue after placement to ensure you are well taken care of are an important aspect of your locum tenens experience. Will the agency assist you with licensing, credentialing, hospital privileging, malpractice insurance, and travel arrangements?

Once a physician has chosen a firm, developing a strong relationship with a recruiter is important in order to ensure the best possible outcome for both the doctor and the agency. Here are a few key tips for maximizing this relationship:

• Be open with your recruiter. A recruiter will not only be concerned with your job, but also what makes you happy as a person.

• Be flexible. Variety is the spice of life, and being open is the gateway to something new.

• Be responsive. It is important to keep lines of communication active.

• Be selective. Working with multiple agencies may be an effective way to maximize your exposure, but be sure to choose only a few quality companies and be aware of your communication responsibilities to each.

• Maintain records. Use a portable computer to track tax information, provide your recruiter with updated paperwork and licenses, update your CV, and research future destinations.

• Be thorough. Read each contract when accepting a new opportunity and review your malpractice insurance coverage.

• Apply for Licenses. Additional state licenses will increase the number of opportunities a recruiter can present to you.

Working with a locum tenens agency can be one of the most beneficial experiences of a physician’s career. By taking your career on the road, you will have the opportunity to experience new places, gain new contacts, and make a name for yourself in the medical world. Linde Healthcare is committed to each and every doctor that chooses to work with us. Our expert recruiters are standing by, ready to work with you to achieve your career goals. Contact us today at 1-866-480-3874.