Physicians searching for more flexibility and balance in their personal and work lives and who are “locums curious” should consider attending the 2022 Locums Doc Summit — the first locum tenens event that was created by physicians for physicians.
The summit is a two-day event that promises to help physicians jumpstart a career in locum tenens. Conference host and locum tenens physician Dr. Stephanie Freeman and a cast of industry experts will explain the ins and outs of working as a locums physician from May 20-21 at Norris Conference Center in the Houston City Center.
Dr. Freeman – a board-certified critical care physician, a 14-year locum tenens veteran, and an author, speaker, and consultant – launched the summit virtually in October 2021 as a way to gauge interest in a larger event. Attendance at the inaugural event was so strong that Dr. Freeman decided to take the next step with a hybrid event combining the benefits of in-person education and networking with the easy access of virtual streaming.
Dr. Freeman says she created the summit to share her expertise and spread awareness of the benefits of locum tenens with her fellow physicians.
“I put this event together because there were no other events that were made by locum tenens physicians for locum tenens physicians. I saw a need for an event that talks about our needs as locums from people who can talk the talk and walk the walk.”
Conference events consist of several professional speakers, including doctors, lawyers, and financial experts, who will cover different aspects of working as a locum tenens physician. Topics include:
- Finances for locums doctors
- Locums travel
- How to read a locum tenens contract
- How to spot good and bad assignments
On May 19, the day before the event officially starts, the summit includes an optional VIP Day where she will conduct a six-hour virtual group coaching session. Participants will learn how to identify what they want in a locum tenens career and what to expect on their first assignment.
Forming bonds with other physicians is a key aspect of the Locums Doc Summit. As Dr. Freeman explains:
“What I want participants to take away from this event is that they don’t have to feel alone or isolated in their locums journey, and for them to realize that there is a large community of physicians who have chosen this non-traditional career path. There are many resources available to them, there is strength in numbers, and it’s okay to reach out to other locums docs and begin developing a community of others just like you.”
Locums Summit Lowdown
The event kicks off on May 20 with a presentation by Natasha Lee, CEO, and founder of staffing agency Floyd Lee Locums. With over 20 years of experience, she will give conference-goers unique insights into how to work with locum tenens agencies, as well as key things to know about the industry.
Harvey Maclin, one of two speakers to cover financial matters, is a financial planner with nine years of experience whose work focuses particularly on wealth management, investment, insurance, and retirement plans. He will be giving locum tenens physicians a roadmap on how to create a financial “blueprint.”.
Another speaker covering financial topics is Eric McGlothen. He has been an accountant for 15 years and will advise locums doctors on how to deal with specific areas of personal finance such as taxes and bookkeeping.
Dr. Jared Patton is a pediatrician and the founder of a coaching and consulting firm that focuses on helping doctors restart their careers. His speech at the conference will help attendees with their own careers as well as teach them how to remain resilient in tough times.
Dr. Mehrnaz Hadian is the first of two speakers covering legal topics. She is a board-certified critical care physician and lawyer who helps healthcare workers navigate the legal system. She will explain how to read and analyze a locum tenens contract.
The second physician touching on legal aspects is Dr. Dina Strachan, a board-certified dermatologist who sat on the board of the New York State Office of Professional Medical Conduct. She will explain how to avoid legal repercussions as a locums provider.
As any locum tenens professional knows, logistics are crucial to a successful career in locums. Dr. Yvette McQueen is an expert in emergency medicine and travel medicine and has practiced medicine in more than 40 countries. She will help locums master the art of travel.
How to Attend
- In-person attendees can converse, ask questions, and make contact with Dr. Freeman, conference speakers, and other physicians.
- Those who can’t go in person can view speech recordings online after the conference is over.
- “Early Bird” ticket prices are $497
- General admission tickets for the May 20-21 summit are $997
For more information, check the conference website.
To Autumn… and Beyond
Dr. Freeman plans to host the summit twice a year for the foreseeable future – a hybrid in-person event will take place in late spring followed by a virtual summit in the fall.
As she notes, having a streaming component opens up many more opportunities for physicians to attend, whether they’re on assignment or simply can’t get away due to work schedules. The timing of the summit – late spring and fall – coincides with seasonal changes to the job market.
“The need for an event of this kind is acute,” she says. “Doctors today face increasing turmoil, so it’s no wonder there’s an epidemic of burnout and turnover. The medical marketplace is only getting more volatile. Due to the continuing effects of the pandemic and increasing financial pressure, doctors’ offices are closing more frequently, and medical groups are losing contracts. This turmoil results in profound changes to the physician job market.”
Dr. Freeman’s prescription for docs facing these job market shifts? Locum tenens work.
“Many physicians never thought they’d have to re-enter the job market after working a more traditional schedule for so many years. This event is all about giving them choices and allowing them to take control of their careers with locum tenens. Despite temporary work increasing in popularity over the past few decades, resources for physicians considering locum tenens remain scarce. With the Locums Doc Summit, physicians will gain the knowledge and training they need to take the locums plunge – and succeed.”
