November, 2007 Archive

Collect these documents once. You’ll need them for locum tenens and everything else.

sshanley — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Whether you are just completing your training, considering locum tenens work, or ready to interview for permanent jobs, it makes sense to gather and keep copies of the following documents in a secure, accessible place. You will need them to receive privileges in just about any new position and to apply for new state licenses. And should you venture into the fast-paced world of locum tenens, you will want to have them on hand (with copies in our files) when the assignment of your dreams comes along.

Birth certificate (if born in the U.S.), naturalization papers, or proof of U.S. employment eligibility
Marriage license/name change documents (if applicable)
Six (6) legal passport photos for licensing and staff privilege applications
Copy of undergraduate diploma
Copy of medical school diploma
Copy of National Boards certificate or other initial licensing exam scores
Copy of all post-graduate training certificates:
- Internship
- Residency
- Fellowship (if applicable)
Copy of specialty board certification(s) and recertification(s) (if applicable)
Copy of current DEA registration
Copy of all state licenses, both active and inactive (your wall certificates and wallet cards)
Copy of state controlled substance registrations (if applicable)
Copy of ECFMG certificate (if applicable)
Copy of ACLS/ATLS/BLS/NALS/PALS/NRP/MSQA certificates (as applicable)
Copy of military separation papers (i.e. DD214) (if applicable)

Each state has unique requirements for licensure. Some require notarized copies, others have specific wording that must be added before documents are notarized. Still others accept simple copies. VISTA’s licensing team can help you streamline the process according to the requirements of the specific state you wish to be licensed in. Don’t hesitate to call us or complete this brief contact form!

Favourites and must-do's for alla y'all wanting to visit New Zealand

kchen — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 08:36:24 -0700

After a year in locum tenens assignments in New Zealand—hers in family medicine in Otautau, his in psychiatry in Invercargill—Kimball Chen and Amy Mullen have scoped out the highlights of what they call the sweetest place on the planet. From the best half-day hike to optimal weather conditions for a helicopter glacier tour to glow-worms dangling from the walls of a cave, they have made the most of their work and play time. And through the glory that is Google, they have created a detailed map with photos, directions, commentary, and unbridled enthusiasm that is sure to increase tourism in the south island. Ha! Be careful what you wish for, for you may get it!
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After a quick vacation (vacation?) they have returned to work another year in their respective assignments. Click here to view their map and share the adventure.
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Comfort/timing/price=the optimum equation for locum tenens travel

bmoland — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Globalization—notwithstanding Starbucks and The Gap and Abercrombie and Fitch—has a positive side. It has made travel simpler and much less intimidating. Find baggage claim at SUX and you can find it at LAX. Return a rental car at SeaTac and you can return one at Miami International. Learn to navigate your home airport and you can pretty much make it through any airport in the world.

Of course it helps to have a great team paving the way for you. VISTA has a three-person, in-house travel team. We book flights, reserve rental cars, and arrange for short-, mid-, or long-term housing while physicians are on assignment with us in the US, Australia, or New Zealand.

Our goal is to find the optimum balance between comfort and timing for physicians, and affordability for the hospitals and practices in which you work. We understand that practicing medicine is what you do best, and that you do it best if you feel safe, comfortable, and in control of your situation. That’s why we always work to accommodate your requests and special needs. (We recently booked travel and housing for a physician traveling with six Coin Parakeets—we can handle just about anything!)

On the flip side, the most important thing you can do to make your locum tenens travel successful and less stressful is GET TO THE AIRPORT ON TIME! I know there are factors beyond every traveler’s control, but if you can get in the habit of arriving early enough to complete the last task on your to-do list on the premises instead of at home or on the way you will save yourself, your team, your colleagues, and yes, your travel agents a lot of heartache. So make a plan to shine your shoes, get cash, check your email, stop for coffee, call your mom, or clean out your briefcase once you are through security and in the relative vicinity of your gate.
If you miss a flight or your flight is delayed or cancelled, the most important thing to do is get in line for a ticket agent. Run, don’t walk. And call us from the line. The on-site agent may have more information or options to help you. Conversely, we may be able to act more quickly. Either way it’s best to cover both bases. Happy traveling!

Time flies. Keep up.

gkitching — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:25:09 -0700

It is not easy—when you have been in medicine for a long time and worked in a lot of places—to get through all the documentation material and pick up a new license or two when you decide to sign up to work with locum tenens staffing agencies. But (VISTAites) Bessie Thornton, Chris Taylor and Sean Clark have been very good to me and have found me good situations to work in. It does take some focus and attention to keep the work situation going while making sure you have the time you need to climb, hike, fish, ski, play tennis, golf and keep the house from falling apart. My move to Colorado has accentuated the way time flies with the change of seasons vs. living in California where there is little change of season. Makes it more important to keep your scheduling skills sharp and VISTA has been a big help to me.
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My daughter and I climbed Capitol Peak August 2007.

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Climbing Mt. Elbert, October 2007.

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Aspen glow in the Andes, from our skiing trip to Portillo, Chile.