How Weatherby Healthcare transformed the lives of 30 healthcare providers
April 17, 2027
As Weatherby Healthcare turns 30, we’re spotlighting 30 providers who’ve found professional and personal satisfaction while working locum tenens. Whether it’s for the flexible schedule, extra pay, or the ability to learn new clinical skills, these physicians, NPs, and PAs are grateful to have discovered a new way of practicing medicine.
1. Dr. Saeed Akhter, urology
Dr. Saeed Akhter is a urologist who has worked locum tenens for two decades. After returning to his home in Pakistan, he co-founded the Pakistan Kidney Institute (PKI) in Islamabad. “Locums was a good option where I could come back, attend the conferences, still do locums, and meet some friends,” he says. Dr. Akhter balances his time between Pakistan and the U.S., finding locums work the ideal way to continue doing what he loves.
2. Dr. Kimberly Atiyeh, otolaryngology
Head and neck surgeon Dr. Kimberly Atiyeh wasn’t sure what she wanted to do after finishing her residency, so she used locum tenens to explore her options. "It really seemed like a wonderful opportunity for me to explore my options," Dr. Atiyeh says. This approach allowed her to work in different communities, gain valuable experience, and enjoy personal time. In between assignments, she traveled, attended family events, and even learned to scuba dive. Her experience highlights the flexibility and opportunities locum tenens can offer new physicians, ultimately helping them find their ideal career path.
Locum tenens was a wonderful opportunity for me to explore my options
3. Dr. Wiliam Barrett, general surgery
After 16 years in a traditional practice, general surgeon Dr. William Barrett sought more control over his career and life. "I think I have more of an independent mindset, and doing locums early on made me realize that I can maintain my independence,” he says. Locums has allowed him to practice in various healthcare settings, from big hospitals to small ones, and adapt to different environments. Dr. Barrett's journey highlights the flexibility and independence that locum tenens can offer, especially those looking for more balance in their professional and personal lives.
4. Dr. Umesh Bhandari, psychiatry
Psychiatrist Dr. Umesh Bhandari began working locums right after residency. He wanted to avoid the restrictive contracts and lack of growth opportunities in traditional roles. "The thought process for me was to try some locums work. You get to test drive the hospital and figure out the different nuances in patient populations, resources, and so on," Dr. Bhandari shares. This flexibility has allowed him to work across the country, from New Hampshire to Idaho, while enjoying activities like hiking, kayaking, and exploring local communities on the weekends.
5. Dr. Robert Brenner, gastroenterology
Dr. Robert Brenner, a seasoned gastroenterologist, discovered the benefits of locum tenens work after closing his 26-year practice in San Diego. Seeking flexibility and a better work-life balance, he decided to give locum tenens a try. “I decided to go on the road to do locums,” he says. “That way, I could consolidate as much work as possible into a 20-day span and then be home for about 10 days a month.” This approach has allowed him to maximize his income while enjoying quality time with his family and pursuing his passion for cycling.
I decided to go on the road to do locums. That way, I could consolidate as much work as possible into a 20-day span and then be home for about 10 days a month.
6. Dr. Jacqueline Brown, obstetrics-gynecology
After working 14 years at an academic medical center, Dr. Jacqueline Brown, an OB-GYN, decided to take a year off to travel and scuba dive. "I had always dreamed of traveling around the world. I’m a scuba diver, so I made a list of places I wanted to go diving, and that became my travel plan," says Dr. Brown. This transformative year led her to locum tenens, allowing her to manage her own schedule and rekindle her passion for medicine. Now, she practices in various settings, including rural areas where patients desperately need experienced providers.
7. Dr. Carrie Cera-Hill, dermatology
Dermatologist Dr. Carrie Cera-Hill found the perfect balance between her private practice and family life after starting part-time locum tenens work. When she opened her practice in Glendale, Colorado, she knew it wouldn't be profitable overnight, so she took on locum tenens contracts to supplement her income. "The market here is very competitive,” says Dr. Cera-Hill. “I knew I would need to supplement my cash flow in the beginning while I grew my patient base.” This approach allowed her to work in different parts of the country while still being available for her patients and family.
8. Dr. Larry Daugherty, radiation oncology
Thanks to locum tenens work, Dr. Larry Daugherty, a radiation oncologist, is able to balance his career with a whole lot of adventure. "Locum tenens has given me the freedom to pursue my passions and make a difference," he says. With this flexibility, Dr. Daugherty has not only advanced his career but also led climbing expeditions to places like Mt. Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp. His work with the nonprofit Radiating Hope has also helped improve cancer care in developing countries.
Locum tenens has given me the freedom to pursue my passions and make a difference.
9. Dr. Matthew Dothager, internal medicine
Dr. Matthew Dothager, a hospitalist, embraced locum tenens work right after completing his residency. He says some of the biggest highlights of working locums were visiting every Major League Baseball park in the U.S., traveling to Iceland, and spending quality time with family and friends. "I’ve become a better physician working locum tenens because I’ve been able to work in multiple facilities and interact with different physicians across the country," he says. The flexibility of working locums not only enhanced his professional skills but also enriched his personal life with unique experiences.
10. Sasha Dunbar, NP, family practice
Nurse practitioner Sasha Dunbar found her perfect career fit after her small-town clinic in North Carolina shut down. With nine years of experience as an RN and eight years as an NP, Sasha embraced locum tenens for its flexibility and new experiences. "With locums, I’m able to go in and do my job, give my patients what they need, and then have time after that to do what I want," she shares. This career choice has allowed her to travel, run, and try new foods, with Oregon being one of her favorite places to visit.
11. Dr. Jeffrey Frye, obstetrics-gynecology
Dr. Jeffrey Frye, an OB-GYN, has found a new rhythm in his career through locum tenens work in Hawaii. After years in a traditional practice, he sought a change that would allow him to enjoy life more fully. "I love the flexibility locum tenens provides. It’s given me the chance to work in beautiful places like Hawaii and still have time to relax and explore," Dr. Frye says. This shift has allowed him to balance his professional responsibilities with personal adventures, significantly improving his work-life balance.
I love the flexibility locum tenens provides. It’s given me the chance to work in beautiful places like Hawaii and still have time to relax and explore.
12. Dr. Ashita Gehlot, obstetrics-gynecology
Dr. Ashita Gehlot, an OB-GYN, has found the perfect balance between her career and personal life through locum tenens work. She and her husband, Dr. Hevil Shah, a neonatologist, wanted to practice medicine in the same facility or nearby, which can be challenging. "Locum tenens was super cool," she shares. "It allowed us to pay off our loans. It also allowed me to see practice models, practice styles, and sort of figure out what I really want once I do settle down." This flexibility has enabled them to travel and enjoy their time together professionally and personally.
13. Dr. Lee Green, family medicine
Born in South Africa, hospitalist Dr. Lee Green moved to the U.S. at a young age. He’s always hoped to return to his home country, but he knows paying off his med school debt on a South African physician’s salary would be difficult. Thankfully, he discovered locum tenens. “With the money I earn working locums, I can facilitate living the rest of the year in South Africa and getting paid little or nothing,” he says. As he works more assignments to pay off debt, he also has the flexibility to travel to South Africa whenever he wants.
14. Dr. Julie Long, pediatric surgery
A pediatric surgeon with 30 years of experience, Dr. Julie Long found the flexibility she’s always dreamed of through locum tenens work. This career shift has allowed her to participate in medical missions to Africa and South America, something she couldn't do in her previous job. “I wasn’t ever sure that I would get to go on even one mission trip,” she says. “Locum tenens really gives me flexibility.” Dr. Long's story highlights how locum tenens can provide the freedom to pursue both professional and personal passions.
I wasn’t ever sure that I would get to go on even one mission trip. Locum tenens really gives me flexibility to do that.
15. Dr. Robin Mangione, emergency medicine
Emergency medicine physician Dr. Robin Mangione has crafted an adventurous life by combining locum tenens work with her love for sailing. After being landlocked in Arkansas for 15 years, she and her husband, Michael, decided to live on a sailboat. "This has been a great experience for me because Michael and I have managed to travel pretty much the whole time I’ve been working with Weatherby,” says Mangione. “We’ve been down to the Keys and up the Eastern Seaboard to the Chesapeake.” Working locum tenens allows them to explore new places while Dr. Mangione takes assignments in various locales, creating a perfect blend of work and adventure.
16. Desiree Metzger-Cihelka, NP, stroke and vascular neurology
Desiree Metzger-Cihelka, a nurse practitioner specializing in stroke and vascular neurology, has leveraged locum tenens work to fuel her passion for running. She has completed marathons on six continents thanks to the flexibility of locum tenens. "I’ve always been a runner. I ran track and cross country in high school, and then just gradually kept adding distances," says Metzger-Cihelka. Choosing to do locums has allowed her to balance her professional life with her love for running, making it possible to travel the world and pursue her athletic goals around the world.
17. Dr. Franklin Mikell, internal medicine
After finishing his residency, Dr. Franklin Mikell, an internal medicine physician, discovered a new career path through locum tenens. Seeking flexibility and time to pursue a fellowship, he found working locums to be the perfect fit. "Locums gave me more flexibility because I had control over my schedule as opposed to having a set regimented schedule created by the hospital," Dr. Mikell shares. This approach allowed him to work as a hospitalist, gain valuable experience, and apply for fellowship programs, all while staying close to his family.
Locums gave me more flexibility because I had control over my schedule as opposed to having a set regimented schedule created by the hospital.
18. Dr. Jim Mock, emergency medicine
Dr. Jim Mock, an emergency medicine physician, has found a new level of professional satisfaction through locum tenens work. After over 25 years in solo practice, Mock embraced locum tenens for its flexibility and financial benefits. He shares, "One of the biggest questions people have for me is, 'Am I making a living, and is it secure?' That’s the biggest myth about locums work. If you’re a good physician and you work hard to maintain your skills, you’ll never suffer for work.” This shift has allowed him to maintain a better work-life balance while exploring different healthcare environments.
19. Dr. Pierre Moeser, rheumatology
Dr. Pierre Moeser, a dedicated rheumatologist who worked in private practice for nearly 30 years, began working locums to serve patients across the country. "Locum tenens has allowed me to bring specialized care to rural areas that need it most," he says. This flexibility has enabled Moeser to make a significant impact in underserved communities while continuing to pursue his passion for private aviation.
20. Dr. Theodore Ning, urology
Dr. Theodore Ning made a bold move after 20 years as a urologist. He retired at 50 to pursue a new passion. Inspired by his experiences in Vietnam as a U.S. Army doctor, he and his wife founded Friendship Bridge, a nonprofit reaching over 33,000 women in Guatemala. Ning balances his time between locum tenens work and supporting his organization. He enjoys the flexibility of locums, which allows him to train residents and network for his projects. Ning's dedication to both medicine and philanthropy has made a significant impact on countless lives.
21. Dr. Chinenyenwa Onyemaechi, psychiatry
Dr. Chinenyenwa Onyemaechi is a psychiatrist who wasn’t sure where she wanted to land after her fellowship — but she knew she had to find a way to start paying off her student debt. She discovered the solution with locum tenens. "Locum tenens has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally," she says. Thanks to the flexibility of her job, she's traveled to six states, volunteered with Afghan refugees, and even picked up Spanish. She’s now debt free and continues to enjoy the freedom locums provides.
Locum tenens has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.
22. Dr. Jane Park, internal medicine and pediatrics
Med-ped physician Dr. Jane Park was inspired by medical missionary stories as a child, and she had always dreamed of giving back through international medical work. "Everyone I knew who had done locum tenens had been really happy with it as a short- or long-term career plan," Dr. Park shares. In her case, working locums has allowed her to work in diverse medical settings, travel the world, and participate in meaningful medical missions in places like Kenya and Peru.
23. Dr. Joan Pellegrini, general surgery
Dr. Joan Pellegrini, a general surgeon, has embraced the adventure of locum tenens work, choosing an assignment in Alaska. After years in a traditional practice, she sought a change and found it in the rugged beauty of The Last Frontier. As she shares, "I love the adventure of it. I love the people I meet. I love the places I go.” This shift has allowed her to experience diverse clinical environments and connect with unique communities, all while enjoying the stunning Alaskan landscape.
24. Dr. Mark Quinn, critical care and pulmonology
Critical care and pulmonology specialist Dr. Mark Quinn has rekindled his passion for medicine through locum tenens work. After 20 years in a traditional practice, he appreciates locum tenens for its flexibility and variety. Dr. Quinn says, "After working locum tenens for more than two years, I can't see myself doing anything else for the next 10 years." This career shift has also allowed him to explore different healthcare settings, connect with diverse patient populations, and achieve a better work-life balance.
After working locum tenens for more than two years, I can't see myself doing anything else for the next 10 years.
25. Dr. Jeanine Ricca, obstetrics and gynecology
After facing an adverse workplace experience, Dr. Jeanine Ricca, OB-GYN, considered leaving medicine entirely. Then she found locums. "I fell back in love with practicing medicine,” she says. “I’m 100% happy that I made the decision to try locums.” She prefers taking assignments in rural areas where OB-GYNs are in high demand, and she enjoys sharing her knowledge with staff who may not be exposed to newer techniques regularly. Traveling with her two Great Danes, Ricca usually works longer contracts, which are more comfortable for both her and her furry companions.
26. Dr. Hevil Shah, neonatology
Dr. Hevil Shah, a neonatologist, is married to Dr. Ashita Gehlot, an OB-GYN. After finishing training, Gehlot worked locum tenens assignments while Shah settled into a full-time position. "You have to find a job that will make both people happy. I think that’s key," Dr. Shah says. Eventually, the couple was able to find jobs in the same city, and thanks to Gehlot’s well-paying locum tenens assignments, they paid off all of their med school loan debt, too.
27. Dr. Mohamed Sharif, psychiatry
Dr. Mohamed Sharif, a psychiatrist, initially planned to work in telepsychiatry after he finished his residency. However, he quickly realized it wasn't the right fit. "Locums essentially rescued me from telepsychiatry," Dr. Sharif says. The flexibility of locum tenens allows him to work 18 days on and then have 11 days off, giving him ample time to spend with his family. This balance has made his professional and personal life more fulfilling.
28. Dr. Maurice Sholas, pediatric physical rehabilitation
Dr. Maurice Sholas, a pediatric physical rehabilitation specialist, has made a significant impact in his hometown of New Orleans. Born in Louisiana, Dr. Sholas always felt a deep connection to his home state. "My heart and home have always been here," he shares. After extensive training and practice across the country, he returned to New Orleans to help at-risk children. Dr. Sholas also founded emPOWER NOLA, a nonprofit aimed at improving community health and addressing systemic issues. By choosing to work locum tenens assignments, he has the flexibility to continue his work with his nonprofit, caring for even more patients in the process.
29. Dr. Steven Swancoat, obstetrics and gynecology
Thanks to locums, Dr. Steven Swancoat found the perfect balance between his career as an OB-GYN and his passion for art. Inspired by his father, Dr. Swancoat began painting during his medical school years in New York City. "Locums gave me a new life. It gave me the opportunity to continue to do medicine and also pursue my artistic endeavors," he shares. The flexibility of locum tenens has allowed him to hold solo exhibitions, participate in art fairs, and even travel internationally to showcase his work, all while maintaining his medical practice.
Locums gave me a new life. It gave me the opportunity to continue to do medicine and also pursue my artistic endeavors.
30. Dr. Duane Webb, gastroenterology
Gastroenterologist Dr. Duane Webb found a new purpose after retiring by diving into locum tenens work. After finishing a three-month sailing trip to Alaska, he realized retirement wasn't for him. "I got a little restless and felt I needed to return to the workplace, not wanting to lose my skills," Dr. Webb says. He appreciated how welcoming facilities were to locum physicians, making his transition to temporary work smooth and positive. Now, Dr. Webb enjoys working two weeks per month, allowing him to maintain his professional skills while having ample time for personal pursuits.
Interested in how locum tenens can transform your life? Weatherby Healthcare has the expertise to help you find the assignments that are right for you. Give us a call at 954.343.3050 to speak with a consultant or view today’s locum tenens job opportunities.
This summary article was created with the assistance of AI technology.
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