Like most residents, Dr. Saher Choudhary concentrated on her training and learning as much about her chosen specialty of neurology as she could. Part of her training, however, required attendance at career sessions. Dr. Choudhary recalls hearing about locum tenens jobs for the first time at one of these meetings.
“We had a lecture series about private practices, hospitalist jobs, and various other types of jobs available to doctors after residency, which is when locum tenens was talked about,” she says.
Meeting her needs
Initially, she didn’t pay the subject too much attention, but as the end of her residency approached, Dr. Choudhary began to seriously contemplate her professional possibilities. By the time she finished residency, Dr. Choudhary had done more research into locum tenens and different staffing companies. She felt confident it was the path she wanted to follow.
“I was in a place in my life that I didn’t want to settle into a permanent job because I knew I was only going to be living in that particular city for a short period of time. I didn’t want a permanent contract and then have trouble getting out of it if the need to move arose. Locums was a good way to work and get experience without a long-term commitment,” she recalls.
From 2012 to 2015, Dr. Choudhary agreed to various assignments. At one point, she accepted a permanent position but continued to take on temporary contracts from time to time. Then early last year, she decided to make locum tenens her full-time career.
“For now, I’m really enjoying being able to practice neurology without the other worries or the business of medicine. I’m able to prioritize my patients and not have to worry about the more administrative end of medicine,” she says. “It’s been a great way to rediscover my joy of neurology.”
Dr. Choudhary practices as both a neurologist and neurology hospitalist in inpatient and outpatient facilities.
Relying on integrity
Throughout her four years of fulfilling locum tenens contracts, Dr. Choudhary has primarily partnered with Weatherby Healthcare.
“Having talked with other companies and having tried to work with other companies, I find Weatherby Healthcare has made an effort to assign me jobs that meet my criteria, and not just fill spots,” she explains. “To me, Weatherby Healthcare has a lot of integrity, which I think is remarkable. They look for what’s best for the client on the hospital side and what’s best for the physician.”
Dr. Choudhary also says her consultant, Matt, routinely demonstrates concern beyond just finding her contracts to consider. She appreciates the fact that he strives to make sure she’ll be happy in the position without having to deal with the added logistical locum tenens burdens.
“He tells me, ‘Take care of yourself and your patients, and we’ll take care of everything else.’ It’s nice to know they care about the patients. That’s a standup quality,” Dr. Choudhary says. “I really feel Weatherby Healthcare has put the focus on the patient care and providing both clients and physicians with the best fit. Also, with as many times as I’ve talked to him, I feel like Matt’s become a friend.”
Locum tenens presents possibilities
Now that she’s accepting contracts full time, Dr. Choudhary prefers assignments that run a few months at a time so she can more closely see how facilities operate. She’s then able to decide on her next career move, whether that’s another locum tenens opportunity or a full-time job.
“Even while I’m doing locum tenens, I’m open to going permanent at a hospital system if it’s a good fit and the location is a good fit. I’m not closing the door on the possibility,” she says.
Want to try something new? Check out our open locum tenens neurology jobs — and read Dr. Simran Kalra’s story about achieving flexibility as a locum tenens provider as well.
