International Physician Jobs

Traveling the globe seems to be a luxurious dream that most of us will never
achieve. However, for the physician looking for an exotic change of scenery,
international employment seems more achievable than ever. A poor economy and
lack of jobs have driven many professionals to begin searching for job openings
in other countries. An international physician job could be the ticket to global
exploration.

Physicians who work internationally are privy to a first class immersion in the
culture of the chosen country. Working hand in hand with local residents, the
physician will learn alternative methods of delivering care. Additionally, many
foreign institutions are structured much differently than those you may be used
to. International physician jobs can be a unique, exciting and enriching experience.

The process of obtaining employment internationally can be rather complicated.
It is typically advised to consult a recruiter or agency that specializes in
international physician jobs. Do your research carefully and consider the reviews, references
and reputation of an agency or recruiter. A proper intermediary will be able to
consult you through the process of credentialing, medical registration and immigration,
as well as arrange your flights for interviews and assist you in getting started in
your new country. Many agencies offer available positions for both permanent
placement and locum tenens.

If you already have a specific location in mind, and wish to remain stationary,
then permanent placement international employment is probably the best choice.
However, if you are unsure or don’t want to make a permanent commitment, then
you may want to consider international locum tenens. When dealing with an
international employment agency, you could choose to arrange multiple locum
tenens to travel all over the world. What an exciting adventure!  You could work
6 months in Australia, 12 months in Dubai, and then 8 months in New Zealand or the
Caribbean. The possibilities truly are endless.

If you choose to search on your own, without the aid of an agency, it is
recommended that you begin your search directly at the source. The employing
institution can provide you with the requirements you will need to meet to be
considered for employment, and inform you of whether or not they are willing to
accept international applicants. Licensing standards vary by country, and should
be considered on a case-by-case basis. It is important to practice due diligence
while preparing for departure from your home country. Additionally, it is best to
consult customs in the country to which you plan to move for information regarding a
work visa or immigration.

Whether you’re looking for a permanent change, or just a change of pace,
international physician jobs can provide you with an enriching and exciting
experience. If you have been having difficulty finding a job in the recent
economy, employment in your specialty may be in higher demand in other parts of the
world. Just remember to do your research, and find the right help. It can be a
complicated process, with a very worthwhile reward.

 

Locum Tenens vs Permanent

Now, that you have either finished residency or are ready for a change…which position will be better for you?  A locum tenens job or a permanent position?

I will randomly list some pros and cons of each.

Locum Tenens

*let’s you explore different types of practices before you settle on one job

*allows you to travel

*not committed to one contract

*travel and lodging provided

*no benefits (health insurance, retirement, etc)

*will need to pay tax quarterly and up to over 40% and this will not be taken out automatically

*no security/stability if you plan to settle down

*great salary

PERMANENT POSITION

*secure/stable with long contracts

*will not allow for travel to different places and proctices

*benefits and retirement included

*less salary

*will need to provide living and travel expenses

*tax taken out automatically

These are the basic differences and you will need to decide based on what you desire out of the position.   Each type of position does have it’s advantages and disadvantages.  If you are in a position to travel and try out different practices, I suggest locum tenens.  If you are ready to settle in one place, a permanent position may be right for you.  Ultimately, as long as you are happy it doesn’t matter what you choose….a locum tenens position or a permanent position.

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Locum Tenens Contract: Things You Must Consider for a Locum Tenens Position

Things You Must Consider for a Locum Tenens Contract:

–    Review contract

–    Make sure contract clearly addresses payment terms, coverage of expenses, appropriate lodging, and malpractice insurance

–    “Out clause” should be offered

–    Give MD time to accomplish personal goals

–    Negotiate changes to the contract that the company offers you

–    Do not make a long-term commitment until the compatibility index has been tested practically (do short 1-2 week assignments initially if possible)

–    Adding to the contract a simple provision that requires the practice to pay you weekly

–    Tell the locums company that it or the practice must purchase the tickets, and request that all return tickets be open tickets.

–    The locums company should have a national contract with a rental car company, so the car rental can be billed directly to it.

–    Ask for a small apartment, which will allow you privacy and access to a kitchen, so you’ll be able to control your diet.  Typically, locums companies will not cover your food expenses, but if they do not supply you with lodging that allows you to control your food expenses, they should contribute to the costs.

–    If one of your reasons for doing a particular assignment is to experience a new part of the country, make sure all parties agree to that objective.  Of course you will want to meet the practice’s needs in caring for patients, but you should also have time to accomplish personal goals.

–    Make sure they send you proof of malpractice coverage before you leave for the assignment.

–    When making changes to the locum tenens contract, follow these few basic rules. When deleting a paragraph or phrase, cross it out with a single line, and initial and date the deletion.   When adding verbiage, print the information clearly and initial and date the addition. Each page of the agreement should be numbered and initialed by you in one of the lower corners.   When you are through making changes, present it to the company for its review.   Do not start an assignment until you have received a counter-signed agreement from the practice or locums company signifying that they have accepted your changes to the agreement.   The company may push you to begin an assignment without a signed agreement.   Don’t.   If you do, you may never see a signed agreement.

–    Pay for licensure

There you go…the steps you must take before signing a locum tenens contract.

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