Why did you become a Physician Assistant?
I became a PA with the goal of pursuing a career that is continually challenging and ever changing. I have a deep love for science and medicine, and I am incredibly social and extroverted so a clinical role was a must for me. I chose PA because of the ease of transitioning between specialties if I did not like or became tired of one that I was in. Through this job flexibility, I have been able to work in hospital medicine as well as emergency medicine in my 5 years of practice and love every day the decision that I made!
What advice would you give someone starting out in your field/profession?
Go for it! Be prepared to be challenged in every aspect of life, physically and mentally, while going through it though. From flipping days/nights schedules between rotations to the countless hours of learning, you have to do it. It is not easy, but the profession is rewarding once you've made it through the training. It feels good to know you have made a difference in people's lives!
Why did you choose to work locums?
I worked a normal hospitalist job for 5 years. There were a lot of things I didn't like about it: the fixed schedule, the same old thing over and over again, being stuck in a W-2 model of compensation, the list goes on. I recently transitioned from part-time to full-time locums over the last 3 years and I cannot tell you how much it has changed my life. I chose locum tenens work for a plethora of reasons. Locum work offers a TON of freedom. You dictate when you want to work and are not typically tied to the 8-5 grind. If you want to take an assignment and work for 4-6 months and then take the rest of the year off, it's actually a viable option! Try doing that with a clinic job! Furthermore, the compensation structure is exceedingly different with 1099 style work vs W-2 employee/employer model, which allows you to be a business owner and make decisions for you and take full control of your financial situation. I have learned a ton about this and I currently have a course where I teach PA/NPs the ins and outs of travel medicine and how to manage everything from the ground up. Finally, one of the best things about travel medicine is getting to go to other parts of the country and explore! Never been to Maine? Take a contract up there and enjoy your stint! There is so much FREEDOM involved.
What do you like about CCL?
I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Cross Country Locums. They take care of their people and this is immediately evident from the first time they make contact. They are diligent in finding the RIGHT position for you no matter where it is. Whether it's close to home or across the country they have you covered. They take proper care of you when you're out by paying for lodging, travel, as well as malpractice. They credential you and take care of everything on the internal end with the hospital's medical staff office. You have a whole team of professionals working to make sure you're taken care of! My recruiter is always just a text or phone call away and is ALWAYS willing to go the extra mile for me. Now that is some serious personal care! You won't find service like this with any other group!
What do you like about working at the facilities CCL has placed you with?
CCL is in very close contact with their facilities in my experience. They have relationships set up with the facilities so they are not just sending you blind into somewhere. They KNOW you will succeed at the site before you even go! This company is hands-down one of the best I have worked with! Looking forward to continuing a relationship with them as I continue in my travel medicine career!
Locums Opportunities
If, like Ryan G., you are ready to embark on a rewarding locums adventure and reach patients who need you most, explore our locum tenens opportunities today!
