5 Great iPhone Apps for Medical Providers

With the release of Apple's  iPhone 5, we decided to do a roundup of some recommended iPhone apps for medical providers. Here are 5 great iPhone apps to try out: 1) English - Spanish Medical Dictionary by Word Magic Software (Paid - $5.99)   With translations for both English and Spanish, this is a great tool for medical travelers and those working with a Spanish speaking population of patients. It even detects misspellings and provides...

Read More

The Benefits of Locum Tenens to Fight Physician Burnout

burn·out/ˈbərnˌout/: 1. Physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress.  In a recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine nearly half of physicians suffer from at least one symptom of burnout. The study used the psychological measurement of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) to test physician exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy. Some physicians are tired, worn out, cynical. The increasing uncertainty of the future...

Read More

Test your Critical Thinking Skills: Tough Interview Questions

As recruiters, we are always looking for ways to ensure our placements are lasting hires. There's a lot we can do prior to an interview to make sure the candidate is qualified and has a strong interest in the job, but what are we doing during the interview to test their fit? Glassdoor.com recently collected data from over 80,000 job seekers to find the toughest companies for job interviewees. (Read the article: 25 Toughest Companies for Job Interviewees) The top companies subjected interviewees to brainteasers, timed tests, and skills assessments...

Read More

Honesty Throughout the Recruitment Cycle

We’ve all heard the saying “honesty is the best policy”. It sounds so elementary but it’s actually profound. Throughout my 6 years of recruiting, I’ve found that if honesty isn’t obvious from start to finish within all aspects of the recruitment cycle, it’s likely to leave all parties involved unhappy and unsatisfied. I have found that honesty makes for long lasting and trusting relationships, builds respect and rapport, and ultimately leads to a smoother and faster business process from start to finish. I wanted to share a few honest tips that...

Read More

What is your stance on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act?

After the release of the Supreme Court’s decision last Thursday to uphold the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Americans clearly had mixed feelings about the new law. This decision was met with both excitement and disappointment nationwide. One week after the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling, one public opinion poll reported that 54% of American voters wanted the law repealed. MDLinx surveyed U.S. primary care physicians after the court ruling and found 64% of the physicians do not believe the Affordable Care Act will be able to achieve...

Read More

Should You Use a Recruiting Firm to Help with State Licenses?

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net As a locum tenens provider, having multiple state licenses can help you be more marketable for job opportunities. In obtaining multiple licenses, every state has different processes, timeframes and requirements so it may be beneficial to find a recruiting firm, such as Medestar, that will assist you with the process. Licensing and credentialing experts at recruiting firms typically provide services that include: -...

Read More

Tips for Streamlined Licensing and Credentialing

     When working locum tenens assignments, you may be required to fill out multiple credentialing applications for the different facilities in which you plan to work. Every hospital or clinic has their own credentialing process; however, many will require some of the same documents. Below are some of the standard documents you will need for credentialing in almost every facility. 1. Copies of Licenses, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration, as well as your Controlled Substance Registration (CSR): Make sure to...

Read More

FCVS-What is it and Should You Have it?

     As described by their website, the Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS) is a service available for medical providers that keeps a record of everything from diplomas to a list of hospitals a provider has received credentials in. Applicants who complete the FCVS process establish a permanent, lifetime portfolio of primary-source verified credentials that can be used throughout the applicant's career for state licensure, hospital privileges, employment and professional memberships. This service is extremely valuable...

Read More

5 Tips for Spotting a Bad Boss

A good boss can make you feel engaged and empowered at work while simultaneously identifying and helping to grow your strengths and improve your weaknesses. A bad boss, however, can quickly make your job unbearable, even when the job seems perfect on paper (and in salary). A study conducted by Baylor University further notes the effects of a bad boss by stating stress and tension caused by an abusive boss, “affects the marital relationship and subsequently, the employee’s entire family.” With these findings in mind, it is even more important to...

Read More

Some Practical Advice on Reviewing a Contract

     You are at that stage in your job search where you have found the position you’re interested in, you have made the trip to the community, met with the key decision makers, spent the afternoon with the realtor and you now have an offer in hand. Unless you minored in contract law while you were completing your medical training or have a spouse who practices law, you are now facing a rather daunting task of wading through the...

Read More

Preparing for an Interview

     Interviewing can be a stressful and trying experience. You will most likely be traveling to a new area you are not familiar with, meeting new people you do not know, attempting to make a good impression on the people you are meeting, all while trying to gather information so you can make an informed decision. It can be a daunting objective, even for an experienced interviewer. Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare...

Read More

How to Bring a Physician to Your Hospital

     A hospital recruiter’s toughest job is to bring physicians into the community. I have found the oldest rule in the book applies: People work with people they like. Doctors are no different. Yes they are enticed by the latest technology, good schools, and attractive locations but what ultimately seals the deal is the recruiter working with them. Just think about when you are trying to choose between competitors. Would you...

Read More