EP's working in 2 different locations

[dradams]

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Can anyone tell me if it is realistically possible to be able to work in two different locations as an ER doc? Like working most of the year in one location and then a different location for maybe a few months during the summer.

 

[mspushups]

Yes, this is why many of us choose EM... for example, I plan to work internationally for several months out of the year. This is totally do-able and our salary allows for this too! (most of the time)

 

[dradams]

Yes, this is why many of us choose EM... for example, I plan to work internationally for several months out of the year. This is totally do-able and our salary allows for this too! (most of the time)

That's great. Do you have to look for certain jobs that allow for this (like its in your contract) or can most any ER jobs be adjusted the way you want?

 

[southerndoc]

That's great. Do you have to look for certain jobs that allow for this (like its in your contract) or can most any ER jobs be adjusted the way you want?

You have to look for it up front. Keep in mind that the ED will need to find additional coverage while you are away.

 

[dradams]

You have to look for it up front. Keep in mind that the ED will need to find additional coverage while you are away.

Yeah, I kind of figured that. Thanks. Is this something that is easy to come by when job hunting or a rarity?

 

[docB]

Yeah, I kind of figured that. Thanks. Is this something that is easy to come by when job hunting or a rarity?

It's pretty common. I knew a guy who was working in Vegas, LA and Hawaii. He'd do about a week straight, then have 5-7 off then fly to the next one and start again.

The biggest disadvantage of this is that with most groups you will be considered part time (they all have different names for it, we call it part time). Which usually means you can't become a partner, are excluded from the benefits package, are not gaurenteed a minimum amount of hours each month and so on. Some groups even put the part timers on flat hourly while the full timers or partners get the productivity bonuses.

So it's actually pretty easy to do it but there are some pitfalls and disadvantages.

 

[dradams]

It's pretty common. I knew a guy who was working in Vegas, LA and Hawaii. He'd do about a week straight, then have 5-7 off then fly to the next one and start again.

The biggest disadvantage of this is that with most groups you will be considered part time (they all have different names for it, we call it part time). Which usually means you can't become a partner, are excluded from the benefits package, are not gaurenteed a minimum amount of hours each month and so on. Some groups even put the part timers on flat hourly while the full timers or partners get the productivity bonuses.

So it's actually pretty easy to do it but there are some pitfalls and disadvantages.

That makes sense. Thanks for the info. What if you worked say 10 months at one location, would it be possible to be a partner in a group or would that still be considered part-time? 🙄

 

[docB]

That makes sense. Thanks for the info. What if you worked say 10 months at one location, would it be possible to be a partner in a group or would that still be considered part-time? 🙄

Depends on the group. In my group you have to average 120 hours a month to be considered full time which is pretty low. Trying to take off for 2 months a year might be tough (to stay full time) just because it would be problematic for the schedulers. It would be worse in those months were during the summer or over the holidays.

All of this is negotiable when you join the group. You might be a able to work a deal where you stay partner eligible by making yourself more valuable by, for example, working lots of nights or other hard to fill shifts.

 

[deleted6669]

a lot of places allow for sabbaticals as well. at 1 of my jobs the docs get 1 month/yr at half pay starting yr 2(they get 2 mo yr 2 and a month/yr thereafter). if they don't use it for 6 yrs they can take 6 months off with pay. they have to stay for 1 yr after a sabbatical. it can't be traded or cashed out so it's a use it or lose it benefit.
pa's get 6 mo every 7 yrs at 1/2 pay as well.
a lot of folks use the time to study for boards but some have gone to australia to practice, etc
.

 

[EBKame]

I recently met a BIDMC faculty member at an Emergency Medicine conference in Tel Aviv who splits his time between Boston and Israel 50/50. As far as I know he does academic work while in Israel, but is employed in Boston only.