Took a Leave Of Absence from Anesthesia - Impossible to Return?

[confusedanes]

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Hello, I have taken an extended leave of absence (over five years) from anesthesiology and need suggestions on getting back into practice. I'm board certified and in good standing with my state medical board. I'm finding it very difficult to find a way back.

I called a few structured physician re-entry programs, but they seem to be geared toward primary care physicians. Does anyone know any programs that will help physicians get back into practice?

I'm considering the military as an option. Any suggestions from those experienced in anesthesia in Air Force, Navy or Army environments. Not sure which military branch would be best.

Any other suggestions anyone could offer would be great.

Thanks!

 

[2ndyear]

How about a fellowship? You could do one of the traditional ones, but there are also a bunch of non-accredited fellowships such as ambulatory, regional, 'advanced clinical', vascular, and others.

 

[Masseter Spasm]

Not uncommon to "re-train" in anesthesia after absences related to family or health reasons. Some academic departments have "department fellowships" to re-expose you to current anesthesia practices. If your reasons for taking an absence are legitimate (not related to misconduct), I would investigate these opportunities.

 

[BDanes]

What about trying to get a job in academics? I could easily see somewhere allowing you to come in and shadow some people for a little bit to get your legs under you. Then you could ease into the work flow. At least you wouldn't have to forgo an entire year of attending salary (fellowship), and could ease in at your own pace.

Most academic institutions are always looking for good non-FMG physicians.

That would be what I'd try. Unless you really want a fellowship.

 

[aredoubleyou]

VA. As long as you have a pulse.

I kid, I kid. Ok, maybe not.

The fellowship idea sounds reasonable if you cant get a job elsewhere. The job markets a lot different now than when you left 5 yrs ago unfortunately.

 

[tucker27705]

Maybe doing a few locum gigs would get you back in. I am not sure because I never really pursued this, but my guess is that the people looking for fillers may be a bit more lenient on the applicants than those looking for someone to join their group permanently. No offense, but I'd have no interest in taking someone into our group who has been out as long as you. Especially in this environment. Again, I don't mean to hurt your feelings, but you should know the truth--and I'm sure you already do. Thus, looking at the less competitive options may be all you have at this stage.
Tuck

 

[GoodmanBrown]

Maybe doing a few locum gigs would get you back in. I am not sure because I never really pursued this, but my guess is that the people looking for fillers may be a bit more lenient on the applicants than those looking for someone to join their group permanently. No offense, but I'd have no interest in taking someone into our group who has been out as long as you. Especially in this environment. Again, I don't mean to hurt your feelings, but you should know the truth--and I'm sure you already do. Thus, looking at the less competitive options may be all you have at this stage.
Tuck

If someone has been out for 5 years, and A) does a fellowship, B) works VA for 2-3 years, or C) goes academic for 2-3 years, does that person come out fresh and clean? Or is there always going to be a black mark against them for that missing 5 year mark?

Locums seems to carry a certain stigma against it that seems to me like it wouldn't be in the OPs best interest long-term. Am I off-base here? Several members have commented on feeling like locums are sub-par.

 

[Jeff05]

http://msmc.affinitymembers.net/simulator/main.html

go to retraining program section

 

[Jay K]

Second the academic route for retraining as an attending. Typically you'll do 2-4wks "as a resident without call" under tutelage of another attending then start in attending duties over residents while picking things up again. I have seen it done. You will have to put in some time at the academic institution and earn some rec's, but I think it will be your best option.