Month: November 2024

Working at a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital offers healthcare professionals a unique and fulfilling career path. Physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), and related specialists can find numerous advantages in serving those who have served our nation. From comprehensive benefits to a supportive work environment, the VA provides a platform for both personal and professional growth.

Comprehensive Benefits and Competitive Compensation

The VA offers a robust benefits package designed to support healthcare professionals throughout their careers. This includes 13 to 26 days of paid annual leave, 13 sick days annually with unlimited accumulation, 11 paid federal holidays, and 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Additionally, up to 15 days of leave are available for active reservists and National Guard members.

In terms of compensation, VA physicians receive competitive salaries. For instance, across the U.S., VA physicians earn an average base salary of $250,000, which is comparable to the national average for physicians. They are also eligible for performance bonuses of up to $15,000 annually. Pay rates are subject to regular cost-of-living increases, with additional raises based on tenure.

Student Loan Repayment Programs

The VA recognizes the financial burden of medical education and offers programs to alleviate student loan debt. The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) provides up to $200,000 in student loan repayment for healthcare professionals committed to serving Veterans. For physicians-in-training, the Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program (SELRP) offers up to $160,000 over four years.

Work-Life Balance and Flexibility

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a priority at the VA. Healthcare professionals have access to flexible scheduling, work-from-home options, and the ability to work anywhere in the U.S. with one active license. This flexibility allows for a more balanced lifestyle, accommodating personal and family needs.

Professional Development and Research Opportunities

The VA is committed to the continuous professional development of its staff. Healthcare professionals have access to a variety of educational incentives, scholarships, and loan repayment programs to support their growth. Additionally, the VA conducts thousands of studies annually, contributing significantly to advancements in healthcare for Veterans. This environment fosters innovation and offers professionals the chance to engage in groundbreaking research.

Serving a Unique and Deserving Patient Population

Working at a VA hospital provides the opportunity to serve a unique patient population—our nation’s Veterans. This patient group offers diverse medical cases, allowing healthcare professionals to apply and expand their skills in various specialties. The sense of purpose derived from serving those who have served the country adds a profound dimension to the healthcare profession.

Addressing Staffing Needs and Making an Impact

The VA has identified significant staffing shortages in various clinical and non-clinical occupations. For instance, as of December 2022, there were 23,448 physicians on board in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), with a 12.9% vacancy rate. This shortage presents an opportunity for healthcare professionals to make a substantial impact by joining the VA and contributing to the delivery of quality care to Veterans.

Conclusion

A career at a VA hospital offers healthcare professionals a unique blend of benefits, professional growth opportunities, and the profound satisfaction of serving those who have served the nation. The VA’s comprehensive benefits package, student loan repayment options, work-life balance, and research opportunities make it an attractive choice for physicians, NPs, and related specialists. For healthcare professionals exploring a career change, Momentum Healthcare Staffing provides additional pathways and support to find the ideal role within the VA system or other healthcare settings. By joining the VA, professionals can advance their careers while making a meaningful difference in the lives of Veterans.

Sources:

va.gov

vacareers.va.gov

Otolaryngologists, also called ENTs, treat a wide range of issues pertaining to the ears, nose, and throat. They are known as ear, nose, and throat doctors.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a strong positive light to the ENT community. At that time, clinicians worked quickly and well with local networks. Digital technology was increased with the use of telemedicine, improving patient care. Information was generated on how services should be handled differently to reduce infections regarding ENT surgeons and procedures producing aerosols. ENTs were a leading force in world change at that time. Their research and publications on how to render services safely have impacted how the medical community functions today.

ENTs for OSA

Aside from the challenges of the pandemic shutdown, ENTs treat thousands of patients daily for many ailments, ranging in demographics from pediatrics to geriatrics. In addition to allergy and sinusitis cases, hearing loss solutions, and removing a small piece a child has inserted into one of their passageways, sleep disorder treatments are at the forefront of ENT’s daily demands. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) disrupts breathing patterns and affects ear, nose, and throat health. ENT’s expertise with these symptoms is crucial as sleep deprivation is detrimental to life. Analyzing how breathing obstruction affects the tonsils, soft palate, and adenoids, as well as anatomical anomalies causing airway narrowing, this knowledge and skill set is vital to supporting daily human functioning. Collaborating with sleep health specialists, ENTs determine how to treat these conditions, including the possibility of surgery.

ENTs for Treating Hearing Loss

In addition to OSA, the main issue facing ENTs is hearing loss. Today, we understand that age-related hearing loss does not start when a person is 60 or 70 years old. In reality, people in their 30s begin experiencing gradual hearing loss. Depending on the degree and type of hearing loss, as well as the shape of the ear, hearing aids can drastically improve hearing. They are the standard “go-to” for treating hearing loss. Today’s technological advances include clipping a piece on your ear that communicates to a computer system. Background noise could be eliminated through a device at places such as restaurants or theaters where low-level background noise is prevalent. With ENTs studying how diseases function and symptoms can be bypassed, audiologists, psychologists, engineers, architects, and health advocates have come together to improve communication for people with hearing loss.

AI in ENT Patient Care

Advances in AI programs are promising for ENT patient care. Visual art images that allow patients to identify symptoms that are difficult to describe have aided in diagnosis and alleviated suffering. Medical illustrations customized to patient experience help relay concepts, information, and support. Generative AI has been helpful with counseling for rhinoplasty, and some AI applications have proved beneficial in identifying clinically important information, such as detecting extra nodules on diagnostic imaging. While many clinicians currently use AI voice recognition software for transcribing dictated notes and scheduling tools, AI is also used in simulation-based surgical training to teach skills assessment and provide structured feedback. AI algorithms have begun to show the ability to predict risk and prognosis for oral cavity, thyroid, and laryngeal cancers. Evolving AI includes endoscopic narrow-band imaging and noninvasive diagnosis of malignant lesions. These cutting-edge applications lend support to clinical decisions on many levels, including improving future otolaryngology head and neck surgery.

What Specialties are Hot Right Now?

The otolaryngologist job market is changing. Most ENTs are reaching retirement age, and replacements are in short supply.

Specialties within the field include:

Rhinologists (treat the nose and sinuses)

Laryngologists (treat the throat, including the larynx and the voice box)

Otology and Neurotology (treats outer and inner ear, mastoid, and surrounding areas)

Audiologists (treat hearing and balance)

and more.

These jobs are critical to public health. If you or anyone you know is considering a career in the medical field, consider Otolaryngology.

Permanent and Locum Tenens ENT Job Openings Available Now

We need ENTs! Look to Momentum to find that latest and greatest opportunities for ENTs across the United States. Whether you’re a seasoned specialist or just starting your medical career, Momentum has the latest and greatest ENT job openings available nationwide. Join the frontline of healthcare innovation—find your next career move with us today!

The healthcare landscape is evolving, and for Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB-GYNs), locum tenens positions offer a unique pathway to enhance career satisfaction. These temporary assignments provide flexibility, diverse clinical experiences, and a wealth of opportunities for professional growth.

Understanding Locum Tenens

Locum tenens, meaning “to hold the place of,” refers to physicians who temporarily fill roles in various healthcare settings. For OB-GYNs, this can mean stepping into positions across different hospitals, clinics, or private practices, often to cover for staff shortages, leaves, or during recruitment periods.

Benefits of Locum Tenens for OB-GYNs

Flexibility and Work-Life Balance

One of the primary advantages of locum tenens work is the control over your schedule. OB-GYNs can select assignments that fit their personal and professional needs, allowing for a healthier work-life balance. This flexibility can help prevent burnout, enabling you to continue practicing medicine without compromising personal well-being.

Diverse Clinical Experience

Working in various settings exposes OB-GYNs to different patient populations, medical practices, and healthcare systems. This diversity enhances clinical skills and adaptability, making physicians more versatile and experienced. Additionally, this exposure broadens one’s perspective on healthcare delivery and patient care, enhancing cultural competency. (National Institutes of Health)

Competitive Compensation

Locum tenens positions often offer higher pay rates compared to permanent roles. The average income for locum tenens OB-GYNs averages to around $125/hour, contributing to better financial stability and the opportunity to pay off debts faster or invest in long-term financial goals.

Professional Independence

Locum tenens work allows OB-GYNs to choose assignments, negotiate terms, and direct their career paths. This autonomy fosters greater job satisfaction and a sense of control over one’s professional journey.

Current Demand for Locum Tenens OB-GYNs

The demand for locum tenens OB-GYNs is strong across the U.S., with demand particularly high in underserved areas. This trend is expected to continue, especially in the Midwest and Southeast, where rural hospitals face shortages of specialized providers.

Considerations Before Pursuing Locum Tenens

While the benefits are compelling, it’s essential to consider certain factors:

Licensing and Credentialing: Working in multiple states may require obtaining additional medical licenses. Understanding each facility’s credentialing process is essential.

Adaptability: Success in locum tenens roles depends on the ability to quickly adapt to new environments, electronic health records systems, and team dynamics.

Travel Requirements: Assignments may require travel, which can be both an opportunity and a challenge, depending on personal circumstances.

Getting Started with Locum Tenens

For OB-GYNs interested in exploring locum tenens opportunities:

Research Licensure Requirements: Ensure all required medical licenses and certifications are current and meet the requirements for states of interest.

Prepare Documentation: Have your certifications, malpractice insurance, and other essential documents accessible for streamlined onboarding.

Define Your Preferences: Consider types of facilities, locations, and assignment durations that align with your career goals and personal life.

Conclusion

Locum tenens positions offer OB-GYNs a valuable pathway to diversify their careers, achieve work-life balance, and experience diverse clinical environments. By exploring these opportunities, OB-GYNs can enhance their professional skills, broaden their expertise, and make a meaningful impact on communities with critical healthcare needs.

Sources:

aamc.org
ziprecruitier.com
openai.com