Dr. Jillian Merica, an emergency medicine physician, shares her story of transitioning from a middle school science teacher to a career in medicine and how locum tenens work gave her the flexibility to thrive. She explains her unconventional path, her first locums assignment in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the lessons she learned balancing family life with a demanding clinical career.

From cultural experiences to financial planning and finding permanent roles through locums, Dr. Merica offers candid advice and practical insights for anyone considering locum tenens or a career pivot in medicine.

Ready to explore your own locum tenens journey? Connect with Global Medical Staffing today at globalmedicalstaffing.com to discover assignments that fit your lifestyle.

Board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Eberechi Ekechukwu, joins us to share her journey from rural primary care to full-time emergency medicine through locum tenens work. Dr. Ekechukwu turned to locums as a flexible way to support her family, explore new places, and reclaim control over her schedule.

Dr. Ekechukwu opens up about the challenges of switching specialties, the learning curve of emergency medicine, and the freedom that comes with choosing when and where to work.

Interested in learning more about locum tenens? Check out Weatherby (weatherbyhealthcare.com) to learn more.

Physician Assistant Meg Walker has embraced the locum tenens lifestyle to gain flexibility, financial freedom, and adventure in her career. Meg shares her journey from working in underserved clinics and oncology to discovering locums as a way to balance work and life while exploring new places.

She dives into the realities of credentialing, choosing assignments, and comparing W-2 versus 1099 employment. Plus, Meg offers practical advice for PAs considering locums and explains how these experiences have strengthened her clinical skills and opened doors to unexpected opportunities.

Ready to explore locum tenens for yourself? Check out Weatherby Healthcare (weatherbyhealthcare.com).

Gastroenterologist Dr. Alex Sarkisian has built a fulfilling career through locum tenens work, all while sharing his journey and insights on social media. From early misconceptions about locums to building a multi-facility schedule that balances clinical variety and family life, Dr. Sarkisian offers a candid look at what it means to practice medicine on your own terms.

He discusses how locums has allowed him to prioritize time with his children, maintain a diverse skill set across inpatient, outpatient, and endoscopy settings, and even explore creative outlets through social media. Dr. Sarkisian also shares practical advice on contract negotiation, credentialing, and how to stay organized while working across multiple facilities.

Check out Dr. Sarkisian's Instagram account @locums_gastro to learn more about his experience with locum tenens work.

Dr. Mark Komorowski, a board-certified plastic surgeon who has successfully blended private practice with locum tenens work shares his experiences in locum tenens. With over 30 years of experience in solo practice, Dr. Komorowski shares how locums gave him a fresh perspective, renewed energy, and the flexibility to continue doing what he loves—without the administrative burden.

From trauma centers in Tacoma to assignments in South Dakota and Georgia, Dr. Komorowski reflects on the value of being a “relief pitcher,” the importance of adapting to new cultures, and the joy of reconnecting with patients through uninterrupted care. He also offers practical advice for physicians at both ends of their careers—whether you're just starting out or looking for a graceful transition toward retirement.

Ready to explore your own locum tenens journey? Visit weatherbyhealthcare.com to discover flexible opportunities that fit your lifestyle and career goals.

Today we are joined by Dr. Lisa Kennedy, a seasoned family medicine physician whose career has spanned private practice, domestic locum tenens work, and international medical service. After more than 30 years in private practice, Dr. Kennedy transitioned into locums to rediscover her passion for medicine—and to finally fulfill her dream of living abroad. From community health centers in Appalachia to a year-long assignment in New Zealand, and most recently a medical relief mission in Poland supporting Ukrainian refugees, Dr. Kennedy shares how locums has allowed her to serve underserved populations, travel with purpose, and stay connected to her family. Ready to explore your own locum tenens journey? Visit gmedical.com to discover international opportunities that fit your lifestyle and career goals.

Join us in today’s episode as we explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Helen Rhodes, a board-certified OBGYN, author, and advocate for physician empowerment. 

With a career spanning academic medicine, private practice, and locum tenens work, Dr. Rhodes shares how she navigated multiple pivots in her professional life—including returning to OB after a decade-long hiatus—and found renewed purpose through locums.

Dr. Rhodes shares about balancing motherhood with medicine, building a career portfolio, and the inspiration behind her book, The Power to Pivot. She offers practical advice for early-career physicians, residents, and anyone feeling stuck in their current role, emphasizing the value of flexibility, mentorship, and self-advocacy.

Check out Dr. Rhodes’ book, The Power to Pivot, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble—a memoir and guide for physicians seeking fulfillment and flexibility in their careers.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. John Oglesby, a board-certified OB-GYN whose career spans decades of clinical excellence, leadership, and global service. From his early days in Utah to humanitarian missions across the globe, Dr. Oglesby shares how his journey led him to embrace locum tenens work full-time.

A father of ten and passionate advocate for sustainable medicine, Dr. Oglesby discusses the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the freedom and fulfillment locums has brought to his life, and how he balances family, travel, and clinical care. Whether he's delivering babies on the Oregon coast or reconnecting with his family on a cruise, Dr. Oglesby’s journey shows how locums can be a gateway to a more balanced and meaningful life.

Ready to explore your own locum tenens journey? Connect with the experts at CompHealth to learn more about the unlimited opportunities (CompHealth.com).

In the second half of our two-part panel discussion, we continue the conversation with experienced locum tenens physicians Dr. Black, Dr. Harlan, Dr. Napier, and Dr. Valdez. This episode dives deeper into the tools, relationships, and real-life scenarios that shape their work—from the MyCompHealth portal, to navigating unexpected hospital challenges and optimizing travel for better work-life balance.

You’ll hear how strong rep support, smart scheduling, and a little humor help these doctors stay focused on what matters most—caring for patients while maintaining a healthy work/life balance. If you missed Part 1, be sure to check it out for the full story!

Interested in locum tenens? Learn more at CompHealth.com.

In this special panel episode, we sit down with four experienced locum tenens physicians—Dr. Brian Harlan, Dr. Joshua Napier, Dr. Evan Black, and Dr. Orlando Valdez—to explore what drew them to the locums lifestyle.

From military service and private practice to burnout and career reinvention, each doctor shares their unique journey into locums and how it’s helped them reclaim flexibility, autonomy, and joy in their work. Tune in to hear how locums can be a powerful career move—at any stage of your journey.

Interested in locum tenens? Check out CompHealth (comphealth.com) to learn more.