We speak with Dr Gideon Ptasznik and ask him how it has been to work locum with Medic Oncall.
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Table of Contents
Why did you decide to become a locum doctor?
I am completing a Masters of Surgery through Research at Monash University. Research, unfortunately, pays as well as a flat earth scientist. Therefore, locum work allows me the flexibility to work around my research schedule. I love it.
What attracted you to locum with Medic Oncall?
I like the team I work with is small and familiar.
Think back to when you first registered with Medic Oncall, how was the overall process from registering to getting your first locum shift?
There was a little bit of paperwork at first. However, once your set up its easier than Sunday mornings.
What do you think makes a great locum doctor?
I think it’s less about being incredibly knowledgeable and more about being a peoples person. You need to be incredibly respectful of each new workplace you enter in order to rapidly gain the trust of the team who otherwise don’t know you from a bar of soap.
What have you learned about yourself through the locum work that you do?
I think I have mellowed a fair bit. Coming from a surgical and trauma background I was typically quite tough and put up a bit of a wall. I naturally did this to set a standard to make my life easier when I did such gruelling hours on call. I found this is really toxic in a locum capacity. The more I put my wall down the easier the locum shifts became. I now speak to every nurse on the floor and look for work. At the end of the day, it makes the shifts a lot easier because it develops a good trust system.
What are the three main benefits of working as a locum?
Flexibility, Flexibility and Flexibility.
How has locum work affected your personal life and work-life balance?
I can prioritise time off vs income when it suits my research life.
What should doctors be looking out for when searching for a locum work provider?
A provider that knows your preferences, i.e. a base rate that you’re willing to work for / which areas you feel comfortable in.
Can you tell us about your most memorable location you have worked at as a locum? Why was it so memorable?
Any covid work with Danielle Poole. Medic Oncall don’t just use their doctors to plug holes. They seek your advice on certain projects and collaborate for the greater good of a project. It was much more rewarding than a casual lucrative locum job. Danielle was incredible and fun to deal with.
What advice do you have for new doctors?
Don’t seek the most lucrative job. Stick to what you know and what you’re comfortable with. Locum work is not the best place to learn difficult medicine. You still learn, but it’s more in the realm of professional development.
Lastly, you will never regret calling the consultant 24 hours after the shift.
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