Author: Nomadobgyn

I am an Ob/Gyn, Health Equity Advocate, Food Enthusiast and Adventure Seeker

Locums Lessons

Tidbits from the Road

May 24, 2017 by 0 Comments

Lessons Learned:  Every Cloud has a Rainbow

  1. Less is More. I still am not efficiently packing.  Because I often transition from a work assignment to leisure travel or a national meeting/conference, I tend to pack a variety of clothes and shoes.  As I continue doing locums, I hope to pare down my wardrobe to be able to carry all the basics for any occasion into a carryon bag.
  2.  Eating well on the move. Short assignments are the most difficult.  Grocery shopping for 2-3 days can be challenging.  Most extended stay hotels have refrigerators and some have microwaves, but stovetops or ovens are uncommon.  On these type of assignments, I tend to eat out more which is not fiscally or health conscious.  Longer assignments, greater than a week, usually allow accommodations that include a stove and oven, which permits me to cook at home.
  3.  Thankfully, most hotels have an onsite gym.  My fitbit has been a great addition in helping me to track my exercise but also to use pre-programmed fitness routines to follow in a crunch.  Depending on the location, I try to find local gyms, the YMCA or community centers that allow short term passes, memberships or class packs.  It has been a great way to spend my off time and allows me to interact with the community in a non-clinical capacity.
  4.  Car rentals. USB ports and Bluetooth access are a must.  I spend a great deal more time driving than I have in the past.  Not driving during the course of the work week, but driving to assignments that are often 1-2 hours for the nearest airport.  This being the case, I use my car time to catch up with family and friends.  The USB ports allow me to charge my phone for both talk time and GPS utilization while driving.  Since I am driving alone, having the in car Bluetooth gives me one less device to keep up with and keeps me safe and hands-free!
  5.  Health Insurance. Aaargh!  The greatest barrier for me to initially obtaining health insurance was my nomad status.  I now belong to a health share organization that I hope will cover my needs.  I’ll have to write a more detailed post on this issue later, especially as the policies around health insurance coverage are rapidly changing.
Ferry ride to Anguilla
Life Lessons

First Step… Should I Quit?

May 16, 2017 by 3 Comments
Miles City, MT

Traditionally a very private person, writing a blog is a little uncomfortable to me.  I usually am very guarded about what I share and with whom.  I spent several months agonizing over my next step.  I actually liked my job overall, but I knew it wasn’t taking me in a direction I wanted to go…  I talked at length with a friend and co-worker, as to why I couldn’t be satisfied with a good job.  I wanted something more, something different.  With all the online job searches and networking receptions, cold calls to potential mentors and advisors, I still couldn’t find the right fit.  I was faced with the decision to stay until I discovered the right fit or ask another question. Is it possible to create my own position, forge the path to be my own boss?  When I was trying to decide if I could leave the cruise ship for the kayak, I decided to test the usefulness of the “machine”.  I googled it!

“Should I Quit “ led me to some interesting sites.  One of the most useful, included a quiz, entitled “Should I Quit”.  How helpful!  The quiz itself didn’t tell me anything I didn’t already know, but the lovely free emails that followed were quite informational.  Scott’s personal journey, which included worldwide travel, definitely inspired me.  Just by happenstance that spring, I was asked to write a blog for a professional organization, for which received some positive feedback.  So, when I opened Scott’s email about blogging as a personal discovery process, I figured I’d at least consider it.  I also loved the title of his website “Live Your Legend”.