A big thank you to Global Medical Staffing for sponsoring this post! Global Medical Staffing is a locum tenens agency with a worldwide reach that places U.S. doctors in New Zealand, Australia, Guam, Saipan, the Caribbean, Canada, and of course, the United States, and are regularly expanding into new countries. This worldwide reach means that GMS is probably there if a location is peaceable.
Living and working abroad is a dream for many physicians. In fact, the adventure of international locum tenens can be an incredible experience for the entire family. While the idea may be appealing, many physicians often have questions about the nitty-gritty details of working outside the country.
Here are answers to the 10 most commonly asked questions about working international locums.
1. Can my family join me?
Absolutely! Your spouse and/or children can come along on your international assignment. Living abroad can be an enriching experience for children, with new cultures, educational experiences, and places to explore. A good locum tenens agency, like Global Medical Staffing, will help your family find the right housing and your recruiter can help pinpoint community resources that can give you guidance on how to navigate the logistics of your trip. Here’s an overview of what you can expect when sending your children to school in New Zealand.
Keep in mind that while your travel as a locum physician is usually covered, most contracts won’t cover your family’s travel and visa expenses; you’ll be responsible for those costs.
2. Can I bring my pet(s)?
The short answer is yes. However, you may want to give this a little extra thought. Every country has its own rules about prohibited breeds, quarantine requirements, and other customs guidelines you will need to research. Additionally, international travel will usually require a veterinarian examination, vaccinations, and other health tests for your pet.
The added travel expense for your pet and extra housing costs, which are typically not covered in the housing stipend, add to the extra work. Another consideration is if you think your pet will have added stress being in quarantine. For shorter international assignments, some locum physicians choose to leave their pets at home with family or friends.
Despite the costs and logistical challenges, many physicians have had great experiences bringing beloved pets on their international assignments.
3. What locations are available for international locums?
Many destinations are hiring locum tenens physicians. Global Medical Staffing offers opportunities in Australia, Canada, Guam, New Zealand, Saipan, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, among others.
The international locum tenens market is dynamic, and Global Medical Staffing is constantly adding new opportunities and destinations.
4. How long are the assignments?
Whether you’re seeking a quick adventure or an immersive experience, international locums offer a surprising range of assignment lengths. Some, like the Caribbean, offer assignments as short as one to two weeks. Guam and Saipan opportunities are usually in the range of three to six months. Assignments in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are typically six months to a year or more.
5. How do visas work for international locums?
If a work visa is required for your destination, Global Medical Staffing will secure that visa for you and can help arrange visas for your family members as well. Your spouse can apply for a visitor visa or a work visa, and school-age children can apply for a visitor visa or an education visa if you plan to send them to school while you’re there.
6. What paperwork will I need to work internationally?
Extensive paperwork is a given for any new role a physician wants to take on, and international locum tenens is no different. Every country will have its own set of requirements, but the basic paperwork will include:
- Your original medical certificate
- Certificates covering postgraduate training
- Life support certificates
- American Board or specialist certificate
- Fellowship certificate, if applicable
- Current licenses
- Your immunization records, including for TB and Hepatitis B
Depending on the country, you may also need to provide identification documentation for you and any family members who will be joining you. This may include current passports and driver’s licenses, your marriage certificate, birth certificates for children who will accompany you, and evidence of name change, if applicable.
7. How long is the application process?
Global Medical Staffing is experienced in helping physicians navigate the credentialing, licensing, and privileging process for international locums. We handle as much of the heavy lifting as possible — for example, we send prefilled credentialing paperwork to physicians and field questions from medical boards as they arise.
That said, the length of the process varies depending on the location. For U.S. territories like Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the application process can take a month or two. For other locations, the process may last up to six months. Bottom line: If you’re interested in international locums, start exploring opportunities sooner than later. Some physicians work locums domestically to bridge the gap while waiting for the application process to be completed.
8. How does malpractice work?
The medical malpractice landscape is much different outside the U.S. It varies country by country, of course, but in general, fewer cases end up in jury trials. In some countries, judges determine cases, while medical review boards oversee cases in others. Additionally, most countries have caps on damages and may require the losing party to pay the other party’s legal fees.
The most important thing to know is that your malpractice is covered, be it by Global Medical Staffing or the facility where you’ll be working. If a case does arise, the malpractice insurance will provide you with legal counsel and cover any payouts.
9. What’s housing like?
Locum physicians can expect their overseas housing to be clean and comfortable, although it likely won’t be large or filled with amenities. In some cases, the employer provides furnished housing as part of the compensation package. For very short-term assignments, housing is usually a hotel room or an extended-stay suite. For longer assignments, housing could be a leased apartment or house. For certain assignments, physicians receive a housing stipend and can opt to choose their own accommodations.
In some countries, housing may lack American-style climate control. In New Zealand, for example, older houses generally don’t have heating systems or central air conditioning. Instead, locals rely on fireplaces and space heaters in the winter and open windows and fans in the summer.
10. Do I need to set up a bank account?
For the most part, no, particularly for assignments in the U.S. territories, like the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam. You will, however, need to establish a bank account in New Zealand — otherwise, you can’t be paid or sign a lease. First, check to see if your bank has branches in the location, particularly if it is a U.S. territory. If not, Global Medical Staffing may be able to help find the answers to your banking questions for international assignments.
It’s best to begin the process a few weeks before your departure to New Zealand. You can usually get started by applying online and then activating the account when you arrive. Your Global Medical Staffing rep can walk you through the process for your particular destination.
Adventure awaits!
No matter where you decide to go, an international locum tenens assignment can revitalize your medical practice, offer new experiences, and perhaps lead to an entirely new life and lifestyle. Search international jobs at Global Medical Staffing or call 1.800.760.3174 to get started.
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Heather Stewart is a journalist who frequently covers issues and trends in the healthcare industry.
