Q&A with a Locum Tenens: Dr. Gary Kersten

When a career move appears to be on the horizon, one of the first things many medical professionals do is reach out to peers. Recommendations, advice, and questions about past experiences are all among the topics of discussion - who better to talk with about making a change than like-minded professionals?

At Health Carousel Locum Tenens, we're extremely proud of the work and dedication put forth by our locums physicians. It's that level of pride that also makes the feedback from active locum tenens extremely important to us.

Below is a conversation we recently had with one of our locums physicians, Dr. Gary Kersten. Dr. Kersten has been practicing medicine for 37 years and currently works with Health Carousel Locum Tenens recruiter Keith Meddock.

‍Health Carousel Locum Tenens: What do you enjoy about locum tenens work?

Dr. Kersten: The fact that it's not full-time. I can enjoy my other passions outside of medicine, like my kids, my grandkids, and traveling. We sold our house in Phoenix last year, and now have a home in Huntington Beach and Henderson, Nevada.

Working locums keeps my skills up. It keeps me in the loop. I don't feel like I need to be retired completely, and it's good to get out and practice medicine. The extra money once in awhile helps, too.

‍Health Carousel Locum Tenens: What is the most satisfying part of your locums work?

Dr. Kersten: I get a lot of satisfaction seeing the patients come back and experience relief from their pain. Seeing them able to do what they want to do again - that's the most satisfying thing.

‍Health Carousel Locum Tenens: Why did you choose to become a locums physician?

Dr. Kersten: I retired from my original specialty, OB, and was working in my secondary specialty at a clinic that just wasn't efficient. I saw an ad for an opportunity, and started working with my recruiter, Keith Meddock. He found me a full-time position in a facility where I worked for 13-15 months. When I decided to retire from full-time practice, he helped me find locum tenens positions on a fill-in basis. I'm now licensed in California and Colorado and fill in for a healthcare company when their regular physician needs a day off. I'm working 8-12 days a year between Colorado Springs, Phoenix, and San Diego.

I love the Colorado Springs area, and the last time I worked, I took my wife with me and we spent some extra time there just to enjoy it. When I go to Phoenix next month, I'll be taking my wife as well. We still have family and friends in that area, so we will extend that trip.

‍Health Carousel Locum Tenens: Why do you like working with Keith, you Health Carousel Locum Tenens recruiter?

Dr. Kersten: Keith is honest, friendly, respectful and very professional. If I ask him a question or have a problem, he gets right on it and has an answer back to me as soon as possible.

From the entire Health Carousel Locum Tenens team, thank you to Dr. Kersten for sharing his experiences as a locum tenens.

If you believe locum tenens might be right for your next move, contact a Health Carousel Locum Tenens recruiter today.