Tips for Maintaining Quality CPD as a Locum: Your Guide to Thriving in the Locum Lifestyle

Keeping your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) up-to-date is crucial for any doctor, but it can be especially challenging for locums who are constantly on the move. At Blugibbon, we understand the unique needs of locum doctors, and we're here to help you navigate the CPD landscape and make the most of your professional development opportunities.

Master the Core Competencies

As an Emergency Medicine locum, staying up-to-date with essential courses is paramount. This includes:

• Advanced Life Support (ALS2)
• Emergency Management of Severe Trauma (EMST):
• Emergency Medical Training (EMT)
• Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS)

While these courses may seem repetitive as you progress in your career, maintaining current certifications streamlines the credentialing process for locum positions, making your life easier.

Elevate Your Practice at Top Conferences

Attending high-quality conferences isn't just about ticking CPD boxes; it's about immersing yourself in the latest advancements and connecting with like-minded professionals. Consider these renowned events:

• SMACC (Social Media and Critical Care):
• CODA (Critical Care and Emergency Medicine):
• ACEM Annual Meeting:
• Rebel EM:
• University of Toronto

Expand Your Skillset with Specialised Courses

Boost your clinical competencies and marketability by investing in specialised training. Here are a couple of examples:

• Ultrasound Training: The Australian Institute of Ultrasound on the Gold Coast offers fantastic courses relevant to various specialities. More info can be found here: https://www.aiu.edu.au/
• Echocardiography Course: Nepean Hospital provides this essential course for those in cardiology or critical care. Here is a link to their page that can help you through the study: https://www.nepeanicu.org/education-topics/basic-echo

Harness the Power of Social Media for CPD

Social media isn't just for cat videos and holiday snaps. It's a treasure trove of CPD opportunities! Follow influential leaders in your field and engage with these online communities:

• Blogs and Facebook Pages: Numerous blogs and Facebook pages are dedicated to critical care and emergency medicine education.
• Online Communities:
• SMACC
• EmCrit
• Rebel EM
• Dr. Smith’s ECG Blog
• EKG Club on Facebook
• Twitter: Many doctors across various specialities share insights and updates on X, Formally  Twitter, making it a valuable platform for staying informed.

Do's and Don'ts of Locuming as a Trainee

Embarking on your locum journey can be both exciting and daunting. Here's some friendly advice to help you find your footing and make the most of this unique experience:

Don't:

• Lock Yourself into Long Contracts at the Start: It's tempting to secure a lengthy contract for the peace of mind it brings. But as a trainee, those initial locum experiences are invaluable for exploring different hospitals and discovering what works best for you. Short-term assignments let you dip your toes in various waters before committing to a longer stay.

Do:

• Embrace the Exploration Phase: Treat your early locum experiences as a chance to experiment and find your groove. Each hospital has its own unique culture, systems, and support structures. Try out different places until you identify the ones that resonate with your learning style and provide a comfortable, safe working environment. If it doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to move on to the next adventure!
• Build Relationships and Consistency: Once you've discovered hospitals where you thrive, consider establishing a regular work pattern. This not only provides a sense of stability but also allows you to build rapport with the team, become familiar with the systems, and truly integrate into the hospital community.

Remember, the locum journey is all about finding what works for YOU. Be open to new experiences, trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to ask for help along the way. Blugibbon is here to support you at every stage, ensuring you have the tools and guidance to thrive in the dynamic world of locum medicine.

Did You Know... About CPD and Taxes?

• All CPD expenses are tax-deductible. This includes course fees, conference registrations, travel, accommodation, and even meals.
• Strategically plan your CPD. Choose courses and conferences in locations and at times that align with your personal life. Want to escape the Melbourne winter? Combine CPD with a trip to the ACEM Winter Symposium in Cairns!
• Combine your passions with CPD. Love surfing or skiing? Look for conferences or workshops held in scenic locations that offer opportunities to indulge in your hobbies while earning CPD points. As a friend of ours likes to say, "This holiday tastes so much better knowing the taxman is paying for half!"
• Track your expenses diligently. Use tools like Xero to keep track of your CPD-related costs, making tax time a breeze.

Never Miss a Locum Opportunity: Simple Steps to Success

• Choose the right locum agency. A reputable agency like Blugibbon can streamline your CPD and locum experience, providing access to a wide range of opportunities and expert guidance.
• Claim all eligible expenses. Don't miss out on valuable tax deductions. If you're locuming full-time, consider using a dedicated credit card for work-related expenses to simplify record-keeping.

At Blugibbon, we're more than just a locum agency. We're your partners in professional development and career success. Contact us today to start your locum journey and unlock your full potential.