Meet Martha
Provider Type
PA-C
Location of Locum Assignment(s)
Alaska
Briefly describe your pre-medical and/or pre-locum work experience
Since 2000 I have been a physician assistant providing care in medically underserved areas. I have experience in the medical arenas of general surgery, emergency medicine, primary care, urgent care, remote medicine, and woman’s health.
What drew you to locum tenens work?
When my husband and I became empty-nesters he encouraged me to explore locum tenens work as it has always fascinated me and I carry a bit of wanderlust in my genes.
I met Mary Ellen Doty many years ago when she was in the process of creating Wilderness Medical Staffing. The model and mission of Wilderness Medical Staffing is the best that I have ever seen! Once over lunch, she described her vision as that of a matchmaker between provider and client. I never forgot that.
What have you enjoyed most about your locum tenens experiences?
I find myself often matched with clients who require significant exercise of my skills as a provider and as a leader! The steep learning curve keeps me so fascinated and engaged.
What surprised you the most about your locum tenens experiences?
It is perhaps surprising that I am never bored. I find that I must remain incredibly nimble to meet the challenges of each new assignment.
How has your experience been with WMS?
I enjoy the assignments and I do find the support from WMS to be outstanding.
What stands out to you about the communities and cultures you have interacted with as a locum tenens provider?
I think every medical provider’s most intense challenge is to find the space in which patients we interact with can hear, understand, and make positive changes that improve their lives forever. That happens in every community and in every culture. It is a constant in the human condition.
What advice do you have for prospective locum tenens providers?
I would advise every new locum tenens provider to be eager to accept the challenges that provide personal growth and professional development. Every situation no matter how potentially challenging can provide us with fresh opportunities to grow.
What’s the most interesting thing that you learned while on assignment?
The things that I find most interesting and that keep me returning are that—no matter how different we are from each other, we are so similar in all of the ways that count—we as locum tenens providers can be equal to the tasks and challenges that we are presented with in the field.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
While the money is good, the challenge and the experience is better!
