By Christine Whitmarsh, RN, BSN
Every state in the nation could no doubt benefit from additional physicians to fill vacant job positions in a wide range of clinical settings from clinics to hospitals. As discussed in previous blogs, the greatest mounting needs for physicians are in rural and inner city areas. Since each state is a blend of rural, urban and suburban areas, physicians considering their geographic options amongst Locum Tenens jobs may benefit from learning more about the states that need physicians the most.
Michigan has been in the news quite a bit lately due to the financial troubles of the automakers and the struggles of industrial cities such as Detroit. In addition to those challenges, a 2008 survey by the Michigan Department of Community Health reported that 47% of Michigan’s primary care physicians plan to leave their practices in the next 10 years – exactly when they are needed the most, largely due to a population of aging baby boomers. The Michigan State Medical Society discloses that about one third of all physicians in the state deliver general medical care versus specializing. General practitioners are most needed in smaller areas of states. The less populous areas of Michigan include cities like Dearborn, Livonia and Flint.
For physicians considering a Locum traveling doctor job, Michigan has a lot to offer. Bordered by four of the five Great Lakes, the state boasts the longest freshwater shoreline in the world. It is ranked third in the country when it comes to number of registered recreational boats. A travel physician assignment in Michigan offers the opportunity to help a state in need of physicians along with many options for enjoying a shortened (but lucrative) work schedule and time off.
Christine Whitmarsh is a Registered Nurse with a BSN from the University of Rhode Island. She is a freelance health journalist and medical writer and a contributor to Travel Nurse Source and Allied Travel Careers.
