Doctors’ Day 2023: Dr. Shahid Ahmad
For our third and final story during our Doctor’s Day celebratory week, we hear from Dr. Shahid Ahmad and the impact working locum tenens has made in his Critical Care Medicine career.
Like many of you, Dr. Ahmad was on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, caring for patients in Critical Care. Dr. Ahmad shares a personal story that he calls “the most defining moment of his life” as an inspirational story that reminded him of why he works in Critical Care. Click the following link to watch a personal account of Dr. Ahmad sharing a patient story that has inspired him. https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMC0DI2nA2X/
Why did you choose Critical Care as your specialty?
I chose critical care for the higher acuity it provides. I enjoy taking care of people in their most critical moments and it allows me to help provide care to those people that want to make immediate changes; it allows me to help those fighting who can no longer fight for themselves. I see immediate results in my work, and that allows me to make immediate impacts on people’s lives, and their family’s lives.
Why have you chosen to work locum tenens?
I feel that locums opportunities allowed me the freedom of not working under any other entity which allows me to focus my care for my patients without other factors that could cause me to deviate from what my goals are. It also allowed me to have the freedom to work with the schedule I desire, and I really think it helped to prevent any burnout in my career.
What made you choose to work with Integrity Locums?
I would really say the people. I think all Locums companies can be the same, but if you connect and have the same goals as the people that you are communicating with on a daily basis, that makes that company the right choice for you. The people that work at Integrity I really felt had the same views, same morals, and really I appreciated their energy, and demeanor.
Do you have any advice for physicians exploring the locum tenens space?
I would just say, do what makes you happy. If you enjoy working for a structured corporate organization, then do that, and if you enjoy having that freedom and less of any sort of administrative burden then choose locums. At the end of the day do what is best for you, your life, your family.
Do you have any additional comments?
I think physician burnout is such a huge issue and having the freedom to create your own schedule, the freedom to have your care more patient-centered, and the freedom to see different facilities and see how people do things differently can really help prevent burnout. I think being a doctor is amazing, it’s the greatest thing I’ve ever done in my life. I get to work somewhere in which I get to help people, and people trust me with their lives. What an honor and what a great opportunity.
About This Doctor’s Consultant
Heather Brown is Dr. Ahmad’s consultant. Heather has been with Integrity Locums since June 2022, and lives in Tampa Bay, FL. Her favorite part about working with locum doctors at Integrity Locums is helping to improve their work/life balance via locums. Connect with Heather on LinkedIn.