Grand Rounds: Learning about Locums with Dr. Nick Kusnezov

The podcast explores the benefits, drawbacks, and practical considerations of locums employment for physicians, particularly within the field of orthopedic surgery. Dr. Nick Kusnezov, an orthopedic surgeon, shares his experiences working with multiple locums companies, detailing how he selects jobs based on location and schedule. He highlights the flexibility in negotiating contracts, including salary and dates, and discusses the varied assignments, from covering vacations to filling gaps in understaffed programs. Kusnezov emphasizes the tax benefits of working as a 1099 employee, such as write-offs for home office and travel expenses, and the potential advantages of forming a professional LLC. He values the diverse practice settings and cases locums provides, as well as the financial freedom it offers, while acknowledging the volatility and lack of health insurance as potential drawbacks.