Is That Deductible? Keeping My Emergency Obstetrical Skills Sharp

One of the components of continuing to do FM-Surgical Obstetrics as a locum tenens physician includes keeping up my emergency skill sets. These include the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) and Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) from the AAFP. I actually enjoy these courses because when you practice rural medicine, it's not uncommon for you and the ER doctor to be the only physicians in the hospital. When a newborn or obstetrical emergency happens, you must be ready.

Both of these courses emphasize teamwork and skills stations, making me feel prepared for that inevitable "3 AM emergency" that I could find myself in. Due to the holidays and my business-travel schedule, the only course I could fit in before my February locum assignment in rural Kansas was in Lancaster, PA.

Business Travel with Purpose: Lancaster, PA

Lancaster is a beautiful and peaceful place, filled with rolling farmland that points towards a simpler life. It reminds me of my own rural farming community, which is also home to many Amish families. This course was a quick Friday night to Sunday morning trip, allowing me to stay efficient with my time while ensuring I was fully certified and ready for my upcoming locum tenens work.

The good news? My locums company was willing to cover the entire process, including registration fees, travel, lodging, and all associated expenses in connection with my spring assignment. The only out-of-pocket cost I had was my per diem food expenses, which my PC covered as a business expense. It turned out to be a very cost-efficient excursion, reinforcing how essential it is to maximize the tax advantages and business benefits available to self-employed physicians.

Learning from a Diverse Group of Clinicians

During the course, my small practicum group included:

• Emergency medicine and family medicine residents

• A combined internal medicine-ER resident

• A combined FM-ER resident

• An L&D nurse

• A younger practicing rural family doctor

Our group was led by a seasoned OB/GYN and a family doctor who had actually created the course 30 years ago. It was inspiring to see how his vision has been adopted nationwide, improving maternal-fetal care across many specialties.

I loved rubbing shoulders with young doctors, hearing about their academic approaches to these emergencies, and contrasting them with my 30 years of practical experience in "real life" rural medicine situations. There is always something to learn, especially from L&D nurses who are on the front lines and provide a unique perspective on patient care. The collaboration was energizing and reaffirmed my belief in the importance of continuous learning.

The Business Side: A Productive and Deductible Trip

While in Lancaster, I also used my travel time wisely to read business books and work on projects for ChatRx and SimpliMD. I love the feeling of "double-dipping"—making the most of my time by advancing both my clinical and entrepreneurial pursuits.

One of the biggest advantages of being self-employed is the ability to structure your work in a way that is both professionally and financially beneficial. Business-related travel, education, and certification courses are not only essential for maintaining your professional competency, but they are also legitimate business expenses that can be deducted.

Key takeaway: If you run your own micro-corporation, understanding what expenses qualify as business deductions is crucial. Courses like NRP and ALSO, along with travel expenses tied to a locum assignment, are business investments that can be optimized to benefit your financial bottom line. Let’s go ahead and break these “pre-tax” expenses down into further detail.

Is That Deductible?

One of the biggest questions you might have when taking a business-related trip is: which of my expenses are deductible? The good news is that most of the costs associated with my trip to Lancaster, PA for my ALSO course were covered by my locums company. However, for those running their own micro-corporation, here’s a breakdown of what can typically be deducted when traveling for professional development:

Business Travel Expenses Breakdown

• Mileage to the Airport – If you drive your personal vehicle to the airport, you can deduct the mileage at the IRS standard rate. In my case I drove my vehicle that is owned by my PC, and I chose not to turn that in to the locum company.

• Airport Parking – Any parking fees incurred while traveling for business are deductible. This was turned into the locum company

• Airline Tickets – The cost of flights to and from your destination for business purposes is fully deductible.

• Lodging – Hotel stays during a business trip are deductible, provided they are necessary for attending the event or conducting work-related activities.

• Car Rental – Rental cars used exclusively for business purposes are deductible.

• Course Registration Fees – Fees for continuing education and certification courses relevant to your field are deductible.

• Food Expenses – Meals during business travel can be deducted at 50% of the cost, provided they are necessary for the trip. I chose to take the per diem through my PC.

• Internet Costs – I chose to use free internet at every location, which required signing up for Hilton Honors (although the internet didn’t work!). To get work done, I had to go to a Barnes & Noble store—if I had paid for Wi-Fi elsewhere, that cost would also have been deductible.

By keeping track of these expenses and ensuring they are properly documented, you can maximize your tax deductions while advancing your career. SimpliMD provides invaluable resources to help micro-corporation owners navigate business finances efficiently.

Are You Structuring Your Career for Maximum Benefit?

If you’re a physician looking to take full control of your professional life and financial future, it’s time to explore how a independent professional work through your micro-corporation can work for you. With SimpliMD, you can gain access to $2,500 worth of business products for only $99! Become a member today: Join SimpliMD.

Want to learn how to create your own virtual professional micro-corporation that can be used for locum work? Our course, Creating a Practice Without Walls, is available for only $199: Get the Course.

If you’d like 1:1 business coaching to evaluate your career and explore your professional options, book a Micro-Business Consultation for just $99: Schedule Your Consultation.

Ready to Stand in the Gap?

With my certification freshly renewed and enthusiasm high, I am fully prepared to embark on a meaningful journey over the next six months in rural Kansas. My mission is clear: to actively contribute to preventing the formation of another maternity desert, ensuring that vital healthcare services remain accessible in these underserved areas. The prospect of making such a substantial impact fills me with excitement and determination.

But what about you? Are you ready to seize control of your own career and shape it into something extraordinary? Together, we can pave the way for your success by meticulously structuring your business ventures. As you continue to make a significant difference in patient care, let's ensure that your professional path is aligned with your passions and aspirations. With the right foundation, there’s no limit to what we can achieve!