Is That Deductible? My Experience as an OB-Women's Health Locum in Southern Indiana

A Passion for Rural Maternity Care

Working as an OB-women's health locum in Southern Indiana has been a profoundly rewarding and deeply fulfilling experience. My unwavering passion for rural maternity care and resolving health disparities for women and neonates in underserved areas serves as a constant source of motivation, driving me to excel in my role each day.

The pressing need for accessible, high-quality healthcare in these rural communities is immense and often overlooked, highlighting the critical importance of dedicated medical professionals in these regions. As I navigate the unique challenges of providing care in Southern Indiana, I am continually reminded of the significant impact that quality healthcare can have on individuals, families, and entire communities. The stark reality of healthcare disparities in rural areas fuels my commitment to making a positive and lasting difference in the lives of my patients. By offering specialized obstetric and women's health services, I strive to bridge the gap in care accessibility and improve health outcomes for both mothers and their newborns.

My role extends beyond merely providing medical care; it encompasses educating patients, advocating for better healthcare policies, and working collaboratively with local healthcare providers to enhance the overall quality of care in the region. This multifaceted approach allows me to address the complex healthcare needs of rural women comprehensively, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of reducing health disparities and improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes in Southern Indiana.

Early Mornings and Long Drives

This particular assignment came on the heals of Our Annual Beach Week at Simpli SoHa and thus began before the break of dawn. At 4 AM, I start my 3.5-hour drive to the locum job. Despite the early start, the anticipation of the day ahead keeps me energized. The drive itself offers a peaceful prelude to the day's work, with the scenic countryside unfolding as the sun rises.

Upon arrival, I settle into a beautiful rural inn that has become my home away from home. My three-room suite is wonderfully warm and inviting, providing a perfect space to unwind after a busy day. The tranquility of the inn helps me recharge, ensuring I am ready to meet the challenges of each new day.

Solitary Adventures

While my wife Ellen made the decision to remain at home to concentrate on her burgeoning scrapbooking enterprise, aptly named "Scrapping In My Sleep," I have been maximizing my experience in the picturesque region of Southern Indiana. I opted to bring along my trusty gravel bike, which has proven to be an invaluable and indispensable companion throughout this enriching journey. The act of exploring the expansive network of rustic country roads and venturing into the diverse Indiana wildlife preserves has been nothing short of exhilarating, providing a perfect blend of invigorating physical exercise and much-needed mental clarity. The undulating terrain and varied landscapes of Southern Indiana have offered an ideal playground for my gravel bike adventures. From rolling hills dotted with charming farmsteads to dense forests teeming with local flora and fauna, each ride presents a unique opportunity to immerse myself in the natural beauty of the region. The gravel roads, with their challenging surfaces and unpredictable twists and turns, have not only tested my cycling skills but also allowed me to forge a deeper connection with the surrounding environment. These solo expeditions have served as a form of moving meditation, allowing me to clear my mind and gain fresh perspectives on various aspects of life. The solitude and serenity of the Indiana countryside have provided the perfect backdrop for introspection and personal growth, making this time away from home both physically rewarding and mentally rejuvenating.

Making a Difference

Each day in the clinic and hospital, I see the impact of my work. From prenatal care to delivering babies, the role of an OB-women's health locum is critical in these rural settings. Addressing health disparities and providing quality care to women and neonates is a responsibility I take seriously, and the gratitude from the community is profoundly rewarding.

Reflecting on Deductions

Reflecting on my time in Southern Indiana, it's important to consider what expenses might be deductible. Here are some key items:

• Car Mileage: My car is owned by my professional corporation (PC), and the mileage is reimbursed by the locums company.

• Per Diem Expenses: I take a per diem expense from my PC for daily food.

• Snacks and Drinks: Bringing my own snacks and drinks from home has made it cheaper and more convenient.

• Meals at the Hospital: Food is provided in the hospital cafeteria at no cost.

• Overhead Costs: The overhead of my computer, software packages, and other related expenses are covered by my PC.

Stacking Work for Maximum Efficiency

One of my favorite strategies for optimizing productivity is the practice of task stacking, specifically by working on SimpliMD and ChatRx tasks while I am on call for my locum tenens duties. Although this additional work isn't deductible for tax purposes, it creates a unique synergy that feels akin to receiving hourly compensation for managing my other business ventures. This approach allows me to leverage my on-call time effectively, turning potentially idle moments into opportunities for growth and progress.

The ability to seamlessly integrate work on SimpliMD and ChatRx allows me to maximize my productivity across multiple domains simultaneously, ensuring that every hour is utilized to its fullest potential. This efficient use of time not only contributes to the advancement and development of my businesses but also serves to keep me mentally engaged and professionally productive during what might otherwise be less active on-call hours. Moreover, this strategy allows me to maintain a constant connection with my entrepreneurial pursuits, even while performing my medical duties. It creates a harmonious balance between my clinical work and business endeavors, fostering a sense of continuity and progress across all aspects of my professional life. This approach not only enhances my overall efficiency but also contributes to a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment, as I can see tangible progress in multiple areas of my career simultaneously.

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