Locums for a Small World Blog

2016, for you, should be a year of new experiences. It should be full of long hikes and aging under the sun with those close to you. Endless white lines dotting the road should be your compass from time to time. Looking down in awe from your airplane window at waves breaking and clouds rolling in over mountains should be an experience you start planning right away. When whatever type of landscape or cityscape you’re most captivated by calls to you this year, you should go.

We’re sure you’ll find some form of serenity in one of the destinations below. 

No more delaying: here’s part two of our Top 10 States to Explore in 2016 list.



#5: West Virginia - John Denver was right. This place is "almost heaven."

We're willing to bet you've never seen rolling hills and unbroken mountains greener than the ones housed in West Virginia. In fact, we're positive - because if you have and you’re a lover of outdoor adventure then you wouldn’t have ever left these boundaries.

Why are we so emphatic? Well, because these very hills and mountains are the life-blood of this state; they provide the backdrop for every adventure, little or big. They’re right there in the background while you cliff-dive at Summersville Lake in central WV. They're jutting over while you fine dine at Market Vines Grill and Wine Bar in Wheeling. And they're your front-and-center focus while you whitewater raft down one of the oldest rivers (ironically named New River) on the continent.



That’s right, welcome to the wild and wonderful world of West Virginia. The aptly named Mountain State is known as the outdoor recreation capital of the east. Many DC residents venture here on weekends and holidays and we can understand why. It has more rushing rivers, winding trails, snow-drenched ski resorts (Snowshoe Mountain), deep caverns, wild forestland (Monongahela National Forest) and fishing lakes within its borders than any of its neighbors. Not to mention there are amusement parks (Camden Park), spa towns (Greenbrier), museums, farmers' markets and art crawls galore. It doesn't matter if you're an athlete or an urbanite, we guarantee you’ll immediately fall in love with any portion of this heavenly state.

We realized we could’ve taken the easy route and just posted every last lyric from John Denver’s classic love song for West Virginia - “Take Me Home Country Roads” - but then we would’ve been deprived of the joy that comes from professing our own love. Hopefully our words were just as potent as JD’s, you know, enough to convince you to drop what you’re doing and take a locum tenens assignment in ol’ West Virginia right now.



#4: South Carolina - A time-warp of quiet, oak-lined streets and raucous silvery beaches

Take a minute to describe your perfect day. We're willing to bet every last thing you listed can be found in South Carolina. If your solace can only be found high up in the mountains then venture to the bluest and largest of lakes, Lake Jocassee. If your happiness depends on crashing waves and amusement parks then stay put in the Southeast's most famous and raucous beach town, Myrtle Beach. Or if you’re looking for more of an island getaway then try Hilton Head, Kiawah or Seabrooke.

East to west, South Carolina’s landscape is a gorgeous climb: it starts with glinting Atlantic beaches, rises up to the Piedmont, and then settles high in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's simply a stunning place. We weren't the first to figure that out though. Notable socialites such as the Goodyears and the Vanderbilts realized the potential of SC long ago. They partied hard and indulged in all the beautiful weather this green land has to offer.



Author Pat Conroy is just as enamored with South Carolina. He pens his love often and we know why. The lush south is full of Spanish moss-draped cypress and gum trees. It exists in a time-warp of quiet, oak-lined streets and beaches where kids learn to "pick a blue crab clean." Small-town charm like this endures all across this state - and with a history that dates back to pre-revolutionary war that's saying a lot.

Then there are bigger cities like Columbia - the graceful capital with brilliant botanical gardens, history-rich state museums, and the 50,000-acre playground known as Lake Murray. If you want something with a little more shoreline, go coastal, all the way to Charleston. This city’s history is as captivating as its silvery sands. It has been burnt, buried, and marched on, plus weathered many-a-storm. Still, it has graciously incorporated its battle-torn past (i.e., Civil War) into its tourist-treasure present. Visit South Carolina for a uniquely rich experience.


#3: Alaska - The Land of the Midnight Sun

There are places so incredible that when you visit them the only thing you're thinking is how can I live here? Alaska is one of those places. It screams epic from mountain to coast. Here, waves crash against glaciers. Glaciers crash against mountains. Mountains crash against sky. And people you can't call anything but salt of the earth call its vast expanse home.

Drifters, dreamers and pioneers populate this wild unknown. They’ve been drawn to these shores where nature and culture are inextricable. They’ve found miles of labyrinthine forest and tundra; golden towns filled with onion-domed churches left over from Russian settlers; groves marked with native totem poles; and swells of wildlife dancing around boomtown architecture.



Yeah, you'll find it all in Alaska. Watch herds of caribou storm in the shadow of Mt. Denali. Experience summer’s midnight sun on Flattop Mountain. Or see winter’s Northern Lights with the best front-row seats, Chena Hot Springs. This place fills your lungs with air so crisp it’ll feel like your first breath - something those of us in the “Lower 48” can’t appreciate until we experience it firsthand.



#2: North Carolina: Mountains of natural beauty and the rest is history

North Carolina has a history of making history. Over thirty years before the Pilgrims made it to America, a group of English explorers claimed Roanoke Island as their home. Centuries later, two famous brothers, the Wrights, launched the first ever powered flight in the town of Kitty Hawk. Fast-forward a few decades and you’ve got Greensboro at the helm of the Civil Rights movement. We bet you could step foot anywhere and kick up dirt left over from the birth of this country.



It’s easy to see why so many settled here. People of Scots-Irish descent to Moravians to Cherokees saw trails to be blazed. And North Carolina - today - wouldn't be the same without them. Grandfather Mountain holds the Highland Games’ Scottish festival every year. Historic Salem illuminates a living history of Moravian architecture and cuisine. And Native Americans are honored in the “land of the blue mist” (AKA Smoky Mountains) through exhibits, museums and historic paths.

Everywhere from mountain to piedmont to coast you’ll see the East’s biggest ski resorts; the South’s most famed golf courses; and the country’s tallest lighthouses. This state’s history and natural beauty will awe you in its every crashing wave and cobblestone street.



#1: Texas - Shine on in this big-and-bright state

Texans are proud. Why shouldn't they be? They've got a sky that won't quit and a world of contrasting country that respectfully puts other states to shame. It just feels like home everywhere, no matter if you're in the Panhandle Plains or along the Gulf Coast.

Texas is always redefining itself. True, Old West heritage still reigns and if you look up to the night sky you’ll see that big bright diamond canopy this state is known for, but things are changing. Houston is more cultural and culinary than it’s ever been with new galleries and gastronomic experiences. Austin is tramping ever-forward as the Live Music Capital of the World. And gone is the sports-only reputation of Dallas: welcome to an architectural wonderland known for its thrilling nightlife.



Remember, Texas is big. The roads here are arteries that give life to epic trips across massive land. If you’re ever tired of city, then find a beach in Corpus Christi. If you’re ever tired of coastline, then head to Big Bend National Park in Far West Texas. This state has it all.



Did you miss part one of our Top 10 states for locum tenens doctors to explore in 2016 list? You can find it here. If you want to dive right in and see what opportunities are available now, just click the button below.

Every state has all new sights to see and all sorts of new things to do. For instance, in this top ten lineup you have two states that share a massive national park where you can almost feel the earth bubbling underneath. Another on this list has world-famous ski resorts where you can catch fresh snow and maybe even rub elbows with celebrities. And another is home to a city built on chocolate (not literally), and it's appropriately referred to as "The Sweetest Place on Earth." 

Every bit of countryside in these states, too, if you drive far enough, has new scenery and new smells, new sounds and new sights all set to liven up your senses - rarin' to give you a jolt. That’s a good thing, too. You give up a little bit of yourself to be a big bit of everything else in these wide open spaces - just in a different way than in the city. You’re a little less on high alert and a little more present. You're more aware of being yourself, unabashedly. It’s a reset and everyone deserves one once in a while.



You're sure to find plenty of both city and countryside in the following top 10. You're also sure to find lots of physician opportunities within these states. This new year, take time to experience somewhere new. Here's part one of our two-part top 10 list. 



#10: Montana - Big sky, big adventure and craft beer

Montana isn't a place you visit; Montana is a place you experience. It’s a dream of a state where alpine peaks meet rolling prairies and an orb-stretching sky swallows you whole. The Great Plains (America’s version of the Serengeti) start here. Yellowstone and Glacier stretch their mountainous backs across boundaries. And 16 ski areas and 54 state parks keep the tourists coming.



This state is about big adventure more than anything: the American West at its finest. The kind of place Ken Burns could live out his fantasies. It’s not all grit and galloping horses; it has a chic side, too. Spend an entire day in Billings, Missoula or Great Falls and come out a more sophisticated citizen of the world. Museums, art galleries, festivals, farmers’ markets, wineries, rustic restaurants…these cities have all that. Plus, the entire state ranks high for breweries per capita (over 40 and growing). Stop in for big sky and a brew. You won’t regret it.



#9: Kentucky - It ain't all bluegrass and horses here

Think Kentucky and we bet a lot of things come to mind: bluegrass music, bourbon, baseball bats and barbecue to name a few. (Don't forget the famous Derby, either.) This state is most certainly a travel heavyweight because of all that, but it ain't all bluegrass and thoroughbreds here. For instance, Abraham Lincoln’s tales are told on historic trails and Muhammad Ali’s fights are emblazoned in eponymous museums. Plus, there's a whole countryside ripe for exploring.

It’s not hard to paint a pretty picture of Kentucky. It’s got four beautiful seasons awash with color, and a myriad of caves, lakes, and mountains. You're a short drive away from everything. Come hike otherworldly sandstone formations in the Garden of the Gods; walk Louisville's version of a pub crawl on the "Urban Bourbon" trail; and spelunk in the state's famed cave country. Yep, the state houses the best of the untamed outdoors (including, but not limited to: Daniel Boone National Forest and Cumberland Falls State Park).



Some more things to do: you can follow in the paths of bootleggers and moonshiners on driving tours. You can plan an itinerary of eerie graveyards and forgotten wards or take to dark jazz clubs, historic neighborhoods or all of those thin, wiggly lines on the map that represent the rural byways of this adventure land. Or just content yourself with sitting on a porch and sipping mint juleps. Believe us, you've stumbled upon a veritable goldmine in Kentucky. The locals are proud to call this land home; when you get here you'll see why.



#8: Colorado - Rocky Mountain adventure underneath 300 days of sunshine

If the rest of the country knew how legendary every last spoil is in Colorado, everyone would move here. This state boasts 300 or so annual days of sunshine, famous landmarks galore, the too-tall mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park and more culture in every last city than the local farmer's butter.

Take Denver (and surrounds) for example. Its live-music, couture-clothing-shop, art-gallery and nightlife scene are all super-sized. Not to mention there's top-notch food and brew on every corner. All the above and more makes the Mile High City's downtown atmosphere second to none.



If you want to get away from the hustle, that's easily done. Head two hours or so west to Vail and you'll be on America's longest ski run. Go a little farther southwest to Aspen and you'll get more than powder. You'll get a mountain town filled with music festivals, plus an interesting mishmash of Hollywood elite and tough cowboys piling in and out, rubbing elbows at cafes and in hot tubs.

Camp out in Colorado Springs for a while and frequent the famous Garden of the Gods park (not to be confused with Kentucky's park of the same name). Or take a little road trip to Pikes Peak and day-hike this Rocky Mountain "fourteener." More national parks and wondrous ski towns make up the rest of the state for some of the best adventuring, relaxing, skiing and hiking in the country. We know you've been itching for a reason to head to the Rocky Mountain State. Who could blame you? Plan your city getaway or mountain escape to Colorado today.



#7: Idaho - Adventure was born here

Have a real-deal Western experience in Idaho. How? Easy. This state gives you pure nature (Sawtooth National Forest); it feeds your mind with local art and culture (The Basque Block); and most of all it brings you outdoor adventure (Sun Valley Resort)—no matter which way you turn.

Come to think of it, adventure was born in Idaho. Pioneers, mountain men and fur traders journeyed on the famed Oregon Trail here. And today, outdoorsmen carve iceholes and slopes on endless turquoise-blue lakes and on over 80 ski runs in the Yellowstone Teton Territory. And the rest of us enjoy the bubbling hot springs, legendary caves, ancient volcanoes, melted glaciers and endless backcountry that complete the Gem State (aptly named for its abundance of natural resources).



Sure, we could go on about all the lakes, forests and mountains that make up Idaho but all the adjectives in the world wouldn't give them due justice and it would only take time away from you learning about all the opportunities to work here. Don’t wait. Come enjoy the scenic byways (Northwest Passage) and resort towns (Coeur d'Alene), plus every other slice of paradise Idaho has to offer.



#6: Pennsylvania - From Steel City to the City of Brotherly Love, Pennsylvania is alive

Those of you who haven't had the opportunity to explore the lively world of Pennsylvania, that's unfortunate. It's East Coast living at its finest. The food's phenomenal. The music and art scenes are expanding like crazy. And the cities are as historic and raucous as it gets.

Take Philadelphia for example. For all its nation-birthing prowess, there's more to the City of Brotherly Love than Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It’s a city that just emanates good times. Stop by the Fringe Arts Festival for some drama; head to a Phillies game for some fun; then take a restaurant tour along famous East Passyunk Avenue for some fare.

Northcentral Pennsylvania is just as beautiful only a bit more sprawling. There are parts throughout the Wilds (as this region is otherwise known) that look exactly like old black-and-white photographs. White pines and oaks stand tall in Cook Forest. Stars flit and sparkle like nowhere else in Cherry Springs State Park. And local pubs like Straub Brewery pour all-natural blends that have little changed in over 100 years.

Just west of the Wilds is the Great Lakes Region. Google this portion and you're in for a sight. Shipping ports and grand architecture will make up most of the images you'll see. The rest will be breathtaking shots of the Erie National Wildlife Refuge and stunning pictures of the lighthouses at Presque Isle State Park.



Head south and you’re in Pittsburgh (voted "Top Ten Most Beautiful Places in America” by USA Weekend). During antebellum years you might've encountered local residents helping slaves escape the South via the Underground Railroad. Back east in Dutch Country the landscape will make your jaw drop. This region is home to Hershey which has two of our favorite things: rollercoasters and chocolate. It’s also home to famous shoofly pie (irresistibly sweet molasses pie), true-blue farmers’ markets, the Civil War Museum, and Hunters Valley Wineries.

Pennsylvania is truly a land alive. It's a place where Colonial and Victorian buildings scrape the sky; pink sunsets happen every day; vineyards and classic bed-and-breakfasts dot the landscape; and mighty blue rivers massage vast green valleys.



Be sure to read part two of our Top 10 states for locum tenens doctors to explore in 2016 list. Also, feel free to see what opportunities are available now.

It’s summer in the Northern Hemisphere. That means it’s winter in the Southern. Both seasons tend to bring about a thirst for travel in all of us. Maybe it’s the electricity of summer. Or maybe it’s the somewhat cooped up feeling some of us get in the middle of winter. Either way, a tropical island sounds simply pleasant, doesn’t it? Pleasant because of the solitude. Pleasant because of the weather. Pleasant because of the unerring freedom of steady blue skies and cyclical coastline.

The Caribbean, of course, has this appeal. So do the islands that make up Hawaii. Another Pacific island, though, has driven us to write with such fervor. An island that’s filled with massive coast, seaside cliffs, and endless exploits packed inside a beautiful melting pot of a culture. You should most certainly take time to enjoy every last portion of this lush landscape. From the limestone plateaus in the north to the volcanic hills in the south, the island of Guam has a unique character and energy everywhere you turn.

But believe it or not, Guam offers much more than what’s housed within its boundaries. How? It serves as a phenomenal jumping-off point to experience all-things Asia. In fact, it's known as the Gateway to Asia. Guam is only three to four hours flying time away from lively cities such as Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

So, in light of this, instead of writing unabashedly about all the magnificent aspects of Guam, we thought we’d take time to share a bit about the best things to do in the above-mentioned Asian cities. After all, if you do decide to take a locum tenens assignment in this paradise, you’re a short flight away from these metropolises that once seemed like strange and distant places.

Seoul, South Korea

From the dissipating flames of the Korean War came a roaring, lion-hearted city bent on rebirth. Welcome to Seoul—a 24-hour, brighter-than-bright city you’ll definitely be surprised by. It still retains its seismic past: If you’d like you can take a day-trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that splits South Korea from North (this is actually quite the popular tourist spot).


Spend as much time in Seoul as you can though because there’s plenty to see and do in the city itself. And its flashing lights shine the way. It’s perfectly reasonable to take a tour of a centuries-old palace (Changdeokgung) follow it up with a visit to a teahouse in a 1930s hanok (Suyeon Sanbang) and end with city-top views in N Seoul Tower (hint: be sure to visit at sunset) all in one day.

Tokyo, Japan



We think Tokyo and visions of neon immediately dance in our heads. A lot of the city looks like a sci-fi film. Take Tokyo Sky Tree for example. Opening barely in 2012, this silvery broadcasting, restaurant and observation spire stands at 634 meters (2,080 feet) above the cityscape. There’s a glass elevator and even glass floors throughout so you can admire the dizzying magnificence of the megalopolis below. And on the clearest of days you can see all the way to Mt. Fuji.


Still, Tokyo gives a respectful nod to its past while looking ever-forward to the future. Head to the Kokugikan (sumo amphitheater) to witness a sumo wrestling match. If you want to learn more about this 1,500-year-old tradition, stop by the Sumo Museum first. Tokyo’s gems don’t ever end. There are ancient Buddhist temples (Zōjō-ji) to admire. There are riverboat cruises along the Sumida-gawa (the city’s central waterway) to enjoy. There are street-packed festivals (Sanja Matsuri) complete with portable shrines. We can’t forget the famous Roppongi Hills, either. It’s full of shopping malls, museums and breathtaking gardens.

Hong Kong



Hong Kong is quite the interesting place and like Seoul and Tokyo, it has a storied past. As much as you’ll see an endless horizon of modern buildings scraping the misty sky, you’ll see just as much ancient and colonial tradition winding its way through flashy night clubs, idyllic beaches, green mountains, lively markets (Temple Street Night Market) and even atmospheric temples (Man Mo Temple). This fusion of old and new is everywhere.


A mix of chaos and harmony also exists. Within hours you can jump on a double-decker tramcar and explore behind the scenes, wander around in a Song-dynasty village, catch views from Victoria Peak (the highest point on Hong Kong island), be hypnotized by a Cantonese opera, and engorge yourself with sweet and sour prawn in a high-class restaurant or right in a dai pai dong (open-air food stall). Satiate your hunger for adventure and great food virtually anywhere in this vibrant city.

Keep in mind, we do not currently place in any of the above-mentioned Asian cities.

These are simply fantastic regions to explore while you’re on your locum tenens assignment in Guam. If you’re interested in learning more about where we place, go ahead and view our current physician opportunities. Then feel free to request information, or contact us.