Docs Outside The Box - Ordinary Doctors Doing Extraordinary Things

Ever wondered what it's like to step off the beaten path and start your own locum tenens agency? We're two locums doctors who did just that, and we're here to share our unique journey. Answering the questions of 2 ER docs who want to start their own agency, we discuss our adventure from leaving permanent jobs, to setting up our physician-run agency, to the gratifying process of achieving seven-figure revenue. We also touch on the importance of streamlining processes and prioritizing fair compensation for providers. 

The docs celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on Thanksgiving Day! What a great transition into a discussion about working on the holidays. As locums, it’s easy for them to choose the dates they want to work, but they offer up 5 ways to make it easier for docs to work on the holidays.Things to expect in this episode:The holiday that Dr. Nii does not workThe holiday that Dr. Renée does not workHow they handled working on the holidays during residencyUsing technology to keep you connected during the holidaysStaying positive and finding joy outside of workSUICIDE AND CRISIS HOTLINE (call or text) 988

Dr. Renée is tired from a 62 hour on-call locum weekend. Then Dr. Nii chats with Jaden Bair, recruiter at CompHealth, a large locum tenens agency. Drs. Nii and Renée talk about what it’s like being on call for 2.5 days straight. Then, Dr. Nii and Jaden go through the process of working with a locums agency from the recruiter’s perspective.Things to expect in this episode:Dr. Renée’s responsibilities when she is on callHow Dr. Renée manages her time and eating habits during her assignmentWhat Dr. Renée likes and dislikes about being on callJaden Bair’s thoughts about newly graduated residents doing locumsHow a locums agency accommodates doctors who have unusual requests during locums assignmentsFREE DOWNLOAD - 5 Awesome Resources We Use To Make Our Locums Life Easy 

“It’s our standard contract.” As doctors looking for jobs, we hear this all too often from hospitals and practices. Jon Appino, founder of Contract Diagnostics, is back to debunk the myths of the “standard contract.” Jon talks about why doctors should have standard contracts reviewed because standard doesn’t necessarily mean non-negotiable.  Things to expect in this episode:How to be the optimal client for contract review and negotiationWhat you need to understand before working with a contract reviewerApproaching negotiations when you’re given a “standard contract”How doctors can increase their chances of getting better payFREE DOWNLOAD - 10 Reasons Doctors Should Definitely Hire A Contract Negotiator ▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by CVS Health - Healthy Conv

Dr. Nii recently celebrated his 45th birthday which got him thinking a lot about the life that he’s built as a locums trauma surgeon and family man. In this locums series episode, the docs talk about how doing locums has afforded them a flexible, nanny-free lifestyle. Dr. Renée reminisces about taking maternity leave after their first baby.Things to expect in this episode:Nii’s crazy trauma surgery weekendRenée’s take on being a stay-at-home OBDispelling the biggest myths about traveling and locums How doing locums can give you a raise within a few monthsFREE DOWNLOAD - 5 Travel Benefits of Locum Tenens▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860orSend us a message!Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by CVS Health - Healthy Conversations Podcast. Healthy Conversations, a CVS Health podcast, offers insights on

We’re back with our guest Jon Appino, founder of Contract Diagnostics. We’re going through the process of contract reviews and negotiations. Especially as we get closer to the season of residents and fellows getting their first attending jobs, this convo is one that you’re gonna wanna share out.Things to expect in this episode:Why MGMA salary numbers doesn’t tell the whole storyHow to leverage the situation that the hospital is in to your advantageOther things to negotiate other than salaryHow to balance risk and reward in a contract negotiationThe scoop on restrictive covenants in a contractFREE DOWNLOAD - 10 Reasons Doctors Should Definitely Hire A Contract Negotiator ▶️  WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast? Text us at  833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Contract Diagnostics. A Review System Created By Physic

We’re talking to Jon Appino, founder of Contract Diagnostics, about why negotiating contracts is vital for doctors to have a great working experience. Jon shares what doctors should consider when approached with a contract by a hospital or practice. He also tells the story about how not getting a contract reviewed almost cost a doctor just a year out of residency nearly 6-figures out-of-pocket.Things to expect in this episode:What exactly is the purpose of negotiationsWhat are the risks of not having a qualified person review your contractThings to look out for in a contractThings you can negotiate besides salaryFREE DOWNLOAD - 10 Reasons Doctors Should Definitely Hire A Contract Negotiator▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text Us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Contract Diagnostics. A Review System

Drs. Nii and Renée are back sharing how and why they started their locum tenens company, Equal Access Health. This is the third episode in the locum tenens series, answering the questions asked by two ER doctors who want to quit their jobs to start a locums agency. This episode focuses on why and how every locums doc should start a limited liability company (LLC) whether working with an agency or getting gigs individually. The docs give quick easy steps that anyone who is already doing or is considering doing locum work can follow to protect themselves from personal liability.Things to expect in this episode:The VERY important difference between sole proprietorship and LLCWhich super easy resource the docs used to start their LLCWhat you need to open a business bank accountWhat you need and don’t need when starting an LLCThe resources that the docs use to organize their business activitiesFREE EPISODE DOWNLOAD - 5 Easy Steps To Starting An LLC As A Locum TenensLINKS MENTIONEDBusiness structures - https://www.

The docs stream LIVE as invited guest speakers to the Fundamentals of Interprofessional Practice class at the Rosalind Franklin School of Health Sciences. Using their usual playful banter, they share the impact of debt, the importance of money management for health professionals, and the failures and lessons they experienced along their own journeys.. Things to expect in this episode:  Why signing promissory notes doesn’t guarantee understanding of student loan debtImportance of knowing career options and salaries before entering schoolWhen the best time is to start saving for retirementPercent of healthcare workers living paycheck to paycheckQ&A from students about money management and career choices   ✅ FREE DOWNLOAD! - 10 Simple Steps To Pay Off Debt Faster  ▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!

The docs break down the process of getting your first locums gig. They share their own experiences of learning about locums for the first time and having to navigate through before locums was all the rave. Things to expect in this episode:The surprising person who first mentioned locums to Dr. RenéeHow many locums companies you’re allowed to work with simultaneouslyThe different ways that a locums interview can take placeDOWNLOAD - 7 considerations to make before becoming a locums docsWATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by CVS Health - Healthy Conversations Podcast. Healthy Conversations, a CVS Health podcast, offers insights on innovations in health care. SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

The docs get a question from a 4th-year surgery resident about how to take journaling about his experiences as a resident to the next step and start sharing his content with the public. Then they dive into accomplished Harvard surgeon Dr. Carrie Cunnigham’s speech announcing that she struggles with substance abuse. Things to expect in this episode:Find out what Usher and Dr. Nii have in commonWays to jumpstart a career as a blogger/content creatorPitfalls to avoid and how to protect your intellectual propertyImpacts of doctors revealing substance abuse and mental health strugglesLINKS MENTIONED:The Guardian article on Dr. Carrie Cunningham Dr. Carrie Cunnigham’s address at the 2023 AAS Presidential Address SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!GOT SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT THIS EPISODE?!Text us at 833-230-2860 so we can find out what you think!Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-bo

We love audience questions! 2 ER doctors who want to quit their jobs and start working locums wrote in to find out the blueprint to starting their own locums company. There’s a lot to cover with this subject. So much so that we decided to answer this question over several episodes. For the next six weeks, every Friday we'll answer aspects of this question. Every medical professional should listen in.  Things to expect in this episode:Nii and Renée discuss why many doctors are unhappy with being employedLack of financial knowledge and privilegeCan’t balance work and familyWant for autonomyBiggest reason why Nii & Renée love locumsGET YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD!7 Top Reasons Doctors Quit Their Jobs To Become Locums WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

In this fun episode, Dr. Nii and Dr. Renée chop it up about some IG reels that are trending.Things to expect in this episode:Philippines nursing school hack to avoid student loansMother causes her children stress by taking them through a personal finance exerciseNurse shares her cautionary message about dating doctors and why dating a dentist is preferable.WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Join our communityText word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.comCVS Health - Healthy Conversations Podcast. Healthy Conversations, a CVS Health podcast, offers insights on innovations in health care. SUBSCRIBE TODAY!Pearson-Ravitz: Created by a physician for physicians. We empower physicians to protect their mos

In this episode, Drs. Nii & Renee discuss:Is there a Deion Sanders-like person in medicine?Coco Gauff wins the US Open vs the long journey of becoming a doctorDr. Qaali Hussein’s video on fitting into medicinePhysician Burnout  & Depression Report by Medscape discussionCatching up with Dr. Steven Bradley, Host of The Black Doctor’s Podcast. Dr. Steven Bradley IG:  @stevenbradleymdWATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Join our communityText word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by CVS Health - Healthy Conversations Podcast. Healthy Conversations, a CVS Health podcast, offers insights on innovations in health care. SUBSCRIBE TODAY!Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

On this episode, Dr. Renee and Nii talk Origins of Docs Outside the Box PodcastDid you get into medicine to be broke?Biggest a-ha moments over the last 10 years of practiceDr. Renee realized how hard it was to focus on marriage vs her career aspirations.Dr. Nii talks about the hardest part of medicineDocs Outside the Box Podcast is about lifestyleWATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Join our communityText word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThe episode is sponsored by:Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

In this episode, you’ll get a reintroduction to Dr. Nii Darko. We’re talking about everything from growing up in New York City, finding out when he wanted to be a doctor, applying to medical school twice, and his life as a locum tenens trauma surgeon.Things to expect in this episode:Getting rejected from medical schools and the plan to reapplyDoing General Surgery residency with Morehouse at Grady Memorial HospitalFinishing fellowship with $332,000 student loan debtStarting Docs Outside the Box PodcastWhy Dr. Nii values saying “No” over a great salaryWATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Join our communityText word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve! Check them out HERE!CVS Health - Healthy Conversations Podcast. Healthy Conversations, a CV

Nii is joined by Eric McGlothen, CPA and CEO of Eric McGlothen, LLC, to kick off a special tax series for doctors looking to save on taxes and build wealth. Eric brings over 20 years of experience to a conversation focused on teaching physicians and other high-earning professionals how to give less of their money to the IRS and government. This show is for those going into side hustles, real estate, who are independent contractors or own their own private practice or business.Things to expect in this episode:[00:35] Quick update from the Darkos [05:58] Eric McGlothan’s resume, plus when to talk to a CPA or a tax attorney[07:24] Where the advantages and disadvantages are in the IRS tax code[11:58] Corporate structure options to maximize tax benefits and asset protectionGuest Contact Information:Website: https://www.emac-cpa.com/Email: info@ericmcglothenllc.comTwitter: @emaccpaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eric-McGlothen-LLC-CPA/100063691114849/ Phone: (404) 946-1855Youtube Show: Level Up with Eric

While we’re in Ghana for the month of August, we didn’t want to leave you hanging so we will be running replay episodes of our top listened to episodes in the past year with a few new tidbits thrown in. In this episode, Nii and Renée are sharing some money traps that doctors fall into with Money Trap #3: Doctors not negotiating their worth and not maximizing or diversifying their income.  Things to expect in this episode:Doctors trading time for dollars and finding that sweet spot in pay and lifestyleActive versus passive incomeRenée’s experience negotiating her contract vs. using an attorneyMedscape Study shows that burnout among physicians is up 47%Health Affairs study shows a significant gender pay gap between female and male physiciansThis episode is sponsored by Set for Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.comThis episode is sponsored by Healthy Conversations by CVS Health hosted by Dr. Daniel Craft. Check it out on Ap

While we’re in Ghana for the month of August, we didn’t want to leave you hanging so we will be running replay episodes of our top listened to episodes in the past year with a few new tidbits thrown in. We’ve officially completed our medical mission and are now taking the next week to spend time with family in Ghana before heading back to the States. We’ve really enjoyed having our kids here with us for this trip and Dr. Renee enjoyed being able to spend time with the kids and enjoy Ghana and not worry about working. In today’s episode, Dr. Nii brings on Travis Hornsby, founder of Student Loan Planner, a team of consultants that help people navigate paying off their debt fast while maximizing loan forgiveness opportunities. Student Loan Planner has counseled over 8,000 clients and created plans that cover approximately $1.8 billion in student loan debt.Things to expect in this episode:[08:43] A discussion on FFEL, Direct Loans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness[20:02] The difference between Public Service Lo

While we’re in Ghana for the month of August, we didn’t want to leave you hanging so we will be running replay episodes of our top listened to episodes in the past year with a few new tidbits thrown in. Before we dive into the episode, Dr. Nii gives everyone a behind the scenes look at what’s currently happening on their medical mission in Ghana so make sure to tune in. Julien and Kiersten Saunders are on today's episode. They are creators of the award-winning rich & REGULAR podcast, and hosts of the original series, Money on the Table, a show that blends food with conversations about money. Listen in as Julien and Kiersten talk about the premise of their new book, , including the 15-Year Career concept.Things to expect in this episode:[08:28] Why they decided to write their book, Cashing Out[13:39] When family members don’t understand the FIRE vision[18:35] Julien and Kiersten explain what it means to Cash Out[37:06] What betting on yourself means and looks likeGuest Contact Information:Website: htt