Dr. Andrea Dawson's Empowering Path in Medicine

Dr. Andrea Dawson, an accomplished anesthesiologist and dedicated mother of three, is breaking barriers and making her mark on the profession.
Dr. Dawsons' journey into medicine, specifically anesthesia, came from her love of diversity in patient care. Dr. Dawson shared, "I wanted to be able to treat all age groups and genders.". The allure of the operating room, the precision of procedures, and the intensity of acuity over chronicity became her calling. Dr. Dawson found her place in anesthesia, recognizing her pivotal role as an intensivist in an operating room setting, sharing, "I fell in love with patient advocacy and the potential for practicing in a variety of settings.".
Balancing Medicine and Motherhood
As a devoted wife and mother, Dr. Dawson faced the challenge of balancing traditional permanent anesthesiologist positions with her yearning for autonomy and a fuller sense of self.
"I decided to explore locum tenens because I was ready to be outside of the box," she shared. "I desperately needed time and autonomy to be my full self. As a mother of three small children, when I was an employed physician, I never had the time to pursue my passions entirely.".
Locum tenens anesthesiology gave her the flexibility she needed to reclaim that balance. Dr. Dawson highlighted, "I get to do things that make me happy when I want to. I no longer have to defer life satisfaction in favor of career satisfaction. I have them BOTH!".
Finding Fulfillment as a Locum Tenens Anesthesiologist
Working as a locum anesthesiologist has allowed Dr. Dawson to experience both professional and personal fulfillment. She explained, "As a pediatric anesthesiologist, it means everything to the surgeons, the patients, and their families that you have decided to help. Your presence allows a child to receive the surgical care that he/she needs.".
Beyond the operating room, her current assignment with Medicus has impacted not only the lives of others but also her own by forging connections and valued friendships. Dr. Dawson explained, "The other locum tenens docs and I have dinner together. We exchange information and help one another thrive personally and professionally.".
The Transformative Power of Locum Tenens
For Dr. Dawson, working anesthesiology locums has been life-changing. The flexibility has allowed her to fully engage in family life and pursue her passions. "I have a life now. Time autonomy is priceless! I am a fully present mother. I will only work on a holiday if I choose to work on a holiday. I can make my children's weekend sporting events and playdates. My husband and I have more dates than we ever had prior to resigning from permanent employment. I travel a ton! I pursue my hobbies and passions, and I serve the world! Medical mission work is dear to me, and I have already made one trip to Guatemala with a few additional countries lined up for this year," she expressed.
Achieving Dreams and Aspirations in Locum Tenens Anesthesiology
Although Dr. Dawson is relatively new to the locum tenens lifestyle and her travels have not been too far, she loves her current location in warm and sunny Florida. However, she is enamored with dreams of spending the summers in the Pacific Northwest or Alaska, which is all possible due to a career as a locum tenens anesthesiologist.
Advice for Aspiring Women in Medicine
Dr. Andrea Dawson offers heartfelt advice to aspiring women anesthesiologists and those considering a career in medicine: "Talk to other women, network widely, and do not be bound by fear! You CAN do it!".
Dr. Andrea Dawson's story stands as a testament to the transformative power of locum tenens, showcasing the pursuit of a fulfilling career, a thriving personal life, and the unwavering spirit of a woman making her mark in the world of medicine. As we celebrate this day, let us continue to celebrate and support the remarkable women shaping the future of medicine.
If you're interested in working locum tenens anesthesiology, view our open jobs here!