Driven to unlock a career that was both intellectually fulfilling and impactful, Dr. Knight began his college years exploring engineering and medicine. He quickly realized that his passion was more geared towards medicine, and that is when his journey to becoming an interventional radiologist began.
The Journey into Patient-Centric Medicine
Initially, Dr. Knight's passion for medicine was sparked by a fascination with neuroscience. This led to the pursuit of an MD and PhD, where Dr. Knight immersed in research and explored the field of neurology. However, as the journey continued, the research began to feel more like an engineering path, which wasn't entirely fulfilling. Driven by a desire for direct patient interaction and the tangible rewards of clinical practice, Dr. Knight decided to shift focus from research to the clinical side of medicine, where the impact on patients' lives could be seen and felt every day.
During a rotation in the interventional section of medical school, Dr. Knight found an immediate connection with the staff and physicians. This experience ignited a profound interest in radiology, especially interventional radiology.
"What drew me to radiology was actually interventional radiology- being able to perform complex but minimally invasive procedures on extremely ill patients and being rewarded with a positive outcome produces a particular 'high.'" - Dr. Knight, Locum Tenens Radiologist
Pursuit of Flexibility and Growth
Before transitioning to a full-time radiology locum tenens physician, Dr. Knight explored a variety of practice settings. From working with physician groups to establishing his own interventional clinical practice, he gained valuable experience. However, as he started to prepare for the arrival of his first child, Dr. Knight sought a career path offering greater flexibility and stability.
"I decided locums would give me the flexibility and compensation I wanted." - Dr. Knight
Embracing the opportunities afforded by locum tenens work, he looked forward to exploring new clinical environments and expanding his skill set.
Life as a Locum Radiologist with Medicus
For Dr. Knight, working as a locum radiologist has allowed him to explore new practice settings while having the flexibility and financial stability he desired.
"Interestingly, I have experienced as much and often more satisfaction doing locum work than I have with any of my other practices. Traveling may not be for everyone, so I can understand the hesitation of others, but my experience has been positive." - Dr. Knight
Having a supportive locum tenens agency has also aided in his positive shift to a locum tenens career.
"Much of that has to do with the fact that Medicus and the hospital at which I've been placed have been very supportive and professional." - Dr. Knight
Integrating Into New Teams & Elevating Culture
One of the benefits of locum tenens work is the ability to work in new practice settings with new teams. Dr. Knight believes four things are necessary when integrating into new teams: a strong skill set, confidence in your skills, awareness of your limits, and being comfortable being uncomfortable.
"It's a new hospital, new practice setting, new staff, etc., which also requires some humility." - Dr. Knight
Dr. Knight also emphasizes the importance of remembering that you are part of the team while there.
"I am trying to fit into a culture while also elevating it. So, I try to listen to staff's concerns, advocate for staff when possible, and take some direction from them because they know the system better than I do. I help to improve certain workflow issues when needed, and overall make it easy and pleasant for others to work with me." - Dr. Knight, Locum Tenens Radiologist
Life Outside of Medicine
Thanks to the freedom and flexibility that locum tenens careers offer, Dr. Knight finds it easier to balance his professional and personal life. When he's not working as a locum radiologist, you can find him spending quality time with his family or enjoying the outdoors as an avid mountain biker. Additionally, Dr. Knight embraces activities that make him comfortably uncomfortable, such as practicing martial arts.
"I am also heavily into martial arts and practice Jiu Jitsu and Krav maga. I discussed the need to be comfortable being uncomfortable, and I think that's what martial arts can teach best." - Dr. Knight
Memorable Career Moments
Reflecting on his career so far, Dr. Knight recalls a particularly memorable experience from his time as a medical student. One of his first patients, suffering from long-standing Crohn's Disease and frequent hospitalizations, expressed deep gratitude for the care and support Dr. Knight provided. The patient gifted Dr. Knight a doctor bobblehead with a note reading, 'Your patients will be lucky when you are the one calling the shots.' Dr. Knight still keeps the bobblehead in his home office.
"It makes me laugh. It's a reminder to myself that what I and other healthcare providers, which includes more than just physicians, do has an impact on patients." - Dr. Knight
Interested in working locum tenens radiology? Complete the short form below to connect with a Medicus recruiter!
