I’ve been a Locum doctor for eight or so years, a job I love. It’s challenging and rewarding. I’m in control of my life and workload, which I never was in my previous existence as a procedural GP. 

Over these years I’ve engaged with four or five Locum agencies. Every reference I write seems to put me on another agency’s database. I’ve taken jobs from Tasmania to Torres Strait, from the Ningaloo Coast to Norfolk Island, and many others in between. 

Sally-Anne was one of the first agents I worked with. I doubt I’ll find another one as good. ‘SAS’, as she signs off, quickly got to know my preferences — rural and remote clinics requiring ED cover, with dog-friendly and wife-friendly accommodation. She’s always coming up with new destinations to whet my appetite or repeat jobs which she knows I particularly enjoyed. And SAS seems to have the same rapport with the clinics themselves. Each of my queries or concerns gets thoroughly investigated. Every email is answered, including after hours when they shouldn’t be. Most important, those occasional but inevitable hiccups are promptly sorted. 

Of course, we all want to feel special, but SAS has that knack of balancing friendliness with professionalism. She has become my go-to locum agent, and I’m sure, many others’ too. 

Dr Jeffrey Lindenmayer