Sam Whitaker

Work With Sam Today To Find The Best Australian Doctor Opportunity

Real-life Locum Stories of Going the Extra Mile

Sam's commitment to going above and beyond is legendary at Blugibbon. He shares two stories that highlight his dedication:

"A locum doctor calls me, 'I've lost my wallet and I have no money; I can't get to work.' Uber had just been invented. I changed my location to the doctor's house and called him 5 minutes later to say your driver is outside to take you to work. The locum doctor didn't believe he could leave the car without paying. I told him I'd paid through the app. He still to this day thinks I'm some sort of magician."

"A locum doctor calls me on the drive to Modbury Hospital in SA. 'Sam, I've hit a kangaroo. It's 11:30 pm, I'm in the middle of nowhere (rural SA), and my hire car is undriveable.' After I discovered where she was located, I knew a rural GP ED doctor that lived not far away. I called my friend (who happened to know more about cars than medicine). He came and collected my roo-beaten doctor and offered her a place to stay for the night. Over 10 years later, the two of them are still close friends!"

Bluggibon's Difference: Approachable, Exclusive, Real

What makes Blugibbon different? Sam believes it's a combination of three key factors:

• We're approachable. Our office is like a shop window - you can literally see us working hard to find the perfect locum placements. No stuffy boardrooms or hidden agendas here!
• We're exclusive. Everyone claims to have the best connections, but we actually do. We have access to rosters that other agencies don't, which means more opportunities for you.
• We're real. We're not just about filling roles; we're about building relationships. We want to get to know you as a person, not just a CV. Let's make this more than a transaction - let's create some great memories and friendships along the way. Let’s become mates for life.

Thinking about Locum Work? Here's Sam's Two Cents:

• Get to know your recruiter. It's like any relationship - communication and understanding are key. Find out how your recruiter prefers to stay in touch and how they handle their workload. This will help you both stay on the same page and avoid any misunderstandings down the track.
• Don't just chase the big bucks. Sure, locum rates can be tempting, but there's more to it than that. Ask yourself: Am I really ready for the demands of this role? Do the benefits outweigh the challenges? And remember, there's always a reason why a rate is high - make sure you understand what's expected of you before you jump in.

What Gets Sam Out of Bed in the Morning?

It's about more than just filling shifts. When we place the right doctor in the right community, the whole place feels it. We hear it in the voices of the workforce managers when we've found someone who truly makes a difference.

COVID really brought it home. During the pandemic, the need for locum doctors in isolated communities was greater than ever. We worked tirelessly to connect doctors with those in need, and the outpouring of gratitude we received – from patients writing heartfelt letters to regional managers expressing their relief – was overwhelming. It was a powerful reminder of just how important our work is.

Dispelling Locum Myths with a Touch of Humour

Sam's light-hearted approach shines through when he addresses common misconceptions about locum work:

"Why are all the recruiters English or Irish!? True, all the good ones are." (He says with a cheeky grin.)

But on a more serious note, Sam acknowledges a common sentiment among Australian doctors:

"We know a lot of you think all locum agencies are the same. We get it - it can feel like a sea of similar faces and promises. But we're here to tell you that Blugibbon is different. We're not just about filling roles; we're about building genuine, lasting relationships."

Sam believes that these connections are the heart of Blugibbon's success:

"The relationships we cultivate with doctors and hospitals are what help us grow our network and, ultimately, provide you with an experience that goes above and beyond. We're in it for the long haul, and we're committed to supporting you every step of the way."