A very intrepid sono went on a four month locum in Bermuda a few years back. How cool! He’s given us some info to share with our crew in case there are more travel junkies out there looking for something fun…
“The health system here is based on the US system, so everyone has some form of private health insurance which means the hospital runs like a private hospital. It is the only hospital on the island so offers pretty much all services, emergency, specialist clinics, outpatients, operating theatres, maternity, nursery, paeds, ICU etc plus has a connection with Lahey Hospital in Boston for services not provided on the island.
“There are a total of 5 ultrasound rooms all with GE logiqs*, 3 of which are latest model 10s and connected via Wifi to the hospital systems plus no need to power these machines down (so we do most of the ER exams in the rooms in ER). Out of hours is covered by on-call and can be busy, as they offer a private service, patients often don’t want to wait overnight. It can be rewarding work as there is a great team of doctors and nurses (some of them Aussie expats) plus remuneration is good. Pay is in Bermuda dollars which is 1-1 for US dollars and 5% max tax rate**. It is an expensive place to live, but I don’t really think it is any more expensive than living in Sydney or Melbourne!
“The population on the island is around 64 000, however this varies depending on how many of those giant cruise ships are in the dockyards – Bermuda has over half a million visitors per year!
“Bermuda is an amazing island and a very different country with unusual cultural and political differences that some people may have trouble dealing with, so I’m sure it’s not for everyone. Plus the out of hours can be very demanding. I have loved the challenges and experiences. “Island life is great if you are a sailor, swimmer, diver etc. I play African drums with a local group, Bermuda African Drum and Dance.
“There is a Bermuda government website for jobs which includes the hospital vacancies, for anyone that is interested. Be aware it can take months for firstly Bermuda health professionals registration board and then immigration to issue work permits so patience is required…
*intel from a few years back – may not be the same machines these days!
**tax laws for Aussies working OS have changed since this locum took place.
FYI – Sonos For Sonos does not coordinate locums to Bermuda…we wish! This locum was coordinated by the sonographer directly with the hospital in Bermuda.