I haven't worked at all for 8 years. I have 2 kids also - twins. Both just started college. I chose staying home to raise them instead of working during their high school years, and it seems to have paid off because they were both accepted to good colleges.

Now I would like to go back to work at least locum tenens to start, but headhunters aren't interested because I haven't had any recent patient contact. I thought there was a shortage of primary care docs and I would be able to go back to work, but I guess I was overly naive.

I've been looking into the different practice reentry programs, and so far I haven't found one that seems right. One that I thought sounded promising actually only involves observing, not patient care, and I'm not sure if that would count as recent patient contact. Others perform a 1 or 2 day assessment of your skills and then give you an educational plan, but you have to provide your own practice setting and monitor/mentor in your own state. I'm trying to find a mini-residency, and I'm waiting for responses to a couple of e-mails I've sent to other programs. They are very expensive, but I'm willing to pay if that is what it takes. I've offered to volunteer at the local free clinic - I asked if there was anyone who might be willing to let me shadow them initially, but so far no response.

So that's my story. All of my medical credentials are up to date: license, DEA, BLS, ACLS, just recertified in internal medicine this year, no malpractice claims ever, and have spent many many hours studying - most of it after passing the boards, but it all feels useless.

Sometimes I think I should just find a shack on the beach somewhere and stare at the ocean! I'm trying to maintain a positive attitude, but it's difficult.

Hi AliciaM and welcome! I think the moderators moved your comment because we are not supposed to comment in the blog section on MomMD. There is a sticky post about it, but you are certainly not the first person not to have seen the sticky!

Anyway, it is definitely possible to go back to clinical medicine after staying home. I will PM you about it tomorrow (very tired tonight).

Hi AliciaM,

Can you keep us posted on how things go? I was sick Friday - Monday and am just feeling back to normal. Today I am debating on whether to catch up on some house work/projects, or plough on with figuring out what to do with my MD.

sahmd who posted above also wrote to me. I felt really encouraged to get her message. I have used this website on and off for several years and really love it. I think it is going to help me get through my angst of moving forward.

Take care!