Telemedicine and Fatherhood: An interview with locum tenens physician Franklyn Rocha, MD

The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner

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Many thanks to Franklyn Rocha, MD, a fellow neurologist and with an unusual locum tenens practice. He is a clinical neurophysiologist and neurohospitalist consultant and Chief Executive Officer/Owner of IRD Neuroanalysis, Inc. Dr. Rocha does in-person neurology consults at Harbor-UCLA Hospital near his home but primarily works as a telemedicine physician from the first floor of his townhouse!

Dr. Rocha is also a new father of a healthy, bouncing, baby boy. Prior to his son’s birth, Frank had been thinking a lot about fatherhood. He published an essay on KevinMD.com about how difficult it can be for physician fathers to be physically present with a newborn. He cites academic demands, peer pressure from other physicians, lack of paid paternal leave, and the tradition of putting patients first as formidable obstacles that discourage new physician fathers from taking parental leave.

It's clear that Frank intends to be a successful physician and entrepreneur, but he also didn’t want to miss out on the unique experience of fatherhood. During our 30-minute podcast, Frank explained how owning his own business and working telemedicine allowed him to spend nearly four months of parental leave with his wife and newborn son.

For physicians with the added challenge of a special needs child, parenting demands are even greater. For these physicians, David Hirsch’s “Special Father’s Network” offers valuable resources.

To learn more about Dr. Rocha, please visit his Linked-In profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franklyn-rocha-cabrero-m-d-67287a27/

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Finally, this production has been made possible in part by support from “The Art of Medicine's” wonderful sponsor, Locumstory.com, a resource where providers can get real, unbiased answers about locum tenens. If you are interested in locum tenens, or considering a new full-time position, please go to Locumstory.com.
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