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Dr. Felder’s journey into medicine began unexpectedly—with a rock. After suffering a childhood head injury from an accident at a construction site, he developed a lasting fascination with studying and treating brain injuries. Ultimately, that experience led him to pursue a career in neurology. Today, with Caliber’s help, Dr. Felder practices as a locum tenens Neurologist and successfully balances serving underserved areas with his passion for concussion research.
For about 20 years, Dr. Felder worked in a nearby hospital and had his own private practice in Pennsylvania.
"I was the only Neurologist in the hospital, so it could be daunting to cover the hospital by myself while simultaneously managing my own practice. It really felt like I was on call 365 days a year,” he explains. “And unfortunately, it left me without a lot of time to dedicate to my research and develop my patents."
That’s when he considered a different path, one that allowed him more schedule flexibility. Enter locum tenens.
For Dr. Felder, locum tenens was a turning point in his career, offering flexibility that his private practice couldn't. “Locums gave me the ability to control my schedule,” he says. “It opened up time to work on my medical patents and gave me the ability to adjust my schedule more precisely.”
His research, centered on concussions and low-dose Naltrexone, involves collaborations with universities across the country, and Dr. Felder is currently named on 23 patents. In addition to more time for research, locum tenens has also provided him with the opportunity to experience various medical systems and patient populations. At one point, he held five simultaneous state licenses, though right now he holds about two or three at a time.
This variety has led to countless life-changing moments, like when he was on assignment in rural South Carolina. “I had a patient come in who had been unable to see a Neurologist for some time. I assessed them and I was surprised nobody had considered a particular diagnosis—pseudotumor cerebri. This is a condition that causes increased pressure inside the skull,” he explains. “We confirmed that diagnosis, and it’s a good thing we caught it because if left untreated, it can cause blindness.”
Experiences like this highlight the immense value of locum tenens providers, particularly in underserved areas where specialist care is scarce.
"Locums fulfills a big need and enables me to help people who might otherwise go without this essential care. That's incredibly rewarding and gratifying."
In addition to serving rural communities, Dr. Felder has found great fulfillment in his current locum assignment, where he directly assists veterans. “What I’m doing with Caliber is so important. Ultimately, I really get to help these patients, and we owe them all a lot of gratitude,” he shares. Dr. Felder reviews cases and conducts disability evaluations, offering critical support to those who have served.
When colleagues ask about locums, Dr. Felder often encourages them to explore the practice alternative. “What’s great is that you can decide how much or how little you want to do,” he says. “For older physicians like me, it’s a way to extend your career without the demands of being on call all year. It’s valuable because you control your schedule, which is a great option for those seeking more flexibility and freedom.” Locum tenens has empowered Dr. Felder to balance his clinical work with his passion for research, all while making a meaningful impact in underserved communities.
Dr. Felder also appreciates the support he’s received throughout his locum tenens journey. “Caliber is a highly professional organization that genuinely dedicates itself to supporting physicians. Their internal support team is consistently helpful, making every effort to ensure a smooth and positive experience.”
At Caliber, we’re proud to be part of Dr. Felder’s locum tenens journey and help him deliver exceptional patient care today while advancing the future of neurology treatment through his research.
If you're a physician looking for more control over your career and the chance to make a broader impact, contact us today.
