Six Months Later: Rediscovering Balance Through Locum Life and New Ventures

It’s been just over six months since I stepped away from my previous role at Orlando Health — a decision that marked a turning point not just in my career, but in how I live, work, and grow as a physician, father, husband, and entrepreneur. What started as a professional pause has quickly become one of the most expansive and fulfilling seasons of my life.

Reclaiming Time, Redefining Purpose

The shift to locum work was, at first, a logistical choice — a bridge to the next chapter. But what I’ve discovered is something far greater: the freedom to breathe, to be present, and to pursue dimensions of life that had long taken a back seat. My locum assignments have taken me from the rugged openness of Montana to the lush, serene hills of West Virginia. Each place has its own rhythm, its own patients, and its own story — and I’ve cherished the learning, the contrasts, and the growth that comes from immersing in different communities.

My current role in West Virginia is a study in contrast: a small hospital, a calm inpatient pace, and a rhythm of Monday through Wednesday workweeks — with minimal call, minimal outpatient burden, and time to truly reset. Most days, I see 1-3 new consults. Some days, a few more. But the value lies not in the volume — it’s in the clarity. It’s in the joy of showing up well-rested, present, and ready to serve.

This setup has allowed me to be more than a doctor — I’ve been a husband and a father in the truest sense. Two cruises, international trips to Iceland and Japan with more summer trips coming, quality time with our kids, date nights and date vacations, early morning breakfasts with friends, and now… pickleball. Yes, I’ve learned pickleball — and I’m fully in. And while my left knee may have a few complaints, my spirit has never felt more energized. 

A New Kind of Growth

Professionally, I’ve diversified in ways I never anticipated. I’m now a federal contractor auditing VA charts, continuing disability and medical malpractice consulting, and diving into real estate and healthcare real estate investment. My wife and I have also signed on to launch not one, but three 4EY franchise wellness centers in Central Florida. It’s a mission that feels aligned with who we are — both personally and professionally. As we hit midlife, the question of longevity, vitality, and wellness isn’t theoretical — it’s our reality. And this business gives us the opportunity to build a future that reflects those values, not just for us, but for the community.

We’ve added additional medical office space to our real estate portfolio, expanded into single family home rehab projects, and perhaps most importantly, discovered the joy of building together. My wife and I are growing closer through our shared goals. We’ve reconnected in ways I’m deeply grateful for, and our relationship with our children has never been stronger.

The Seven Spokes of Life

This year has been an exercise in intentional living. I’ve leaned into what we all know as the seven spokes of life:

• Spiritual: Daily meditation, morning journaling, and exploring Stoicism have deepened my perspective.
• Physical: Regular workouts at OrangeTheory, basketball/pickleball (when my knee cooperates) and even more outdoor time hiking in Montana/West Virginia.
• Career: Consulting, writing, reading journals and collaborative locum work have reignited my sense of professional curiosity.
• Intellectual: Reading on human nature, financial systems, and franchise building — fueling my growth as an entrepreneur.
• Financial: Multiple income streams, exploring non-clinical roles, and possibly my most financially rewarding year to date.  
• Family: More time together. More intentional parenting. More shared meals and memories. 
• Social: Deepening friendships, rekindling old ones, and yes, a bit more poker and pickleball on the calendar. I am upset I’ll be missing 3 events this weekend! = (

The Road Ahead

And while I’ve truly embraced this moment, I also recognize that something new is forming. A return to a larger collaborative environment. A new leadership role. A return to cutting-edge research, solid tumor innovation, and cellular therapies. I’m excited for what’s next, and I’ll have more to share soon — very soon. And as much as I look forward to that future, it’s comforting to know that locum life remains a fulfilling and viable path — a strong and satisfying fallback, now or anytime.

But for now, I simply want to say this: stepping away isn’t always a pause. Sometimes, it’s propulsion. This last chapter has reminded me that balance isn’t a luxury — it’s a requirement. And with it, we don’t just become better clinicians. We become better humans.

Here’s to all the chapters still to be written.

Until then, I’ll be seeing you — three days a week, fully present, fully grateful, and always moving forward.

About the author

Dr. Sajeve Thomas is a distinguished medical professional and a compassionate guide in the field of oncology. With over a decade of dedicated experience as a board-certified medical oncologist/internal medicine specialist, Dr. Thomas has become a trusted expert in the treatment of melanoma, sarcoma, and gastrointestinal conditions. He brings a wealth of expertise to the complex and challenging world of oncology.