Locum tenens (Latin for “to hold the place of”) refers to a physician who temporarily fills in for other doctors when they take leave from their regular medical practices. Often abbreviated as “locums”, these doctors provide vital coverage that can range from just a few days to several months at a time. Their invaluable work allows practices to continue running smoothly and maintain continuity of care when a physician needs to take time off for vacation, parental leave, illness, continuing education, or other reasons.
Without locum tenens doctors who are willing to take on these temporary assignments, many practices would struggle to find doctors to cover gaps in the schedule. The locum steps in to temporarily fill the shoes of the absent physician, making sure patients still have access to care. This provides great relief and peace of mind to both patients and the primary practitioners.
For many doctors, locum tenens offers an appealing and rewarding career path. The locum role provides an excellent work option for physicians seeking more flexibility, variety and control over their schedules.
Why Doctors Choose Locum Tenens
FlexibilityOne of the biggest draws of locum tenens is the flexibility it offers. Unlike physicians who work as permanent staff doctors, locums can choose when and where they want to work. They can select assignments based on location, duration, specialty, and other preferences. This freedom allows them to create a customized schedule.
For example, a locum may work at one practice for a few weeks, take some time off, and then accept another assignment elsewhere. The flexibility makes it easier to achieve work-life balance.
Change of Scenery Locum work also provides built-in variety, allowing doctors to experience new places and medical facilities. Physicians can broaden their skill sets by working at different types of practices, from small rural clinics to large urban hospitals. The change of scenery helps stave off burnout that can come with being in the same environment.
Additional IncomeLocum tenens offers the ability to supplement income from a permanent position or other ventures. The key is finding locum tenens workers who want to pad their earnings and boost their bottom line. To do this, doctors and healthcare workers can pick up extra locum assignments without over-committing. This supplemental income can help physicians pay off burdensome student loans or other debts at an accelerated pace. The extra funds provide more room in the budget to cover daily expenses, afford vacations, save up for major purchases like a home, or save for retirement and educational funds for children. Locums can also use the income boost to reach certain financial goals faster, whether that’s buying a dream car, growing an investment portfolio, upgrading a home, or supporting a spouse or parents. For doctors seeking to expand their earnings, locum work is an attractive and strategic option. The income uplift helps create financial freedom and flexibility for major life goals and purchases while the work schedule remains tailored to one’s preferences and work-life balance needs.
Trial PeriodWorking as a locum tenens physician provides an extended “trial period” for doctors to experience working at different facilities before making a permanent commitment. Taking on locum assignments in a city they may consider moving to or at a practice they might join full-time lets doctors get a valuable inside look. They can experience first-hand what living and working in that location and setting is like. The locum assignment serves as an immersive working interview, giving physicians a chance to evaluate factors like the cost of living, commuting, housing, school options for kids, camaraderie with colleagues, organizational culture, facilities, workload, and more. This allows doctors to determine if the practice and area seem like a good fit for long-term employment or relocation. By working as a locum first, physicians gain key insights and confidence that a permanent position would be the right move before officially taking the leap.
Semi-RetirementLater in their careers, some doctors use locum work to transition into retirement. Scaling back to occasional locum assignments allows physicians to keep practicing while enjoying more leisure time. It creates a flexible semi-retirement schedule.
A Look Inside Locum Tenens
A typical locum tenens career involves signing on with a staffing agency. Many large agencies throughout the United States connect doctors with medical facilities needing temporary coverage.
Once signed on, physicians can browse and select available assignments. They may choose regular local stints or travel opportunities farther away depending on preferences. Assignments can range from 1-2 days to 6 months or longer.
The agency handles logistical details like pay, malpractice insurance, housing, and licensing for each assignment. Doctors receive an hourly rate or per diem salary during the locum stint. This compensation is determined upfront.
To help new locum doctors adjust, the hiring facility usually provides orientation and training. An experienced physician is also assigned to act as a mentor. With this support, new locums can quickly get up to speed on policies and procedures.
Locum tenens offers variety not just in location, but also in work settings. Doctors can choose assignments in:
– Private practices: solo, group, primary care, specialty – Community health centers – Hospitals: urban, rural, academic medical centers- Public health clinics- Government facilities: VA hospitals, prisons
This diversity of settings allows locums to develop well-rounded skills. Switching between different practice types can be rewarding and prevent burnout.
Locum Tenens Trends
Locum tenens work has grown more popular in recent decades. Here are some stats on the increase:
– There was a 36% rise in demand for locum tenens physicians from 2015 to 2019 (Staff Care)
– 72% of physicians reported working in locum roles at some point in their career (Locumstory)
– There was a 66% increase in doctors working locum from 2012 to 2018 (Merritt Hawkins data)
Several factors drive this growth:
– Doctor shortages across the U.S.- Desire for work-life balance – Reduced stigma/increased acceptance of locum roles- Higher pay rates- More doctors delaying retirement
As demand increases, locum tenens is projected to remain a viable physician career path long-term. It allows doctors to find fulfilling roles with scheduling flexibility. For many, it’s the ideal way to practice medicine on their own terms.
From recent graduates to doctors in their sunset careers, locum tenens offers a personalized route in medicine. The freedom to construct custom schedules and frequently change settings makes locum work uniquely appealing. It provides work-life balance, increased income, exciting adventures, and more – creating job satisfaction at every stage of a physician’s journey.