What is Locum Tenens Primary Care?

What is Locum Tenens Primary Care?

The American Medical Association projects a shortage of between 17,800 and 48,000 primary care physicians by 2034. Yet, today, the effects of the physician shortage are already being felt, with over 102 million Americans currently lacking sufficient access to primary care services. As the combination of a growing and aging population, increased turnover, burnout, and other factors continue, the demand for primary care services will only continue to rise.

Enter locum tenens, a Latin term meaning "hold the place of." This approach offers a potential solution to the challenges posed by the scarcity of primary care physicians. Locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners specializing in primary care step in to fill temporary shifts at clinics, hospitals, and various healthcare facilities. Their presence ensures that these institutions have sufficient staffing and resources, addressing the pressing need for primary care services in their communities.

Why Work Locum Tenens Primary Care?

Primary care locum tenens allows physicians and advanced practitioners the freedom to determine their own schedules, work hours, and assignment durations. This flexibility helps align professional commitments with personal life, reducing the risk of burnout and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

By embracing the primary care locums lifestyle you can easily bypass administrative hassles and maintain control over your workload. In addition, this focus on patient care, coupled with the freedom to pursue hobbies and interests, enriches your personal life. For those passionate about travel, locum tenens work provides the freedom to explore new destinations without the hassle of requesting time off. This not only enhances personal satisfaction but also contributes to a healthier overall work-life balance.

If you’d prefer to find enhanced work-life balance without all of the travel, locum tenens primary care opportunities are available close to home as well, enabling you to enjoy all of the benefits that come from a locum tenens career while making an impact on your local community.

As a primary care locum tenens physician or APP, you not only have the freedom to journey to new locations but also the opportunity to make a significant difference in communities facing shortages in primary care staffing. This dual benefit seamlessly integrates exploration with a meaningful contribution to healthcare.

Locum tenens positions offer higher hourly wages, driven by increased demand for primary care physicians and advanced practitioners in specific areas. By choosing primary care locum tenens, you can simultaneously explore diverse regions and increase your compensation. This financial boost is a result of addressing gaps in healthcare, allowing you to play a crucial role in reducing wait times and ensuring the continuity of patient care. Choosing a career in primary care locum tenens becomes a fulfilling way to positively impact communities while enjoying the associated financial rewards.

Working in primary care locum tenens provides a chance to enhance clinical experience beyond permanent positions. Exposure to new clinical settings in different regions broadens your skillset and exposes you to a diverse patient population.

Engage with a nationwide network of colleagues, gaining insights that expand your knowledge and professional connections. These experiences not only enrich your career but also contribute to building a robust support system within the primary care community.

Here are a Few Reasons Why You Should Work Primary Care Locum Tenens with Medicus:

Working Primary Care Locum Tenens with Medicus
Working Primary Care  Locum Tenens with Medicus

Why Partner with Medicus in Primary Care Locum Tenens?

Medicus stands as your dedicated partner in navigating the dynamic primary care job market. Our commitment goes beyond traditional locum tenens staffing, offering a broader range of opportunities, including exclusive transition projects and interim leadership roles. Gain insights into primary care market trends, allowing you to apply your skills for a positive impact on communities in need.

Whether pursuing full-time primary care locum tenens or balancing it with a permanent primary care position, Medicus provides the flexibility to shape your career according to your preferences. Together, we make a difference in the lives and communities of others.

Experience Working Primary Care Locum Tenens with Medicus,
Insights from Our Primary Care Locums:

Advocacy on Your Behalf

"The team I work with at Medicus always takes the time to ensure I am treated well and will always advocate for me."

Dr. B, Primary Care Physician

Attentive Staff

"The staff at Medicus has always been helpful, kind and patient."

Dr. J, Primary Care Physician

Advocacy on Your Behalf

"The team I work with at Medicus always takes the time to ensure I am treated well and will always advocate for me."

Dr. B, Primary Care Physician

Save the Date

Join Medicus for the 2025 American Academy of Physicians Family Medicine Experience (FMX)!

AAFP - FMX 2025-1

Discover the premier primary care conference for family medicine - The AAFP's Family Medicine Experience (FMX)! Over four days, connect with industry leaders, explore the latest education and patient solutions, and enhance your practice for better care delivery. Elevate your care delivery with FMX in Anaheim, CA!

To learn more about the 2025 AAFP's Family Medicine Experience, click here.

View our current primary care job openings

Primary Care MD Contract Assignment in Southeast NM | 1 Day per Week

  • Posted 1 day ago
  • New Mexico
  • Physician, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant
  • Family Medicine, Primary Care
  • Locum
A federal clinic in southeastern New Mexico has an opening for a Family Medicine Physician or Advanced Practitioner to provide part-time locum coverage. Assignment Details: Schedule: 7.5-hour shift, 1 day per week No call required Setting: Onsite Patient Volume: 178 total young adults in program ...

Medical Director Contract Assignment 45 Minutes from Salt Lake City, UT

  • Posted 12 days ago
  • Utah
  • Physician
  • Family Medicine, Primary Care
  • Locum
A facility 45 minutes outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, has a state contract assignment for a Primary Care physician to assist their team as a Medical Services Director. About the Assignment: Schedule: Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week Beeper call shifts required Patient Census: 12 per day Duties:...

Locum Internal Medicine Physician Opportunity in Southeast VA

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • Virginia
  • Physician
  • Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Primary Care
  • Locum
Medicus has partnered with a reputable clinic in southeastern Virginia that has an opportunity for an Internal Medicine Physician to assist their team. About the Opportunity Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8a-4:30p No call required Patient Census: 17-19 per day Patient Population: 18+ Support Staff:...

Family Medicine Locum Opening 1.5 Hours From Phoenix, AZ

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • Arizona
  • Physician, Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Medicine, Primary Care
  • Locum
Medicus is partnering with a Primary Care clinic 1.5 hours from Phoenix, Arizona, with an opening for a Family Medicine physician to provide locum coverage. About the Opportunity: Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8a-5p No call required Patient Population: 10% pediatric, 40% adult, 50% geriatric Patient...

Locum Primary Care Coverage in Central MA - No Call

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • Massachusetts
  • Physician
  • Family Medicine, Primary Care
  • Locum
Medicus is collaborating with a group in central Massachusetts that has an opening for a Primary Care Physician to provide locum coverage. Opening Highlights: Schedule: 3 shifts/week, Monday-Friday, 8-hour shifts No call required Total Patient Panel: 2500-3000 EMR: Epic Board-certification...

Family Medicine NP in New York - Flexible Scheduling

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • New York
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Medicine, Primary Care
  • Locum
Medicus is partnering with facilities in New York that have opportunities for Family Medicine Nurse Practitioners to provide locum coverage. Opportunity Details: Schedule: 3, 6, or 9-hour shifts, flexible scheduling No call Patient Population: Adult Board certification required Paid travel &...