What is Locum Tenens Surgery?

What is Locum Tenens Surgery?

The term "Locum Tenens," derived from Latin, means "to hold the place of." As a locum tenens surgeon, you provide invaluable temporary support to hospitals, trauma centers, and surgical facilities grappling with staffing shortages. This dynamic role encompasses a wide array of specialties, including general surgery, trauma surgery, and cardiothoracic surgery, ensuring that communities maintain uninterrupted access to essential surgical care.

The demand for skilled surgeons is on an upward trajectory due to the aging population and an aging workforce. According to the American Association of Medical Colleges, a shortage of 15,800-30,200 surgeons across all specialties is anticipated by 2034. Locum tenens surgeons can play a vital role in bridging this growing gap, offering their expertise and flexibility to meet the increasing demand for surgical services.

Why Work Locum Tenens Surgery?

Starting a career as a locum tenens surgeon offers a distinct advantage in achieving a fulfilling work-life balance. Unlike permanent surgeons, locum tenens surgery empowers you to take control of your schedule, working hours, and assignment durations. This level of career autonomy and adaptability enables you to coordinate your professional commitments with your personal life, effectively mitigating burnout risks and fostering a healthier work-life balance.

In addition to career autonomy, locum tenens surgeons often enjoy lighter workloads and reduced administrative pressures due to the temporary nature of their assignments. By stepping in to bridge staffing gaps, your primary focus remains on patient care, sparing you from excessive administrative duties. As a result, a career as a surgery locum tenens can provide you with heightened flexibility and the freedom to explore other passions and interests outside of your medical practice. This approach to work-life balance can contribute significantly to your overall well-being while allowing you to continue providing essential procedures to communities in need.

If you enjoy traveling while also making a meaningful mark on communities, locum tenens surgery may be for you. As a locum tenens surgeon, you have the freedom to work in vibrant cities or serene rural areas, providing essential surgical services in hospitals and other healthcare facilities facing shortages. As a bonus, Medicus handles all the logistics, leaving you the free time to focus on patient care and immersing yourself in your new community.

Alternatively, if you're seeking a balance between your career and personal commitments without sacrificing the benefits of a locum tenens career, there are also options for assignments closer to your home.

Whether you enjoy working in distant places or the comfort of your local neighborhood, locum tenens surgeon roles cater to your preferences, offering flexible opportunities aligned with your lifestyle and professional aspirations. In either scenario, you'll continue to make a positive impact on communities in need of surgeons and surgical services.

Whether you specialize in general surgery, trauma surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, or any surgical field, and you're looking for a career that offers both increased earnings and the chance to address critical staffing shortages, consider locum tenens assignments. As a locum tenens surgeon, you not only have the opportunity to make a significant impact on communities but also enjoy higher financial rewards compared to permanent surgery positions. This increase in pay is a result of the temporary nature of the job and the heightened demand for surgical expertise and procedures.

Beyond the financial benefits, locum tenens surgeons play a crucial role in addressing healthcare staffing shortages, particularly in areas where specialized care is in high demand and short supply. Whether your preference leans towards bustling urban centers or serene rural towns, locum tenens surgery opportunities can boost your income while ensuring that communities have access to timely surgical care.

Locum tenens surgery opportunities offer the ability to collaborate with a diverse array of surgeons nationwide. Through close collaboration with fellow surgeons, you can create valuable networking connections. Working with a diverse group of surgeons enriches your clinical perspectives and establishes a robust and supportive professional network that can prove invaluable to your professional growth.

Embracing a locum tenens surgeon's career can expand your clinical knowledge and skills beyond the scope of permanent general surgery jobs. By immersing yourself in various healthcare settings that may be different from your home base, you can help expand your expertise while gaining exposure to a wide range of patient populations. Working in surgery locums not only helps contribute to your professional growth but also empowers you to make a meaningful impact on different communities' surgery needs.

Featured Surgery Locum Tenens States

Find your next locums destination!
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Indiana

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Arizona

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Colorado

Why Work as a Locum Tenens Surgery with Medicus?

Choose Medicus as your ally in surgical locums, and you'll access a dedicated team of industry specialists committed to guiding you through the dynamic landscape of surgical opportunities. Our services extend beyond the conventional offerings of a locum tenens agency, providing a more extensive array of prospects.

In addition to conventional locum tenens assignments, we present exclusive transition projects and openings for interim leadership roles. As an added advantage, gain insights into prevailing market trends for surgeons across all specialties. These distinctive opportunities empower you to utilize your skills and experiences to positively impact communities in need of your surgical expertise.

Whether you opt for a full-time commitment to surgical locum work or integrate it with your permanent position, Medicus grants you the flexibility to tailor your career to suit your preferences. Determine when, where, and how you want to practice, allowing us to collaborate in making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Here Are a Few Reasons Why You Should Work Locum Tenens Surgery with Medicus:

Working Locum Tenens Surgery with Medicus
Working Locum Tenens Surgery with Medicus

Save the Date

Join us at the 61st Annual Meeting of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons!

STS 2025

The 61st STS Meeting is the premier annual cardiothoracic surgery event. Join colleagues and industry experts for never-before-seen science, techniques, and technology, all in Los Angeles, California! 

If you're attending STS Annual Meeting, stop by booth #442 and visit the Medicus Team!

 

Join Us at The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNSF) 2025 Annual Meeting!

AAO-HNSF 2025

Join otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons from around the world in Indianapolis,  Indiana, for the AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting! Dive into cutting-edge research, explore the latest advancements in head and neck surgery, and enjoy exclusive networking events. We invite you to learn more about AAO-HNSF here. 

While attending, stop by booth #1608 to speak with the Medicus Team!

What It's Like to Work Locum Tenens Surgery with Medicus,
a Message from Our Locums Surgeons:

Exceptional Locum Tenens Partnership

"For the past three years, I have been working with Medicus. My recruiter has been the most professional, knowledgeable, communicative, and versatile recruiter I have ever worked with. She is always available and extremely efficient in resolving any issues I may have. The whole team I work with at Medicus has gone so above and beyond that I only exclusively work with Medicus and do not entertain any other locum tenens company."

- Dr. J, Trauma Surgeon

Gratitude for an Outstanding Recruiter

"My Medicus recruiter has been excellent! I am so appreciative of all the work that we have done together. He is always so personable and committed; I can't express enough thanks for him!"

- Gordan, NP

View our current Locum Tenens Surgery job openings

General Surgery Opening in Central Pennsylvania

  • Posted 7 days ago
  • Pennsylvania
  • Physician
  • General Surgery
  • Locum
Medicus has an opportunity for a General Surgeon to provide locum coverage at a hospital in central Pennsylvania. Opening Overview: Schedule: 8-hour day shifts, Monday-Monday No call shifts required Daily Volume: 12 Board certification required Paid travel & expenses If you are interested,...
Read more »

Surgery APP Locum in Central MA | No Call Shifts

  • Posted 12 days ago
  • Massachusetts
  • Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant
  • General Surgery
  • Locum
Medicus has partnered with a surgery center in central Massachusetts that has an opening for a skilled Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to provide locum surgical coverage. About the Opening: Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8a-4p No call required Cases: Colorectal, thoracic, ENT, surgical...
Read more »

Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery APP Locum on the Gulf Coast of FL

  • Posted 19 days ago
  • Florida
  • Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pediatric Surgery
  • Locum
Medicus is collaborating with a children's hospital on the Gulf Coast of Florida with an opportunity for a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to provide locum Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery coverage. Opportunity Highlights: Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8a-5p Patient Population: Pediatrics ...
Read more »

Locum Trauma Surgeon Opening in Eastern PA

  • Posted 19 days ago
  • Pennsylvania
  • Physician
  • Trauma Surgery
  • Locum
A hospital in eastern Pennsylvania has an opening for a skilled Trauma Surgeon to provide locum coverage. Opening Details: Schedule: Day shifts (7a-5p) or night shifts (5p-7a), 7 days per week Call Requirement: In-house call on Fridays and Sundays if you take day shifts Setting: Level III Trauma...
Read more »

CV/CT Surgery Opportunity in Texas - 24-Hr Call Shifts

  • Posted 20 days ago
  • Texas
  • Physician
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Locum
Medicus has a locum opportunity for a Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic Surgeon to provide ongoing locum coverage at a facility in eastern Texas. Opportunity Details: Schedule: 24-hour call shifts, 7a-7a, specific dates Multiple locations Setting: Primarily inpatient surgical coverage for ED and...
Read more »

Locum Orthopedic Surgery APP in Central MN | 4-Day Workweek

  • Posted 21 days ago
  • Minnesota
  • Physician Assistant
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Locum
Medicus has partnered with a hospital in central Minnesota with an opportunity for a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to provide Orthopedic Surgery locum coverage. Opening Overview: Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 10-hour shifts, 2 clinic days and 2 OR days per week Call: Sporadic overnight...
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Orthopedic Surgery Locum Opening in Central MN | Foot & Ankle Cases

  • Posted 21 days ago
  • Minnesota
  • Physician
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Locum
A central Minnesota hospital has an opening for an Orthopedic Surgeon to provide locum call coverage for foot and ankle cases. About the Opening: Schedule: 24-hour beeper call shifts Setting: Hospital and clinic Cases: General orthopedic, foot and ankle, diabetic foot/wound care Support Staff: 4...
Read more »

Surgery Opportunity in Minnesota

  • Posted 21 days ago
  • Minnesota
  • Physician
  • General Surgery
  • Locum
Medicus has an opportunity for a qualified General Surgeon to provide coverage at a leading facility in central Minnesota. About the Opportunity: Flexible schedule Call required for emergent cases only Patient Volume: 6 per shift Cases: Bread & butter, emergency colonoscopies, upper and lower...
Read more »

Cardiovascular Surgery APP Locum in Dallas, TX

  • Posted 25 days ago
  • Texas
  • Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery
  • Locum
Medicus is collaborating with a facility in Dallas, Texas, with an opening for a Cardiovascular Surgery Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to assist their team. About the Opening: Schedule: Monday-Sunday, 8-hour shifts Call Requirement: Emergency department beeper call Setting: Operating...
Read more »

General Surgery APP Opportunity in Western GA - 4-Day Workweek

  • Posted 27 days ago
  • Georgia
  • Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant
  • General Surgery
  • Locum
A medical center in western Georgia has an opening for a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to provide locum Perioperative Medicine coverage. About the Opening: Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 8a-5p No call required Patient Breakdown: <10% Peds / 65% Adults / 25% Geriatrics Daily Volume: 12...
Read more »

Trauma APP Coverage in Columbus, OH | Level II Trauma

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • Ohio
  • Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant
  • Trauma Surgery
  • Locum
Medicus is collaborating with a hospital in Columbus, Ohio, that has an opening for a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to provide locum Trauma coverage. Opening Highlights: Level II Adult Trauma Center Flexible scheduling, Monday-Friday Setting: Inpatient Patient Population: All ages...
Read more »

Long-Term General Surgery Locum Opportunity in Richmond, VA

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • Virginia
  • Physician
  • General Surgery
  • Locum
A leading hospital in Richmond, Virginia, has an opening for a General Surgeon to provide long-term locum coverage. Opening Details: Schedule: 3-4 consecutive days of 24-hour coverage, 7a-7a, specific dates Patient Population: Adolescent, adult, and geriatric Case Volume: 2-5 surgical cases per...
Read more »

Cardiothoracic Surgery PA Call Coverage in Savannah, GA

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • Georgia
  • Physician Assistant
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Locum
A leading medical center in Savannah, Georgia, has an opportunity for a skilled Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant to provide locum call coverage. Opportunity Overview: Schedule: Friday 7a to Monday 7a, one weekend per month Patient Volume: 8 per day Duties: Call coverage and CVICU...
Read more »

Cardiothoracic Surgery Coverage in Southern MI

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • Michigan
  • Physician
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Locum
Medicus is collaborating with a hospital in southern Michigan that has an opportunity for a Cardiothoracic Surgeon to provide long-term coverage. About the Opportunity: Schedule: 8-hour day shifts Beeper call EMR: Epic Board certification required Paid travel & expenses During your free time,...
Read more »

Cardiothoracic Surgery APP Opening in Southern Michigan

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • Michigan
  • Physician Assistant
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Locum
A hospital in southern Michigan has an opening for a Cardiothoracic Surgery Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to provide locum coverage. Opening Highlights: Schedule: 8a-5p Beeper call EMR: Epic Must be board-certified Paid travel & expenses In your spare time, hike scenic trails in...
Read more »

APP Orthopedic Trauma Surgery Call - Myrtle Beach, SC

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • South Carolina
  • Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Locum
A medical center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is seeking a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to provide Orthopedic Trauma Surgery coverage. Opportunity Details: Schedule: 6a-3p, Monday-Friday Call: Rotating night call, 24-hour weekend call Daily Volume: 20 patients Level I Trauma...
Read more »

Trauma Surgery APP Opening in Charleston, SC

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • South Carolina
  • Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant
  • Trauma Surgery
  • Locum
Medicus has partnered with a leading medical center in Charleston, South Carolina, with an opening for a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to provide short-term locum Trauma Surgery coverage. Opening Highlights: Schedule: 12-hour ICU day shifts, 24-hour trauma beeper call, specific dates ...
Read more »

Cardiothoracic Surgery APP Opening in Western IN - First Assist

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • Indiana
  • Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Locum
A hospital in western Indiana has an opening for a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to provide locum Cardiothoracic Surgery coverage. About the Opening: Schedule: Monday-Friday, 10-hour shifts, 10-14 shifts per month Beeper call shifts required First Assist Must do vein harvesting EMR:...
Read more »

Locum Trauma Surgery Opening in Hartford, CT - Level I Trauma

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • Connecticut
  • Physician
  • Trauma Surgery
  • Locum
A Level I Trauma hospital in Hartford, Connecticut, has an opening for a Trauma Surgeon to assist their team. About the Opening: Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7a-4p, 3 weeknights per week, 4p-7a Saturday/Sunday call, 7a-7a Surgical Case Volume: 5 per day Annual ER Volume: 80,000 Patient Ages:...
Read more »

Pediatric Surgery Locum in Southern Arizona - 24-Hr Call

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • Arizona
  • Physician
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Locum
A medical center in southern Arizona has an excellent opportunity for a Pediatric Surgeon to provide locum coverage. About the Opening: Schedule: 24-hour call shifts, specific dates Trauma Level: I EMR: Cerner Board certification required IMLC is accepted Paid travel & lodging This opening...
Read more »

Orthopedic Surgery Locum Opening in Western MA

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • Massachusetts
  • Physician
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Locum
Medicus is partnering with a hospital in western Massachusetts with an opportunity for an Orthopedic Surgeon to assist their team. About the Opening: Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8-hour day shifts Call Rotation: 1:4 Daily Census: 10-15 clinic patients, 1-2 OR patients Procedures: General ortho,...
Read more »

Cardiothoracic Surgery Locum Opportunity in Central Michigan

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • Michigan
  • Physician
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Locum
Medicus is partnering with a hospital in central Michigan with an opportunity for a Cardiothoracic Surgeon to assist their team. About the Opening: Schedule: 24-hour call shifts, specific dates Cases: Bread & butter, open heart surgery Case Logs: 75 in the last 12 months EMR: Athena Support...
Read more »

Orthopedic Trauma Surgery Opportunity in Charleston, SC - 24-Hour Call Shifts

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • South Carolina
  • Physician
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Locum
Medicus has partnered with a facility in Charleston, South Carolina, with an opportunity for an Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon to provide locum coverage. About the Opportunity: Schedule: 24-hour call shifts, 6 days per month Patient Volume: 15 per day Cases: Orthopedic trauma Pelvic and acetabulum...
Read more »

Cardiothoracic Surgery Opportunity in Fort Worth, Texas

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • Texas
  • Physician
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Locum
A hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, has an opportunity for a Cardiothoracic Surgeon to provide locum coverage. Opportunity Highlights: Level I trauma facility Schedule: 24-hour call shifts Emergency procedures only No TAVRs Must be comfortable with aortic dissection EMR: Epic Board certification...
Read more »

General Surgery Locum 1-Hr from Denver, CO

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • Colorado
  • Physician
  • General Surgery
  • Locum
Medicus is collaborating with a medical center an hour from Denver, Colorado, with an opening for a General Surgeon to assist their team. Opening Details: Schedule: 24-hour call shifts, specific dates Will see urgent referred clinic patients Must be board-certified or board-eligible Complimentary...
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PICU APP Coverage 30-Mins from Dallas, TX

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • Texas
  • Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Locum
A medical center 30 minutes from Dallas, Texas, has an opening for a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to assist their Pediatric ICU. Opening Details: Schedule: 24-hour shifts Types of Patients: Asthmatics, DKA, ingestions, chronic ventilations EMR: Epic Paid travel & expenses If you are...
Read more »

Orthopedic Surgery Opportunity in Myrtle Beach, SC

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • South Carolina
  • Physician
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Locum
Medicus is partnering with a medical center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, that has an opportunity for an Orthopedic Surgeon to assist their team. About the Opportunity: Schedule: 24-hour call shifts Level I trauma center Daily Patient Volume: 10 Duties: Rounding and consults Pelvic and...
Read more »

General Surgery Opportunity in Northern Colorado

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • Colorado
  • Physician
  • General Surgery
  • Locum
A medical center in northern Colorado has an opening for a General Surgeon to assist their team. Opening Highlights: Schedule: 24-hour call shifts, specific dates Level III trauma facility EMR: Cerner Board certification required Paid travel & expenses If you are interested, please apply to...
Read more »

General Surgery Coverage in South-Central SD

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • South Dakota
  • Physician
  • General Surgery
  • Locum
Medicus is collaborating with a facility in south-central South Dakota that has an opportunity for a General Surgeon to provide locum coverage. About the Opportunity: Schedule: 24-hour call shift, specific dates Daily Patient Census: 7-10 EMR: Epic Must have the ability to perform C-sections ...
Read more »

Cardiothoracic Surgery Locum in Colorado - 24-Hr Call

  • Posted 30 days ago
  • Colorado
  • Physician
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Locum
Medicus is partnering with a hospital in northern Colorado, 1 hour from Denver, with an opening for a Cardiothoracic Surgeon to provide locum coverage. Opportunity Details: Schedule: 24-hour call Will cover multiple locations EMR: Cerner Must be board-certified Paid travel & lodging If you are...
Read more »
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