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Why Do Physicians & Advanced Practitioners Work Locum Tenens?
Why Work Locum Tenens With Medicus
Frequently Asked Questions About Locum Tenens Week
For 10 years, National Locum Tenens Week has celebrated the physicians and advanced practitioners who bring flexibility, expertise, and continuity to healthcare organizations and communities across the country.
Organized by the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), the annual celebration recognizes the lasting impact locum tenens clinicians make every time they step in to support patients and care teams when and where they are needed most.
What is Locum Tenens?
The concept of locum tenens emerged in the late 1970s as a solution for managing temporary staffing shortages. Decades later, locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners are an essential part of healthcare delivery. By stepping in during periods of staffing instability, these clinicians strengthen care teams and ensure communities have access to healthcare when and where it is needed most.
The Impact of Locum Tenens Physicians and Advanced Practitioners
While locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners begin with temporary coverage, their impact extends far beyond filling shifts.
Did You Know?
- Over 55,000 (5% of all physicians) work locum tenens assignments each year
- 81% of U.S. healthcare facilities rely on locum tenens annually
- Each year, locum tenens clinicians care for approximately 7.5 million patients
As physician shortages persist, locum tenens clinicians remain crucial to supporting staffing stability and maintaining access to care across the country.
Why Do Physicians and Advanced Practitioners Work Locum Tenens?
Beyond meeting community needs, physicians and advanced practitioners are drawn to locum tenens for a variety of personal and professional reasons. Below are some of the most common reasons clinicians choose locum tenens work.
Enhancing Work-Life Balance and Reducing Burnout
Working locum tenens jobs can give clinicians greater flexibility in how they structure their schedules. By choosing when and where they work, clinicians can create schedules that support personal priorities, family commitments, and long-term professional goals.
“My first holiday season in locums, I had Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's off, which was the first time I'd had those three holidays off in 25 years, maybe since college.” - Dr. Mackey, locum tenens OB/GYN
See how Dr. Mackey achieved work-life balance through locum tenens
Exploring New Places and Clinical Settings
Locum tenens jobs enable clinicians to gain experience in a range of clinical settings and communities nationwide. Exposure to new teams, patient populations, and locations can broaden clinicians’ perspectives and help them find the locations and practice settings that align with their personal and professional goals.
"One of my favorite things about the locum life is how I've used the travel experiences to see the corners of the U.S. that I never would have sought out had it not been for my locum tenens assignments." - Dr. Andrew, locum tenens hospitalist
Discover how locum tenens enabled this hospitalist to broaden his horizons
Maximizing Earning Potential
Locum tenens jobs can provide an additional source of income or serve as a full-time career option. Compensation varies by specialty, location, schedule, and coverage needs, with some assignments offering higher rates based on demand.
“I’ve been placed in an excellent assignment, making more money than I originally anticipated, including a sizable and unexpected raise a year into it. The staff have all been kind and helpful. I have had the opportunity to work alongside other Medicus providers, which has only improved the experience.” - Locum tenens oncology PA
Why Work Locum Tenens With Medicus
Behind every successful locum tenens job is a network of support. At Medicus, we provide personalized guidance that enables physicians and advanced practitioners to confidently step into locum tenens jobs with ease, allowing them to prioritize patient care from day one.
The Benefits of Partnering with Medicus:
- Nationwide reach
- Tailored job matching
- In-house licensing and credentialing support
- Travel and lodging coverage
- Loyalty rewards and benefits
- Malpractice coverage
- Personalized support and more
One locum tenens clinician shared their experience working with Medicus:
“My recruiter is absolutely wonderful. She doesn’t just contact me about work. She checks in with me just to ask how I’m doing. That really goes a long way. She is a star recruiter, in my opinion. Also, Medicus has been wonderful in handling everything I need very efficiently. From assisting with getting licensed and credentialed as easily and quickly as possible to getting my travel organized and handled every month. I have been very impressed with the seamless and mostly stress-free experience.” - Medicus locum tenens physician
Thank You, Locum Tenens Physicians and Advanced Practitioners!
Locum tenens work is a powerful reminder that no one wins alone. These dedicated physicians and advanced practitioners step in when and where they’re needed most, collaborating seamlessly across healthcare facilities to ensure continuity of care, even in the most challenging times.
For more than 20 years, Medicus has been honored to connect exceptional locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners with healthcare organizations nationwide. To all locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners, thank you! Your commitment leaves an unforgettable and meaningful impact on patients, families, and communities across the country.
This week—and every week—we celebrate you. Happy National Locum Tenens Week! Be sure to join in the celebration by using the NALTO hashtag #LocumTenensWeek.
If you’re interested in exploring locum tenens jobs with Medicus, visit our job board or complete the short form below to connect with one of our experienced recruiters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Locum Tenens Week
What is National Locum Tenens Week?
National Locum Tenens Week is an annual celebration recognizing the physicians and advanced practitioners who work locum tenens jobs and support patient care across the United States. Hosted by NALTO, the 2026 celebration takes place August 10–14 and marks its 10th anniversary.
What is the Theme of National Locum Tenens Week 2026?
The 2026 theme of National Locum Tenens Week is “Temporary Providers, Permanent Impact,” reflecting the lasting difference locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners make for patients, care teams, and communities across the country.
Why Are Locum Tenens Physicians and Advanced Practitioners Important?
Locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners help maintain access to care by supporting healthcare facilities during staffing shortages, periods of transition, PTO, leaves of absence, and other coverage gaps. Their support helps ensure patients in communities nationwide continue receiving the care they need.
Why Do Physicians and Advanced Practitioners Work Locum Tenens Jobs?
Physicians and advanced practitioners pursue locum tenens jobs for greater schedule flexibility, opportunities to experience new locations and clinical settings, additional earning potential, and the ability to help expand access to healthcare across the country.
Why Do Healthcare Facilities Use Locum Tenens Physicians and Advanced Practitioners?
Healthcare facilities use locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners to maintain coverage during vacancies, leaves of absence, changes in patient volume, and workforce transitions. Locum tenens coverage helps organizations sustain services, protect patient access, and reduce pressure on existing care teams. According to NALTO, 81% of healthcare facilities relied on locum tenens providers during the previous year.
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