In the world of healthcare, finding the elusive balance between work and personal life is often a challenge. The demanding schedules, on-call duties, and weekend shifts can cast a shadow on even the most passionate physicians, taking away some of the joy that medicine once brought them.

During the American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting, Shannon Peterson, Senior Vice President at Medicus, Locum Tenens Anesthesiologist Dr. Paul Hoehner, and his wife, Sheryl, presented at the Center Stage event. During the presentation titled 'Locums, an Unexpected Career Journey,' Dr. Hoehner shed light on his fascinating career journey, one that not only rekindled the magic of medicine but breathed new life into the concept of work-life balance.

 

One of the most significant challenges in the practice of traditional medicine is the struggle to mitigate burnout and improve work-life balance. Dr. Hoehner was able to accomplish unparalleled career flexibility and, most importantly, more time with family. Since beginning full-time locum tenens work just 6 years ago, Dr. Hoehner has accomplished many things since making the switch to locum tenens work.

"I work 24 weeks a year clinical." He explained, "That gives me 28 weeks off, which I consider to be non-clinical and my own time.".

In just the first two years of locum work, Dr. Hoehner's accomplishments speak for themselves. "I finished my PhD, defended it, and turned it into a book," he recounted. But he didn't stop there. He went on to write a textbook on medical ethics, develop a curriculum for nursing schools, teach at two universities, publish half a dozen papers, review others, and serve on national committees. Locum tenens didn't just give him more free time; it provided the springboard for a multifaceted career, one that allowed him to thrive across clinical, academic, and personal dimensions.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Hoehner sees locum tenens as more than just a flexible job model—it's a pathway to reclaiming control over both career and personal life. The shift from W2 to locum tenens has transformed his work into something extraordinary, with meaningful achievements in and out of the hospital.

As he put it, "It's really been life-changing and fulfilling and just a wonderful transition.".

Stay tuned for part two of this blog series: ‘A Spouse’s Perspective on the Benefits of Locum Tenens.’

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