As we gear up to celebrate National Doctors Day on March 30th, we're highlighting an initiative that began ten years ago: National Physicians Week. Dr. Kimberly Jackson, founder of Physicians Working Together (PWT), established this week-long holiday to extend the recognition of National Doctors Day and show appreciation for physicians' outstanding contributions and selfless dedication to others.
This year, National Physician Week's theme, Together We Thrive, celebrates the power of unity in medicine, with a focus on the impact physicians make through patient care, mentorship, and supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Physician's Impact & Growing Demands for Care
While this week is dedicated to recognizing physicians' invaluable contributions, it also sheds light on the increasing demands they're facing. More than one million physicians provide care for over one billion patient visits annually. Yet, the U.S. is experiencing a growing physician shortage, with projections indicating a shortfall of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036.
This shortage spans primary and specialty care and is primarily driven by an aging population, physician retirements, and turnover. As the demand for physician care increases, doctors are confronting heightened workloads, longer hours, and heightened physician burnout.
The Importance of Addressing Physician Burnout
This week also provides the opportunity to advocate for policies that support retention and physician well-being, including efforts to reduce burnout and promote work-life balance. In 2025, 47% of physicians surveyed reported feeling burnt out, and 24% reported experiencing depression. Given that many physicians work over 50 hours per week, with some exceeding 80 hours, it is unsurprising that 63% of physicians expressed a willingness to accept lower pay in exchange for improved work-life balance and more free time.
- Reducing administrative burdens
- Enhancing workplace efficiencies
- Creating sustainable work environments that prioritize mental health and professional fulfillment
Without these efforts, healthcare organizations may face significant operational strain, leading to longer patient wait times, increased workloads for existing staff, physician turnover, and potential declines in care quality.
The Benefits of Locum Tenens Physicians
The growing physician shortage has led to an increased reliance on locum tenens physicians, both as a staffing solution for healthcare organizations and as an alternative career path for physicians seeking work-life balance. Locum tenens physicians provide essential coverage, filling gaps caused by workforce shortages, physician PTO, and seasonal patient volume increases.
How Locum Tenens Benefits Healthcare Organizations
By integrating locum tenens into staffing strategies, healthcare organizations can:
- Reduce workload strain on permanent staff
- Maintain consistent patient care during staffing shortages
- Support physician well-being by offering flexibility and preventing burnout
How Locum Tenens Benefits Physicians
For physicians, locum tenens careers offer:
- Greater control over their schedules, allowing for improved work-life balance
- Opportunities to explore different healthcare settings and gain diverse clinical experiences
- The flexibility to reduce administrative burdens and focus on patient care
Today, over 52,000 physicians nationwide work as locum tenens, supporting healthcare organizations and ensuring communities receive quality care.
Thank You, Physicians!
Thank you, physicians, for your compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to patient care. Your tireless efforts are the foundation of healthier, thriving communities. At Medicus, we are honored to partner with so many dedicated locum tenens physicians who help ensure continuous access to care.
This week, take a moment to express appreciation for the doctors in your life. Looking for ideas on how to celebrate? Check out our blog for creative ways to honor physicians during National Physicians Week 2025!
Interested in working locum tenens with Medicus? Click here to view our open locum jobs, or complete the short form below to connect with a Medius recruiter.
