Every August, National Locum Tenens Week shines a spotlight on the physicians and advanced practitioners who step into new environments, adapt seamlessly, and deliver care when and where it is needed most. Hosted by the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), this annual week celebrates the vital contributions of physicians and advanced practitioners who work locum tenens. Their adaptability, compassion, and commitment to patient care make a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

What is Locum Tenens?

The concept of locum tenens emerged in the late 1970s as a solution to manage temporary staffing shortages. Decades later, these physicians and advanced practitioners are an essential part of healthcare delivery. By stepping in during periods of staffing instability, locum tenens strengthen care teams and ensure communities have access to care when and where they need it most.

The Locum Tenens Impact

While locum tenens assignments begin with temporary coverage, their impact extends far beyond filling shifts.

Did you know?

As workforce shortages persist, locum tenens remains a crucial component in ensuring staffing stability and maintaining adequate access to healthcare.

Why do Physicians & 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 & Reducing Burnout:

"The flexibility and freedom were very appealing, especially after years of structured hospital schedules. Locums also gave me the chance to explore different practice environments, meet new colleagues, and keep learning — all while better balancing my personal life." -Locum tenens CRNA

See how this CRNA achieves work-life balance through locum tenens.

Exploring New Places and Clinical Settings:

"Being able to adapt and appreciate each destination and culture is what keeps me intellectually curious. Whether it's a small community hospital in a rural area with fewer resources or a larger hospital in an urban area with a higher census and more complexity, each destination brings its own set of challenges that is exciting and refreshing." - Locum tenens hospitalist

Discover how locum tenens enabled this hospitalist to broaden his horizons.

Maximizing Earning Potential:

“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 assignment is a network of support. At Medicus, we provide personalized guidance that enables physicians and advanced practitioners to confidently step into locum tenens assignments with ease, allowing them to focus on patient care from day one.

The Benefits of Partnering with Medicus:

  • Nationwide reach
  • Tailored job matching
  • Licensing and credentialing support
  • Travel and lodging coverage
  • Loyalty rewards and benefits
  • Personalized support

One of our locum tenens 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

Thank You, Locum Tenens Physicians & 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 a 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 a locum tenens opportunity with Medicus, visit our job board or complete the short form below to connect with one of our experienced recruiters.