When Dr. Kibwe Weaver first began working locum tenens jobs, he did not see it as a new career path. Working locum tenens jobs was simply a way to stay clinically active while he prepared to open a new private practice in the Caribbean after selling his previous one. For him, locum tenens was temporary, something to bridge the gap between chapters in his medical career.

That perspective shifted after a hurricane destroyed the hospital tied to his new practice. With his plans suddenly on hold, he reflected on the time he'd spent working locum tenens jobs and realized how much he appreciated the autonomy it offered. "I liked the freedom. I liked that when I was off, I was completely off. I got to spend more time with my son, and I saw the value of being able to travel and be in control of my own schedule," he explained. The questions that used to define his calendar, like whether he would be home for the holidays or able to make a hockey game, started to fade. Control mattered, and for the first time in years, he had it.

Recognizing the Importance of Locum Tenens

Just as autonomy shaped his early experience with locum tenens, the response from hospital teams has shaped his understanding of its broader impact. Across different facilities, staff often mention that having him there allows them to care for patients they previously would have transferred. "They show you so much appreciation," he said, noting, "It's more of the experience of the other people around and the staff, who say thank you for bringing that skill set to us."

For Dr. Weaver, those moments capture what locum tenens can bring to a hospital: support that helps teams do more for the patients in their communities.

Partnering with a Dependable Locum Tenens Agency

Throughout more than a decade of locum tenens jobs, Dr. Weaver has worked with several locum tenens agencies, yet he continues to partner primarily with Medicus. The difference, he says, comes down to genuine advocacy. His Medicus team listens to his goals, communicates his strengths to healthcare leaders, and ensures that each locum tenens job is a good fit for both parties.

"When you have a team that says, 'hey, this doctor can work, he gets along with the staff, he works hard,' there's a value in that," he explained. That support leads to better placements, smoother transitions, and invitations to return to facilities that appreciate his work.

He also values longer-term locum tenens jobs available through the Medicus Transition Program. These assignments offer stability for both the hospital and the locum tenens surgeon, making it easier to build continuity with staff and plan future coverage. As he puts it, working in an environment that understands why he is there creates a better experience for everyone involved.

Defining Success as a Locum Tenens Surgeon

Looking back on more than a decade as a locum tenens surgeon, Dr. Weaver has learned that success in this work comes from staying adaptable. Each hospital uses different equipment, systems, and workflows, and moving between them has expanded how he practices. He has found that clinicians who do well in locum tenens are those who understand their skill set, stay flexible in new environments, and focus on what each team needs in the moment.

His own experience illustrates this. Working across many facilities has expanded his perspective and sharpened his practice, which is part of why he continues to choose this path. In his words, "The more facilities you work in, you just seem to get better and better." It is a reflection of how locum tenens can support not only lifestyle and autonomy but also professional growth through constant exposure to new challenges.

Prioritizing Life Outside the Operating Room

Away from the operating room, Dr. Weaver gravitates toward movement, exploration, and anything that offers a sense of adventure. He spends his free time with family, skiing, playing hockey, scuba diving, and flying, plus he enjoys collecting watches for their craftsmanship and design.

"I have a lot of hobbies, I'm on the road a lot, I travel a lot," he explained, "I took off a couple of months to finish up my flight training, and I was able to say that because it's what I wanted to do. Locums allows that."

For Dr. Weaver, the career freedom offered by locum tenens jobs has solidified his decision not to return to W-2 positions anytime soon, as he shares, "If I were to do something else, I'd have to be in control."

Interested in working as a locum tenens surgeon with Medicus? View our open locum tenens surgery jobs here or complete the short form below to connect with a Medicus recruiter.