The choices available to healthcare physicians and advanced practitioners have expanded beyond traditional employment models. One such alternative gaining significant popularity is locum tenens careers and the level of autonomy that comes with it.

As the popularity of locum tenens careers continues to rise, we at Medicus spoke with a few of our physicians and advanced practitioners to uncover why they choose locum tenens careers. 

The Allure of Flexibility

Locum tenens work allows you to create your own schedule and gain more work/life balance. Granting you the opportunity to spend additional time with your family and friends, pursue your favorite hobbies, and work in your preferred location. Locum tenens work offers flexibility that is hard to match in traditional employment models.

The Dream Team, a pair of locum tenens CRNAs, explained, "In our locum tenens contracts, we put exactly what we want; the number of days we want to work, the times we want to work - especially no calls on holidays.".

Furthermore, the flexibility of working locum tenens also opens avenues for continuous professional development. For Dr. H, an Anesthesiologist, locum tenens assignments allowed him the freedom and flexibility to go back to school and begin a second career in teaching.

Dr. H stated, "I've had the ability to do more academic work now as a locum tenens physician than I did working a full-time permanent position. I've been able to publish two textbooks and my dissertation. It has worked out phenomenally.".

Work-Life Balance 

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a common challenge for physicians and advanced practitioners. Did you know that 24% of physicians stated burnout was the primary reason for early retirement? Locum tenens work offers a solution to the ongoing work/life balance battle.

Locum tenens work allows physicians and advanced practitioners to take control of their own schedules and work commitments. In turn, this allows them to effectively prioritize their personal lives while still delivering high-quality patient care.

A Family Medicine Physician, Dr. N experienced burnout while running her own practice and decided to transition to locum tenens work.

She shared, "I was not sure if I would like locum work, but I ended up loving it. I don't have to worry about anything related to staffing; I just get to be a doctor and care for patients. I do what I absolutely love, and I'm done at 5 pm. I never have anything to do after hours which is a very rewarding system to be in.".

Administrative tasks often contribute to physician and advanced practitioner burnout. However, locum tenens work can alleviate the administrative burdens that physicians and advanced practitioners often face in permanent positions. For instance, locums assignments have reduced paperwork, limited involvement in bureaucracy, and precise contractual arrangements. This enables physicians and advanced practitioners to redirect their time toward patient care, enhancing their overall job satisfaction and leaving time for their personal lives.

Dr. J, a locum tenens Vascular Surgeon, Trauma Surgeon, General Surgeon, and Surgical Critical Care specialist, emphasizes the appeal of patient-centric care in locum tenens work.

He explained, "Locum tenens work is simply patient care rather than dealing with all the other issues of medicine like paperwork. Locum's work allows me to do things I really want to do; meet new people, work in major trauma centers, and do some consulting work simultaneously.".

When physicians and advanced practitioners maintain a healthy work-life balance, the benefits also extend to their patients. The Dream Team CRNAs expressed, "As locums, we have the ability to become better providers for our patients because we have the time and we're happier.".

Patient-Centered Care

Amidst the challenges posed by administrative tasks, locum tenens work strengthens physicians' and advanced practitioners' ability to prioritize patient-centered care.

About two years ago, Dr. V, an Oncologist, retired from his private practice to pursue a career as a locum tenens physician. Dr. V highlights, "The nice part about locums is I don't have to care about anything other than taking care of the patient. It's incredibly freeing to do what I thought I was going into when I first opened my private practice over 30 years ago. As a locum tenens physician, I am able to leave behind the worries of profit margins and overhead on the business side of medicine and instead focus on patient care and treatment.". Dr. V shares that locum tenens work is extraordinarily rewarding, "Even on temporary assignments I have flexibility with my schedule, the opportunity to share my expertise, continue treating patients in need, and the bonus of traveling to new places.".

This emphasis on patient-focused care allows physicians and advanced practitioners to dedicate their skills and knowledge where they are most needed, making a positive impact on patients' lives.

Choosing Medicus

Medicus streamlines the locum tenens process for physicians and advanced practitioners. Medicus handles key logistics such as credentialing, licensing, contract negotiation, and continuous job placement. Here are a few key reasons why our featured physicians and advanced practitioners have partnered with us here at Medicus.

Anesthesiologist Dr. H emphasized,"I chose and continue to choose Medicus primarily because of the personal attention they give me. They understand exactly what my needs are; they know my background; they understand the position I would need and want. I feel they are a family. I don't feel like I'm working for a locum tenens company. I feel like they work with me.".

Family Medicine Doctor Dr. N values the support staff, recruitment process, and genuine kindness exhibited by Medicus. Dr. N shared, "At Medicus, I feel cared for; someone is always checking on me. They make me feel recognized and appreciated." Dr. N explained, "I randomly fell and broke my hand, and my recruiter went out of her way to send me a care package. That kind of support and genuine kindness is why I stay with Medicus.".

For Certified Nurse Midwife Dr. T, her recruiter played a vital role, "From the very beginning, my relationship with my recruiter was focused on my professional and personal needs. My Medicus recruiter is always transparent with me and always ensures I am placed in a locum tenens position where I feel happy.".

Dr. M, Interventional Radiologist, Shared, "Soon after my start date, I received a welcome gift from Medicus in the mail. It was completely unexpected, a very nice gesture, and much appreciated. It has been a pleasure to work for Medicus thus far. Locums is a completely new gig for me. I started my career at a hospital in Maryland and have been there for the past seven years or so. It was time for a change, and Medicus has really made this transition a seamless and pleasant one. My recruiter has been really great to work with. She always seems to have a positive attitude. Often, she calls me to check in and see how things are going with my assignment. If new dates open up or schedule changes occur, she's quick to let me know. It's really great to know that I can always reach her and that she'll either be able to address my concern, answer a question, or find the person who can.".

At Medicus, the strength of our relationships is what sets us apart. When people think of locum tenens, they don't always think long-term. At Medicus, building and maintaining our partnerships are at the forefront of everything we do. We're in it for the long haul.

Interested in a locum tenens career with Medicus? Fill out the form below to connect with a Medicus recruiter! 
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