More than 30 years ago, Dr. John Murry wouldn't have guessed that he would spend his life as a physician. In fact, he was not entirely sure medicine was his calling at all. However, everything changed during an experience in Haiti that set the course of his career.

“I had worked at a hospital in Haiti caring for patients in Port-au-Prince,” he explained. “The experience of meeting physicians there who came to help opened my eyes to the idea of practicing medicine for the rest of my life.”

That time abroad ignited a passion for patient care that would shape his entire career. After returning to the United States, he decided to pursue gastroenterology, building a decades-long career dedicated to caring for patients in his community.

Making the Switch to Locum Tenens Gastroenterology

After more than three decades of traditional practice, Dr. Murry felt ready to explore a new phase of his work in medicine. He wanted to experience medicine beyond the walls of his longtime hospital and see how gastroenterology practices were evolving nationwide. That curiosity led him to explore a career as a locum tenens gastroenterologist.

“My desire to break out and see how practices were evolving around the country is what drew me to locum tenens work,” he said.

As a locum tenens gastroenterologist, he could practice in different care settings, contribute his expertise where it was needed most, and gain a fresh perspective on the profession he had devoted his life to. For Dr. Murry, it felt like the ideal way to blend professional growth with meaningful service.

Partnering with Medicus for a Seamless Locum Tenens Experience

As Dr. Murry began taking steps toward locum tenens work, he approached the process with the same intention that had guided every phase of his career: finding a path where his skills could be put to meaningful use. That mindset shaped how he evaluated potential partners—and ultimately led him to Medicus.

“The benefits of partnering with Medicus were their desire to help me find the right fit,” he explained. “That allowed me to ensure my skills would be recognized and utilized appropriately.”

Like many physicians exploring locum tenens, he discovered that having the right support makes all the difference. With a dedicated team by his side, the credentialing process became more seamless and efficient. “Fortunately, the team at Medicus has helped make the credentialing process much smoother, and I have been offered great reassurance throughout,” he shared.

Finding Fulfillment as a Locum Tenens Gastroenterologist

Working locum tenens quickly reminded Dr. Murry of why he chose medicine in the first place. One of his more recent locum tenens assignments brought him face-to-face with an older woman in critical condition who urgently needed an ERCP. He performed the procedure successfully, and she made a full recovery.

“I felt completely humbled and extremely grateful I had the opportunity to care for her in her moment of need,” he said.

Moments like that reflect the principle that has guided his three-decade career: the power of personal connection in patient care. “The most rewarding part of being a doctor is the personal connection and healing that comes through total commitment to patient care,” he shared.

Today, as a locum tenens gastroenterologist, Dr. Murry carries that commitment into new communities, helping hospitals maintain essential access to care. Locum tenens work has also given him a way to extend his impact beyond the bedside. “The tremendous income opportunity has also been very gratifying,” he explained, “It has allowed my wife and I to provide significant financial support to a deserving orphanage in Pakistan.”

Looking Ahead as a Locum Tenens Gastroenterologist

Nearly a year into his locum tenens career, Dr. Murry is confident in the choice he made to step away from a single practice and embrace new opportunities. He views locum tenens gastroenterology as a vital way to connect physicians with communities that urgently need their skills.

“The future of locums will be defined by connecting physicians with communities, desperate for expertise and leadership, allowing highly trained physicians to offer uncompromising medical care,” he said.

For physicians and advanced practitioners considering locum tenens, Dr. Murry offers advice rooted in his own journey: “Everybody has to make their own personal choices. For me, I decided it was better to be a seeker than a settler for the status quo.”

Interested in working in gastroenterology locum tenens with Medicus? View our open locum jobs here, or complete the short form below to connect with a Medicus recruiter today!