Each year, 90% of US healthcare facilities rely on locum tenens physicians to ensure their communities have access to quality care. Currently, 52,000 locum tenens providers care for 7.5 million Americans daily across the United States. Additionally, more than 50,000 physicians—representing over 5% of all doctors—engage in locum tenens work annually.

Locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners remain essential in solving for provider shortages. As we celebrate National Locum Tenens Week, we're proud to highlight a few remarkable contributions Medicus locum tenens have made within the healthcare facilities and communities they support.

Life-Saving Response in Oregon: Medicus Locum Anesthesiologist’s Swift Action Makes a Difference

In the early morning hours, a pregnant patient arrived at an Oregon hospital’s triage unit in severe pain. The team recognized the urgency immediately: fetal heart tones were down, and as a repeat C-section patient, she showed signs of abruption. With a swift sense of urgency, the team transported her to the OR, where the Medicus locum anesthesiologist on-site quickly administered general anesthesia.

The anesthesiologist’s prompt action was crucial, allowing the procedure to start without delay. Within 20 minutes of the patient’s arrival, the baby was delivered safely. A team member shared, “The teamwork, communication, and ability to act as quickly as we did truly saved a life (or two) that morning. We walked away from that case in awe of the positive outcome and so thankful for each other and everybody in that OR.”.

In recognition of the exceptional performance, the Medicus locum anesthesiologist, along with two other team members, received a Team Star Award. This accolade celebrates those who come together to achieve outstanding results. Reflecting on the experience, one of the doctors who nominated the anesthesiologist said, “I am always incredibly proud to work with the nurses, techs, and doctors here, but the crew I got to work alongside on that day left me feeling a renewed sense of appreciation for our team!”.

From Hesitation to Heroism: How Medicus Revolutionized Emergency Care at an Indiana Hospital

A hospital in Indiana was hesitant to use locum tenens but faced critical staffing gaps and needed a solution. Medicus delivered the first locum tenens physician to work at their hospital. Within an hour of the locum tenens physician's first shift, a patient had a massive heart attack.

With a sense of urgency hanging heavy in the air, the Medicus locum tenens swift and composed response was remarkable. Guiding the medical team, the physician did precisely what was needed to save the patient's life. The staff called Medicus and thanked the team for sending a top-quality physician to their hospital, saying, "Not many people are this quick-thinking and calm during an emergency."

Our Medicus emergency medicine locum tenens physician went on to locum at the hospital for four years and then joined the hospital as a permanent physician.

The Right Place at the Right Time: A Medicus Locum Tenens Physician's Life-Saving Impact

In response to a critical staffing shortage, a Medicus critical care locum tenens physician stepped in to assist a North Carolina hospital. During his shift, a patient arrived in critical condition. With unwavering determination, the locum tenens physician harnessed his skills and expertise to fight for the patient's life... and saved the patient.

As the patient embarked on the path to recovery, her daughter's voice echoed her family's profound gratitude towards the Medicus locum tenens physician. Amid a trying period for both mother and daughter, his medical expertise and compassionate demeanor left an indelible mark.

Months later, the locum tenens physician received a card in the mail from his patient's daughter illustrating the impact the locum tenens physician had. The note read, "There are no accidents; you were meant to be there when we needed you most. I truly believe that your treatment saved her life; thank you for giving me more time with her. I'll never forget you!".

Anxiety Eased: A Patient's Praise for Outstanding Anesthesia Care

At a hospital in Oklahoma, a patient was preparing for hand surgery, feeling quite anxious and scared about being put under. Thankfully, the Medicus locum anesthesiologist's bedside manner and clear explanations of the procedure alleviated some of the patient's fear and anxiety.

The patient expressed, "I want to share my appreciation for your locum tenens anesthesiologist; if I ever have to be put under anesthesia again, I'd want this anesthesiologist to be the one to do it. I want you all to know that as a patient, I think your locum anesthesiologist is one of the best!".

Elevating Pediatric Cardiovascular ICU Care: Medicus Locum Tenens Advanced Practitioner Leads the Way

During a period of high patient demand, a Pediatric Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (PCVICU) faced the departure of two full-time advanced practitioners. Medicus swiftly provided a team of skilled pediatric advanced practitioners, enriching the program with diverse experiences and fostering professionalism, continuous learning, and improvement. The leadership team shared, "They were the right people that demonstrated professionalism to our team.".

Among them, a Medicus locum tenens cardiovascular nurse practitioner stood out and was nominated for the One Team Values Award by a nurse who worked at the hospital. Recognized for a positive attitude, attention to detail, and attentive listening, the Medicus locum brought fresh professionalism to the PCVICU team. In a field where decisions are life-changing, her contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary.

Nevada's Burn Unit Rescue: Medicus Locum Tenens Surgeons Bring Relief in the Heat

Nevada's scorching summer posed an unforeseen challenge for a major burn unit. With patient cases surging amidst the blistering season, unexpectedly, one of the only two experienced burn surgeons at the unit made an abrupt exit. The remaining surgeon was left to work alone every day for three months.

Faced with the urgent need for an additional burn surgeon, the physician contacted Medicus, seeking swift assistance in securing a qualified replacement. Medicus delivered two locum tenens surgeons who alleviated the strain on the exhausted permanent physician while ensuring uninterrupted, top-tier burn care. The permanent surgeon expressed gratitude, emphasizing, "Without the support of the two Medicus locums, I wasn't quite sure what I would have done.".

As the summer drew to a close, the burn unit stood stronger than ever. The locum tenens burn surgeons helped distressed patients find comfort and reassurance. The community will be forever grateful for the support and expertise of the Medicus locum tenens surgeons, who truly made a difference in the lives of those they cared for.

Happy Locum Tenens Week!

Thank you to all of our locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners who allow hospitals and other medical facilities to effectively navigate staffing shortages while maintaining high standards of patient care.

We welcome you to join us in celebrating National Locum Tenens Week by sharing your locum tenens impact stories on social media using the hashtag #locumtenensweek!

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

 
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