Locum tenens services help physicians or medical providers find open positions via job boards, or directly with facilities seeking providers to fill staff openings.
This graph represents the demand and supply of physician jobs from 2017 to 2030.
By 2030, the demand for physicians is forecasted to be significantly higher than the supply, suggesting a potential shortage of physicians unless measures are taken to increase the supply. This could be an issue for healthcare systems to address, ensuring that enough physicians are trained and available to meet future healthcare needs.
All physicians: There's an anticipated shortage of 46,900 physicians on the low end, and up to 121,900 on the high end.
Primary care physicians: The shortage is estimated at 21,100 on the low end and 55,200 on the high end.
Specialists: This category is facing a predicted shortage of 24,800 on the low end and 65,800 on the high end.
Surgical specialists: The shortage ranges from 14,300 to 23,400.
As actively practicing physicians ourselves, we are familiar with the ins and outs of the process. We’ll help you manage your locum’s tenens journey from beginning to end
To begin your unique journey to a locum tenens lifestyle that checks all your professionals and personal boxes, simply complete our short form. One of our experienced recruiters will contact you to customize the next chapter in your physician or advanced practice career
INITIAL CONSULTATION WITH A RECRUITER
When you begin your journey with a locum tenens agency, you'll arrange for an initial phone consultation with a recruiter. During this conversation, you'll have the opportunity to share your interests, objectives, and professional background. This enables your recruiter to gain valuable understanding of the positions you're seeking, streamlining your job search process effectively.
REVIEW & APPLY TO OPEN LOCUM JOBS
After reviewing the available locum positions and determining your preferences, your recruiter will proceed to submit your CV and pertinent details to the hiring manager for assessment. This process may involve arranging a phone interview to confirm mutual compatibility between you and the manager regarding the position.
INTERVIEW & MAKE YOUR DECISION
Following the assessment of your options, should both you and the hiring organization opt to proceed, your recruiter will formalize the details of the locum assignment and complete the necessary paperwork to solidify the agreement.
START YOUR LOCUM JOB!
With all the necessary arrangements in place, you're now prepared to begin your locum job. Throughout your placement, stay in contact with your recruiter for assistance with any issues or queries that may arise. Given the temporary nature of locum placements, it's advisable to discuss the potential for contract extensions at your current facility or explore other opportunities your recruiter may have available for you once your current assignment concludes.
FINALIZE LICENSING, CREDENTIALING, AND TRAVEL DETAILS
Once you've confirmed your decision to proceed, your recruiter will assist you in managing any remaining tasks. We provide dedicated support through a licensing and credentialing specialist, as well as a travel specialist, to ensure a smooth process.
Working as a locum tenens physician can be a good option for many reasons, including the chance to earn extra money, improve your work-life balance, eliminate student debt, or even travel the world. The good news is that if you don't like it, you don't have to accept another job.
Per diem work is “as needed” and tends to lack a specific start or end date. A per diem worker may be needed one day and not the next. Locum tenens work is contracted to have a set start and end date, and often comes with more benefits than per diem work.
Around 20 percent of physicians who finish their residency or fellowship turn to locums. Certain specialties may use locums to supplement their incomes in the final six months of training. But be sure to check with your program to see if it is permitted. Others have done it before.
Almost half of locum physicians work part time. Working locum tenens is a fast and simple method to earn additional money to repay student loans and other debt or save for other financial objectives. It is one of the most common reasons why physicians choose to work as locums. Working one weekend per month or one week per quarter adds up quickly.
The majority of locum tenens physicians are hired by agencies as 1099 independent contractors, so healthcare and other benefits are not included.
Typically, your airfare, car rental, and hotel stay are covered and paid for by your employer. You may obtain an extended stay hotel or rent an apartment or Airbnb for longer assignments.