Career Planning
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Finding the Right Practice
Considering Locum Tenens
Locum tenens physicians serve as independent contractors, typically working on a temporary basis for any number of practices around the country.
These job assignments are often established through a placement agency but can be sought out independently as well.
Locum tenens physicians serve as independent contractors, typically working on a temporary basis for any number of practices around the country.
These job assignments are often established through a placement agency but can be sought out independently as well.
How does locum tenens work?
A locum tenens physician fills a short term staffing need for physician groups or hospitals due to vacancies or planned or unplanned absences in the group.
In some cases, groups may not be able to justify a full time new hire and will choose to contract with locum tenens physicians to cover some of their scheduling needs throughout the year.
There can also be repeat assignments with one particular group with recurring scheduling coverage with the group year over year. The arrangements can be finite or essentially endless and depend largely on the needs of the group and how they choose to contract with temporary staff.
Oftentimes assignments are arranged via a placement agency, but the physician must formally credential with the hospital in order to fill hospital-based assignments.
It is also not uncommon for individuals to find their own locum tenens opportunities, but these are more likely based on identified needs from people in your network.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
Locums work can be very attractive for some. Carefully considering the various aspects of this type of work is important to be sure its a good fit for you.
Travel
Most locum tenens assignments will require travel unless you can identify local needs. This is typically rare and largely dependent on the size of city and number of NICUs or neonatology groups in the area.
Travel can be either exciting or burdensome depending on your perspective (and your frequent flyer status…).
Credentialing
As a locum tenens provider you must credential with the hospital for privileges. Without the right credentials and approval process, you will not be able to fill the assignment.
This can be a very long and arduous process to deal with on a regular basis, and is one of the benefits of locums placement agencies, who can often manage a substantial amount of the logistical hassles.
Deciding When and Where To Work
A major benefit to locums is the option to pick and choose when you want to work, for how long, and where. Locum tenens physicians have a significant amount of control on how they choose to practice and decide which assignments to take based on their own availability and willingness to take the assignment.
Yes, you are dependent on the opportunities available, but they are generally plentiful if you don’t limit yourself too much. This can be a good choice for work-life balance if the travel is not a burden or stress on your personal life.
Locums also provides a good option for neonatologists with spouses who have slightly differing timing needs for relocation.
For dual physician couples, doing locums gigs for a year or two while your significant other completes training can be a good way to learn a bit more about opportunities for you both, without having to make a long-term move and commitment.
Practice Exposure
Having the opportunity to experience multiple practices has its benefits. It affords insight into different group dynamics, patient types, hospital settings, and NICU levels and can broaden your horizons in terms getting exposed to a variety of practices.
It may not be for everyone, due to the constant change of practice setting and the need to “learn the ropes” with each assignment.
This can be especially difficult right out of fellowship, where consistency and mentorship are important as you get your footing outside of your training years.
Independence
Due to the nature of filling an assignment, physicians will enjoy a significant amount of practice autonomy and independence.
However, this can also be challenging for some in that they may not have the collegial and informal consultation opportunities when on assignment.
PRACTICE CHALLENGES
- constant relocation
- traveling for work
- learning new practices
- practicing in different environments
- availability of work assignments
- may be less “shoulder support” by practice partners
- potential for last minute canceling of work assignment
- covering out-of-pocket costs for benefits
PROS
schedule flexibility, choosing a specific geographic location, deciding how many hours to work, competitive or even lucrative compensation, exposure to several different practices, choosing your own benefits
CONS
potential for less job stability, income risk, no employer benefits, constant relocation and travel, adapting to different practices, possible assignment cancellations, difficulty matching the income of private practice physicians
- Do you want complete flexibility in how much you work?
- Are you comfortable traveling often for work assignments?
- Would you like exposure to several different practices?
- Are you comfortable paying for your own retirement investments and benefits?
- Are you interested in a lucrative salary?
- Are you independently minded?
- Do you need to find work in between job positions?
- Are you comfortable providing a wide spectrum of clinical care?
Additional Resources
A locum tenens company focused exclusively on neonatal and well newborn staffing.
Provides easy access to some quick Q&As for physicians considering locum tenens work.
Offers additional details on the pros and cons with this kind of practice option for physicians.
Gives advice and recommendations to physicians considering this type of practice option from the perspective of a physician who has been doing locums work for five years.
