If you are a physician or an advanced practitioner looking for a change in your career, you might want to consider locum tenens. Locum tenens can offer you many benefits, such as flexibility, freedom, financial rewards, and professional growth. In this article, we will explore these benefits in detail and show you why locum tenens can be a great career choice for you.

Understanding Locum Tenens

Locum tenens started in the 1970s as a way to support and share resources with underserved regions of the United States. Since then, it has grown into a popular and widely available option for physicians and advanced practitioners of various specialties and backgrounds. According to a survey by the American Academy of Family Physicians, about 12% of family physicians have worked as locum tenens at some point in their careers.

A locum tenens physician or advanced practitioner can work in different settings, such as hospitals, clinics, urgent care centers, or telehealth platforms. They can also choose from a variety of assignments, ranging from a few days to a few months or even years. The roles and responsibilities of a locum tenens physician or advanced practitioner depend on the specific needs and expectations of the facility they are working for. However, they generally include providing quality patient care, following the established protocols and policies, and collaborating with the staff and other providers.

Flexibility and Freedom

One of the main benefits of choosing locum tenens as a career is the flexibility and freedom it gives you. You can decide when, where, and how often you want to work, based on your personal and professional preferences. You can also adjust your schedule and location as you go, depending on the availability of assignments and your changing circumstances. For example, you can work more during the winter and less during the summer, or you can work in different regions of the country or even abroad.

This flexibility and freedom can help you achieve a better work-life balance. With a better work-life balance, you can have more time for your family, hobbies, travel, or other pursuits that are important to you. It will be easier to avoid the stress and burnout that often come with working in a demanding and hectic environment. As Dr. Richard Rothfleisch, a pulmonary critical care physician who works locums full-time, says, “I have a lot more control over my life.”

Financial Benefits

Another benefit of choosing locum tenens as a career is the potential for financial rewards. Depending on your specialty, experience, and location, you can earn competitive compensation for your work. According to a report by LocumTenens.com, the average hourly rate for locum tenens physicians in 2020 ranged from $103 for family medicine to $241 for neurosurgery. In addition, you may also receive additional benefits and allowances, such as travel expenses, housing, malpractice insurance, and licensing fees, depending on the terms of your contract.

Working as a locum tenens physician or advanced practitioner can also help you diversify your income sources and reduce your financial risks. You can supplement your regular income with extra earnings from locum tenens assignments, or you can use locum tenens as your primary source of income and enjoy the flexibility of choosing your clients and projects. It’s possible to avoid the overhead costs and administrative hassles that come with running your practice or working for a large organization.

Professional Growth

A third benefit of choosing locum tenens as a career is the opportunity for professional growth. Working as a locum tenens physician or advanced practitioner can expose you to a variety of clinical settings, patient populations, and healthcare systems. You can gain diverse experiences and learn new skills and best practices from different colleagues and mentors.

Working as a locum tenens physician can also help you build your professional network and reputation. You can meet and connect with other providers and facilities that share your values and interests. This allows you to showcase your expertise and demonstrate your value to potential employers or partners. You may even find your dream job or location through locum tenens assignments. As Dr. Blaine Cashmore, a general surgeon who occasionally works locums on the weekend, says, “I’ve had several offers for full-time positions from places where I’ve done locums. It’s a great way to test the waters and see if you like a place before you commit.”

Locum tenens is a career option that can offer you many benefits, such as flexibility, freedom, financial rewards, and professional growth. Whether you are looking for a change in your career, a supplement to your income, or a way to explore new opportunities, locum tenens can be a great choice for you. If you are interested in learning more about locum tenens, you can visit nortekmedical.com. We are a full-service locum tenens agency that connects qualified clinicians with top healthcare facilities across the U.S. Locum tenens can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path for you. Why not give it a try?