Livin' la Vida Locums: Why Residents and Fellows Should Consider Locum Tenens

As you emerge from the rigors of residency and fellowship, you might find yourself at a crossroads, wondering which path to take in your medical career. One avenue worth considering is locum tenens. Locum tenens, derived from the Latin phrase meaning "to hold the place," offers physicians the chance to work on a temporary basis at various healthcare facilities. Today, we'll delve into the reasons why many physicians completing their training embrace the locum tenens lifestyle.

Try New Practice Settings

One of the most significant advantages of locum tenens for new physicians is the opportunity to explore different practice settings. Whether you are inclined towards private practice or hospital settings, locum tenens allows you to test the waters in both environments. For instance, as an Internal Medicine physician, you can determine if you prefer the role of a Hospitalist or if you thrive in an outpatient setting. This exploratory phase can be crucial in helping you make an informed decision about your long-term career trajectory.

Gain Valuable Experience

Starting your career in locum tenens allows you to gain valuable experience in a variety of clinical settings. Having just completed your residency and fellowship, you possess the training needed to begin practicing independently. Locum tenens positions enable you to apply this training in real-world scenarios, enhancing your skillset and making you a more attractive candidate for future permanent roles. The breadth of experience you gain will not only bolster your resume but also give you the leverage to negotiate better compensation packages.

Determine Your Ideal Location

For many recent graduates, finding the perfect location to settle down and practice medicine can be a daunting task. Locum tenens provides the flexibility to work in diverse geographic settings, from bustling urban centers to serene rural areas. By experiencing different environments, you can identify the type of community where you feel most comfortable and fulfilled. This trial period can be instrumental in determining where you want to establish your permanent practice.

Enjoy a Stress-Free, Guaranteed Income

One of the appealing aspects of locum tenens is the financial stability it offers. As a locum provider, you are typically guaranteed a certain number of compensated hours, regardless of your workload and productivity. This arrangement allows you to concentrate on delivering quality patient care without the added pressure of meeting productivity benchmarks. Additionally, locum tenens positions often involve lower patient volumes, giving you the time to hone your skills and deepen your expertise in your specialty.

Benefit from Higher Cash Flow

Working as a locum tenens physician can also result in a higher cash flow. Since locum tenens positions are often paid as 1099 independent contractors, you may earn a higher income over a compact time frame compared to traditional employment models. This financial boost can be particularly advantageous for new graduates looking to pay off student loans or save for future investments.

Next Steps to Take

If the locum tenens lifestyle sounds appealing, here are some steps to get you started:

• Get a Compact License: Obtaining a compact license will allow you to practice in multiple states, increasing your flexibility and job opportunities.
• Connect with a Locum Tenens Recruiter: A recruiter can help you navigate the locum tenens landscape, matching you with assignments that align with your career goals and preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, locum tenens offers recent fellowship or residency graduates a unique and rewarding pathway to kickstart their careers. From trying out different practice settings and gaining valuable experience to determining your ideal location and enjoying a stress-free, guaranteed income, the benefits are numerous. If you are ready to embark on this exciting journey, start by obtaining a compact license and connecting with one of our full-service locum tenens recruiters. We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences with locum tenens – please leave a comment below!