From a Latin phrase meaning “to hold one’s place”, locum tenens is a practice allowing surgeons and other healthcare professionals to fill vacancies at clinics, hospitals, and practices.
The arrangement is becoming more popular in the United States, driven by provider shortages, increasing healthcare needs, and practitioners’ desire for increased flexibility.
Locum tenens allows providers to control their schedules, practice in diverse environments, and experience personal growth. Here, we’ll examine how locum tenens assignments for surgeons work and how they can help build a lasting career.
Why is Locum Tenens So Popular?
Locum tenens assignments offer benefits that make them appeal to surgeons at every point in their careers, including:
- Flexible schedules. Locum tenens allows surgeons to control where and when they work. These assignments create a better work-life balance for busy providers.
- Broader experience.Working in different locations exposes surgeons to varying practices, patient demographics, and medical equipment. Locum tenens is a great way for providers to expand their skills and learn new techniques.
- Additional income.Locum tenens assignments offer additional revenue streams to surgeons who want to supplement their income.
With a temporary job placement, a surgeon can reduce stress, decrease the risk of burnout, and keep their work exciting and fresh.
Connecting With Locum Tenens Agencies
In most cases, surgeons work with agencies specializing in temporary placements. Locum tenens agencies match providers with clinics, practices, and hospitals that need their skills, managing logistics, contracts, payroll, lodging, and travel.
Credentials and Licenses
Every state has different licensing requirements, and surgeons must have the right credentials for the locations where they plan to work. Some locum tenens agencies help with credentialing, which helps providers save time and money.
Accepting Assignments
Before accepting a locum tenens assignment, a provider should confirm details like team structure, workload, and performance expectations. By learning the specifics ahead of time, you’ll determine whether the assignment aligns with your skillset and goals.
Benefits and Compensation
Locum tenens providers are typically paid daily or hourly rates, which can be significantly higher than full-time surgeons’ salaries due to the temporary nature of these assignments. Other benefits include:
- Lodging and travel. Healthcare facilities and agencies sometimes cover surgeons’ housing and transportation costs.
- Medical malpractice insurance.Agencies usually provide malpractice insurance for locum tenens surgeons.
Contact us to learn how we can help you form the foundation of a flexible, enduring surgical career.
Considerations for Surgeons
While temporary assignments can be rewarding, surgeons should consider potential challenges such as:
- Short notice. Some assignments require on-call availability and fast responses, which can interrupt personal scheduling.
- Minimal adjustment periods.Regularly adapting to new healthcare systems and teams can be as challenging as it is exciting.
As locum tenens surgeons are independent contractors, they must set up retirement plans, health insurance, and other benefits themselves.
Locum Tenens: Is It Right for You?
Locum tenens is an option for surgeons who value variety, professional growth, and flexibility. No matter where you are in your career, these assignments can help you tailor your work to your life.
If you are considering a locum tenens assignment, reach out to an agency to discuss opportunities that fit your goals and skills. With a sensible approach, locum tenens opens doors to financial benefits, a balanced lifestyle, and enriching experiences. Contact us to learn why locum tenens may be the right fit for your medical career.
