The healthcare landscape is evolving and with it, the role of locum tenens physicians is becoming more crucial than ever. Three recent locum tenens reports from CHG Healthcare, a leader in healthcare staffing, shed light on this dynamic landscape and the current state of locums:
- State of Locum Tenens Report (2024)
- Physician career change study (2024)
- Portrait of a locum tenens physician (2024)
These reports highlight key trends and motivations driving the industry and provide valuable insights from healthcare facilities, physicians, and industry leaders.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the reports and a look into why more physicians choose a locum tenens career path.
Why there’s a demand for locum tenens
Physician shortage
The increasing shortage of physicians in various specialties creates a significant demand for locum tenens to fill gaps and maintain patient care standards. The State of Locum Tenens Report highlights this issue as a critical driver for the locum tenens industry, finding that 82% of facilities surveyed said their top reason for hiring locums was to fill an opening until a permanent candidate could be found.
Rural healthcare needs
Rural areas in particular struggle to attract and retain permanent physicians, making locum tenens a crucial solution for these communities. The flexibility and mobility of locum tenens physicians help ensure that rural patients receive the care they need despite local staffing challenges.
“As we are beginning the ‘silver wave’ of provider retirements and experiencing rapid growth, we have leaned heavily on locum tenens providers to help us deliver uninterrupted care to our rural communities,” says Brianna Erickson, director of provider experience at Aspirus Health.
Who’s working locum tenens
New graduates
Recent medical school graduates are increasingly choosing locum tenens to gain diverse clinical experience and explore different specialties before committing to a permanent role. According to the Locum tenens physicians 2024 report, younger physicians are also more likely to work locums in addition to a full-time position to supplement their income.
Mid-career physicians
Mid-career physicians often turn to locum tenens to find greater professional satisfaction and balance in their personal lives. The flexibility offered by locums positions allows these physicians to manage their workload and commitments more effectively.
Late-career physicians
Physicians approaching retirement use locum tenens to gradually reduce their work hours while still staying active in their profession. This allows them to transition smoothly into retirement while continuing to provide valuable medical services.
“I think locums life can work for anybody, really, at any stage you’re in. You just have to have an adventurous spirit and be open to different cultures,” says Dr. Holly Llobet.
Specialties in highest demand
Over the last five years, the highest-demanded locums specialties have stayed relatively consistent, with primary care at the top of the list. Although the pandemic brought shifts in demand, surgical specialties, and anesthesiology have rebounded as demand for surgical services increased.
Where physicians work locum tenens
Locum physicians work in diverse settings — 40% in suburban areas, 36% in rural areas, and 26% in urban areas. Nearly half travel nationwide for their assignments. Although 81% are interested in international assignments, only 3% work abroad due to barriers like family obligations and longer obligations.
Why physicians turn to locum tenens
Work/life balance
Many physicians choose locum tenens for better control over their schedules, to improve autonomy and work/life balance. The 2024 physician career change survey indicates this is a significant factor for many doctors — regardless of gender.
“Having the ability to decide how much or how often I work rejuvenates me and prevents the burnout I see in my colleagues,” says Dr. Tammy Allen.
Supplement income
According to the State of Locum Tenens report, nearly half of physicians work locum tenens to supplement their income. This is especially true for younger physicians who are more motivated by its earning potential, helping them pay off debt and achieve their desired standard of living.
Burnout relief
Transitioning to locum tenens helps many physicians combat burnout by providing opportunities to take breaks between assignments and reducing the pressures of permanent positions.
“I was working way too many hours in my practice and was really having a hard time knowing how it was even going to be possible for me to change that in the current practice I was in,” recalls family medicine physician Dr. Elizabeth Dayton. “I was delivering babies — 150 a year or more — and then seeing people in the clinic five days a week, and I just was worn out and ready for a change.”
What keeps physicians working locums
Financial incentives
Competitive pay rates and the opportunity to supplement income strongly motivate physicians to continue working locum tenens. The ability to earn a substantial income while maintaining flexibility is particularly appealing.
Professional development
Exposure to different medical practices and patient populations provides valuable professional development and learning opportunities. Physicians can broaden their skills and knowledge by working in various healthcare settings.
“I was feeling like I was still pretty fresh out of training, and I didn’t want to lose any of my clinical skills,” shares Dr. Allison Miller. “So, I thought I should probably try to supplement my current job with a little bit of extra clinical experience elsewhere just to maintain my skills.”
Reduced bureaucracy
Locum tenens physicians often experience less red tape and fewer administrative tasks than those in permanent positions, contributing to job satisfaction. The ability to focus more on patient care and less on hospital politics and paperwork leads to greater personal and professional fulfillment.
“Every locums assignment I’ve had, the philosophy was, just take care of the patients,” says Dr. Paul Llobet. “That’s why we’re here: to care for the patients. It wasn’t the mundane of going to meetings and doing these reports. Just take care of the patient. It brought the beauty of medicine back.”
Are you one of the 62% of physicians looking for a career change? Here’s how to begin your locums journey.
