Locum Tenens is a Latin phrase meaning, “to hold the place of”, but in the world
of medicine the word simply means “a temporary physician”. So, what is a locum
tenens company, and what do they have to offer to physician seeking temporary or
seasonal work? An LT company specializes in arranging physician personnel for
vacant clinical positions around the world. While many locum tenens physician
employment assignments last for only a few short weeks or even days, these types
of temporary coverage positions can last for months at a time. Additionally some
LT positions are even temp to perm.
If you’re considering LT work it is important to research an assignment
thoroughly before accepting it. Remember a temporary position in an exotic location may not
be the desired getaway or even the clinical experience you were hoping for.
Be your own advocate and remember the locum tenens company you’re working for
is working for the practice and not the covering physicians, so keep your best
professional interests in mind at all times.
Before entering a locum tenens employment agreement with a practice make sure
you clearly outline the terms of your agreement ensuring your travel expenses,
your malpractice insurance, and any additional or extravagant expenses are covered by
your temporary employer.
Many physicians choose locum tenens work for the freedom and variety this type
of work commonly represents. For some a simple geographical cure is just what ‘the
doctor’ ordered. Many LT positions are located in exotic or adventurous
locations. But before you grab your passport, remember you naturally may only practice
medicine where licensed. LT service providers can commonly assist you with
obtaining the proper licensing required by your state or destination of choice.
Be prepared for whatever your LT experience may throw at you, and be prepared
for a bit of an adventure, a bit of mystery, and a bit of suspense. Once you’ve
decided to give this type of employment an honest go of it, develop and maintain a
working relationship with your staff recruiter, stay in touch, and be ready to accept
your assignment.
The fact is today’s physician doesn’t desire the 24/7, married to the job,
lifestyle that physicians of yesteryear commonly entertained. Today’s physicians are
likely coming to realize the value of lost time, demanding adequate time with their
friends and families, a little extra vacation time, and even a simple personal day for
the occasional break. In order to properly facilitate these types of request, a
clinic, hospital, or office will often times turn to the services of a locum tenens
staffing company to fill weekly or monthly vacancy within their offices.
Locum Tenens employment can be a great alternative to long-term stationary
positions that often become stale and monotonous over time. Physicians wishing
to explore their profession further, and those physicians who simply require a
change of scenery from time to time can find great advantage and satisfaction with
locum tenens work. So, whatever your reason, if you’re a physician with a secret set
of wings, let locum tenens work help you take flight.