Key Points
- Physician and advanced practitioner shortages are driving increased demand for locum tenens roles across multiple specialties. Â
- High‑demand locum tenens roles include internal medicine, family medicine, psychiatry, and OB‑GYN. Â
- These specialties help maintain continuity of care during staffing gaps, seasonal surges, and workforce transitions. Â
- Locum tenens work in high‑demand roles offers flexibility, autonomy, and opportunities to support underserved communities.
Healthcare facilities are facing increasing pressure to maintain care standards while there is also a growing physician and advanced practitioner shortage. The Association of American Medical Colleges projects the deficit to reach 86,000 physicians by 2036. This challenge presents an opportunity to step into high-impact roles where your expertise is urgently needed.Â
At Jackson and Coker, we work with providers who want to make a difference while also maintaining flexibility, autonomy, and career satisfaction. In some specialties, your skills are not only in demand, they are essential. Â
Why Certain Specialties Are in the Spotlight
Burnout and retirement are contributing to a nationwide shortage of providers. At the same time, patient needs are increasing, especially in underserved and rural communities. Â
Locum tenens offers a solution that can be an advantage for both sides of the equation. Healthcare facilities get the coverage they need. Providers get the freedom to choose when, where, and how they work. Â
Let’s take a closer look at six specialties where locum tenens providers are making a big impact.
Specialty Snapshots
Internal Medicine
Hospitalist and outpatient medicine roles are consistently in demand. Whether you are covering seasonal surges, stepping in during staff transitions, or supporting rural clinics, locums work allows you to stay clinically active while choosing assignments that align with your lifestyle.Â
Why it matters: Continuity of care is crucial in high-volume settings.Â
Family Medicine
An aging population needs more primary care services, but fewer medical students are entering this field. Increasing primary care capacity is widely viewed as critical for a high-functioning health system. Locum tenens clinicians in rural and inner-city communities help fill a vital need.
Why it matters: Preventative and chronic care can improve quality of life.Â
Psychiatry
The mental health crisis in the United States continues to escalate, and healthcare facilities are struggling to keep up. Locums psychiatrists can step in to provide inpatient care, outpatient therapy, and even telehealth services. Â
Why it matters: Timely access to psychiatric care can be life-changing for patients.Â
Obstetrics + Gynecology (OB/GYN)
Maternal care deserts are expanding, and OB/GYNs are becoming more vital than ever before. Locum tenens OB/GYN providers can help maintain 24/7 coverage for labor and delivery units, support prenatal care, and fill gaps in rural and community hospitals.Â
Why it matters: Every birth deserves expert care regardless of geography. Â
Anesthesiology
As surgical volumes rebound and ambulatory surgery centers are growing, anesthesiologists are needed to keep ORs running smoothly. Locum tenens work offers anesthesiologists a variety of experiences from short-term to ongoing coverage.Â
Why it matters: Surgical delays impact patient care and facility efficiency. Â
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
CRNAs are becoming increasingly autonomous in many states, and their role in rural and critical access hospitals is expanding. Locum CRNAs can help maintain surgical schedules and fill in during vacations, leaves, or recruitment gaps.Â
Why it matters: CRNAs are often the backbone of anesthesia services in underserved areas.Â
Why Choose Locum Tenens in These Specialties
Locum tenens is not just a staffing solution. It can be a strategic career path. Industry research reports over 63% of physicians are already working in locum tenens or are considering a locums role. Here are some reasons why more physicians and advanced practitioners are choosing this path:Â
- Flexibility: Control your schedule and choose assignments that align with your personal and professional goals.Â
- Variety: Work in diverse clinical environments and expand your skill set. Â
- Impact: Serve communities that truly need your expertise.Â
- Support: Let your agency partner handle the logistics of licensing, travel, credentialing, and more.Â
How Jackson and Coker Supports You
We understand that every clinician’s journey is unique. That is why our approach is personal, consultative, and built around what you need. Whether you are exploring locums for the first time or you are a seasoned traveler, we are here to support you every step of the way. Â
- Specialty-specific recruiters who know your field.Â
- Streamlined credentialing and licensing support.Â
- Travel coordination that makes getting there easy.Â
- Ongoing communication to make sure every assignment is a good fit.Â
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you are in one of these high-need specialties, your skills are more valuable than ever. Locum tenens can give you the freedom to choose how you show up and where you make an impact.Â
Let’s find your next opportunity. Connect with us today.
