Key Points
- Many physicians leave their first post-residency role within a short time due to misalignment between expectations and practice environment.
- Locum tenens allows early career physicians to gain real-world experience across different facilities, regions, and schedules before committing long-term.
- Working locum tenens after residency can reduce pressure to sign long-term contracts or invest in a practice before confirming the right fit.
- Recruiter support can help manage logistics such as licensing, credentialing, travel, and housing while physicians focus on clinical growth.
Locum tenens after residency.
A startling reality: many young physicians stay at their initial positions for less than two years.
There are many factors behind physicians leaving their “starter jobs,” but one major driver is a mismatch between the facility and a young physician eager for that first job.
One solution is locum tenens.
Many early-career physicians explore locum tenens as a stepping stone, gaining clinical experience while exploring diverse settings before making a long-term commitment.
By working locums straight out of residency, you’re able to see what practice environment, area of the country, or schedule works best for you while you’re still evaluating your long-term goals. You’ll still have your pick of locations, since nearly all United States facilities use them.
It can also save you from entering a long-term contract or investing in startup costs with a practice before you know if it’s the right fit.
Want a real-world perspective? Dr. Moorjani shares how locum tenens shaped his career.
Where to begin.
So how do you get started in locum tenens? Talk to a recruiter. They will handle the legwork of finding open positions that suit your unique qualifications and requirements. Once you agree to a position, a recruitment agency will help coordinate everything from travel costs to housing coverage to your direct deposit.
Curious about the licensing process? We break it down step-by-step.
Choosing a locums agency.
Here’s what you should look for when choosing a locums agency, according to the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations:
- Ask your mentors and other physicians you know who they’d recommend.
- Have an introductory phone call with a recruiter so you can talk about yourself and what you’re looking for. Get a feel for the recruiter and how they work. Go with your gut.
- Make sure the company offers “A” rated malpractice insurance to all physicians.
- Ask about how the agency handles travel arrangements, and ensure you’ll have a way to reach someone 24/7 should a travel problem arise.
- Know who your CV is presented to before it’s offered to a facility.
- Consider an agency that is a NALTO member, meaning they abide by an agreed upon code of ethics.
Embarking on a locum tenens journey can provide flexibility, diverse experiences, and a path toward a setting where you can thrive. Connect with a Jackson and Coker recruiter today to discover how we can support your transition from residency to a fulfilling medical practice.
Supporting clinician well-being.
Burnout is a serious issue in healthcare, affecting not just clinicians’ mental health but the quality and continuity of care they’re able to provide.
To support our healthcare professionals, Jackson and Coker has partnered with the Dr. Lorna Breen Foundation. This collaboration aims to reduce burnout among healthcare professionals and promote their well-being. Learn more about our commitment.
Explore available locum tenens opportunities.
