What Comes After Residency?

Many physicians leave their first position out of residency within two years. What comes next? Learn how locum tenens can be a solution.
Post Residency Career
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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 Heroes’ 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.

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Keep Reading

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Need licensing support? Ask our experts.

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Federal facts for you.

We are a Federal Supply Schedule Contract holder. 

Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contract: 36F79723D0086, Professional and Allied Healthcare Staffing, effective March 15, 2023, through March 14, 2028.

NAICS Codes:
  • 561320: Temporary help services. 
  • 621111: Offices of physicians. 
  • 621112: Offices of physicians, mental health specialists. 
  • 621399: Offices of all other miscellaneous health practitioners. 
  • 621330: Offices of mental health practitioners.

Privileging.

Once you and our client agree to move forward with your assignment, our privileging team will assist you and the client in gathering information required by the healthcare facility to grant clinical privileges.

1

We contact the facility’s Medical Service Office (MSO) for their application and requirements.

2

We will assist you by pre-populating the facility’s application and sending to the MSO.

3

We will assist the MSO by following up on requested items.

4

MSO will grant privileges based on your training and experience, and you will be able to start your assignment.

Headshot photo of Maggie Youmans

Maggie Youmans

Senior Vice President, Sales

As Senior Vice President, Maggie oversees several key specialty divisions and adjacent teams. With a demonstrated history of leading teams and developing individuals across the organization, she is dedicated to inspiring, challenging and empowering associates to achieve their personal and professional goals. 

Maggie earned degrees in marketing and management focused on consumer economics from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business. She enjoys traveling with her husband to visit different bed and breakfasts. Together, they have been able to see the beauty within their own backyard and across the country.

Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn.

Headshot photo of Anne Anderson

Anne Anderson

Executive Vice President

"I'm passionate about the locum tenens industry - we make a real difference in the lives of both our heroic healthcare providers and the patients they treat."

Anne has been at the forefront of the evolution of locum tenens for more than 35 years. She’s a respected leader with expertise in corporate operations, risk management, credentialing, and travel services. Before joining Jackson and Coker, she served as Executive Vice President at Medical Doctor Associates, part of Cross Country Healthcare. 

An ardent industry advocate, Anne served several years on the Board of the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), including two years as president. Her passion for innovation has also led her to be named to Staffing Industry Analysts’ 2024 Global Power 150 Women in Staffing list. SIA recognizes Anne for easing the administrative burdens of healthcare workers through the implementation of state-of-the-art credentialing technology within the customer care team at Jackson and Coker.

Anne received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Spring Hill College. She is also a PADI open water diver and enjoys scuba diving. 

Connect with Anne on LinkedIn.