Working Locum Tenens

What physicians can learn from working locum tenens

March 11, 2020
What physicians can learn from working locum tenens

A Physicians Practice article shared 7 things doctors can learn by doing locum tenens from actual physicians who have worked locums. Here are their seven reasons why locum tenens is a win-win for doctors.

1. You can have more time

Dr. Arthi Chawla says the flexibility of locum tenens allows her to pursue what she loves most, international volunteer work. “If I want to take three months out of the year to volunteer in Central America,” she says, “I can do it.”

2. You can test out a new work environment

Dr. Chawla recalls a physician who worked locums “for six months as an assignment, loved it, and signed a permanent job with them,” testing out the opportunity before making a permanent commitment.

3. You can love medicine again

Dr. Rafael Marin says the flexibility of locums allows him to spend more time with his family and has given him back the ability “to fall in love again with what I was training for.”

4. You can figure out what you really want to do

Dr. Ravi Pujara recommends locums to determine one’s career path. “If you’re coming out of residency, and you don’t know if you want to do primary care or hospitalist or a combination of the two, it’s a great way to get your feet wet before you actually make the decision.”

Working locum tenens can help you decide your career path

5. You can become more independent

Dr. Tuan Vo says locum tenens assignments challenge you to “get out of your comfort zone” and become independent.

6. You can earn more

Dr. Tom Willson takes on locum tenens assignments as a way to supplement his income when his permanent position allows.

7. You can maintain your full skillset

Dr. Willson also says, “When I go on assignment, I’m seeing a larger, wider scope of practice and maintaining a skillset that I had learned as a resident.”

For more from these doctors, see the full article in Physicians Practice.

CompHealth can help you find a locum tenens job that’s right for you. Give us a call at 800.453.3030 or view today’s locum tenens job opportunities to get started.


About the Author

Kevin Kealey

Kevin Kealey is a marketing writer who’s been with CHG for sixteen years in various roles, including perm physician recruiter and divisional trainer. Prior to CompHealth, Kevin worked as an educator, executive coach, and training consultant for 20+ years. Kevin lives with his wife Suzanne in South Carolina with their two German shepherds, Bailey and Blazer, and a Congo African Grey parrot.

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