Every once in a while, I have to remind myself that the concept of locum tenens is still foreign to some physicians and hiring institutions.
Luckily, there are many resources that help explain the basics of locum tenens work, including this recent article featured on the career center at the NEJM. In the article, author Bonnie Darves addresses common myths surrounding locum tenens. See for yourself whether you agree or disagree with these statements:
Myth: Locum opportunities are scarce or limited to undesirable locations.
Reality: Assignments are available in most parts of the country–in rural, suburban, and urban locales, and in varied types of practice environments, notes Darves.
Myth: The locum lifestyle suits most physician personality types.
Reality: According to Darves, locums practice may be “a poor fit for physicians who either require a great deal of direction or desire a consistent work structure.” Conversely, she writes that being personable and prepared to fit in are key attributes for locum tenens success.
Myth: Locum tenens attracts doctors with spotty work histories or competency issues.
Reality: “This is far from the truth,” says the author. “Physicians who work locums must have a good practice record and documentable skills and are as thoroughly vetted by hiring agencies as their counterparts seeking permanent positions. In addition, surveys show that hiring facilities routinely rate locums’ skills as very good.”
Myth: Locum tenens doctors won’t be accepted by full-time colleagues at the hiring facility.
Reality: This might have been an issue three decades ago, says Darves, but that rarely happens now. “For the most part, colleagues are often so desperate for help or so concerned about the impact of short staffing on patient care that they welcome locums physicians wholeheartedly. Ideally, the physician contemplating a several-month assignment will have had either on-site or extensive phone discussions with prospective physician colleagues.”
At Locum Leaders, we can help you separate myth from reality and find a suitable match for your career and lifestyle goals. Contact us today to assist you in your job search.
Tags: job search, lifestyle, locum tenens
