If you hire physicians for hospitals, you know locum tenens make up a percentage of the staff. It’s no surprise more and more medical professionals are looking to explore these growing locum tenens trends, as are hospitals. Why is hiring heading in this direction? Let’s look at some of the reasons.
Great Option for New Grads
When new doctors complete their residency, they’re naturally looking for a job. They may also be young, without obligations, and eager to explore the country. As a locum tenens hospitalist, they are able to achieve both goals. Most positions are from three months to a year or more, making them perfect to learn various aspects of the profession, interact with myriad populations, and see patients in rural and urban areas.
Allows Doctors to Give Back
In under-served populations, such as lower income urban centers and out-of-the-way rural areas, doctors can be hard to find. But there are many physicians who want to work in these locations. One of the locum tenens trends is to give back within the US rather than choosing an international organization.
Valuable Experience Can Be Gained
No matter what career stage doctors find themselves in, a locum tenens position will provide extensive experience. Whether it’s initial experience for new physicians or broadening abilities with a different population, finding experience is one of the top locum tenens trends and a number one reason for choosing this path. In these roles, physicians can explore options they may not be able to in a full-time role.
Earn Additional Income
Another locum tenens trend includes physicians picking up locum tenens shifts to make an additional income. Sometimes, they enjoy staying with their full-time roles as hospitalists or in a private practice while taking on a second job as a locum tenens. Just a couple of shifts a week could mean paying off student loans faster or being able to afford more vacations.
Pay Attention to the Locum Tenens Trends
You’ll find that physicians take on roles in locum tenens for a variety of reasons. Some may be mentioned here and there may be others we’ve not discussed. Each person enters into the situation for his or her own reasons. The benefits for physicians are numerous. And hospitals, teams, and patients enjoy many more benefits.
Now is the time to get up on the locum tenens trends and incorporate these professionals into your team. They’ll add diversity, experience, and perspectives you might not otherwise get.