Individuals who pursue a career as a doctor have a long and arduous road to travel. They spend years studying and working to achieve this goal. Upon completing their residency or fellowship requirements, it’s time to find a job. People need to think outside the box when searching for their first position to ensure it meets their needs and allows them to fulfill their dreams.
Many people today opt for locum work after residency. They want to explore the country or the world and discover the available job opportunities. Doing so allows them to try different things and determine which is the best fit for their needs.
Why Work as a Locum Tenens?
People might ask why they should take a temporary position. These positions allow them to work in diverse settings and encounter a range of unique cases. They can explore different cultures and interact with a range of people to enhance their skills. Furthermore, many people find that working as a locum tenens allows them to immediately boost their pay upon completing their residency or fellowship.
Doctors who attended a public medical school left school owing an average of $194,280. Those who attended a private medical school owe an average of $300,000 or more. Locum tenens receive higher pay when working on temporary assignments, allowing them to pay this debt down faster. They may also use this time to study for board certification.
Ample job opportunities are another reason many people choose to serve as locum tenens upon finishing their schooling. The Association of American Medical Colleges anticipates a physician shortfall of 86,000 by 2036. The shortage will impact all areas of medicine. New graduates find that they can choose which assignments to take while also having time off when needed.
Working as a locum tenens allows them to gain valuable experience and increase their credibility when applying for a permanent position. They gain knowledge and expertise while tackling these assignments. Additionally, they have a better understanding of where they want to work and what culture best suits them.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Locum Tenens Work?
Individuals often wonder whether they would be a good candidate for locum tenens work. Any new graduate who is unsure of which practice environment best meets their needs should consider taking on temporary assignments to help answer this question. Some individuals serve as locum tenens in organizations that have offered them full-time positions. They see the temporary assignment as a trial period to confirm it is a good fit before committing to full-time employment. Locum tenens professionals may choose to work in underserved communities to give back before pursuing a full-time position. Each person is unique, and their reasons for working as a locum tenens are, too.
Transitioning to Locum Tenens Work
Individuals should begin the process of finding a locum tenens agency to partner with several months before completing their schooling. Doing so ensures they have the necessary licenses and credentials upon completion of their residency or fellowship program. They may take some time off or immediately accept their first locum tenens position when everything is in place.
Every medical student should consider working as a locum tenens. These assignments are of short duration, so they aren’t locked into a long-term contract. They can take time to explore job opportunities while taking a break from the rigorous demands of medical school and residency or fellowship programs. Regardless of what they decide, they will be able to help individuals improve their health, which is why they initially entered the field. They will be fulfilling their dream after years of hard work.
