What Is Locum Tenens? Meaning, Pros, and Cons

If you’re a doctor or a medical student, you’ve probably heard the expression “locum tenens” before.

Locum tenens refers to cases when a doctor temporarily substitutes for another doctor. There are various reasons for this, including sick leaves or an increase in patient demand.

The duration of these temporary assignments can range from a few days to several months, and sometimes even longer.

This guide will provide a deeper look into the origins of the term, as well as the pros and cons of becoming a locum tenens doctor, so you can decide whether it’s suitable for you.

Key Takeaways

• Locum Tenens is a Latin word that rose to popularity after the term started being used in modern medicine in the 1970s.
• The complexities of physicians’ roles and the increased demand in the 2000s rendered locums a necessary measure for all medical firms.
• Becoming a locum tenens provides a great opportunity to earn and network with other doctors. However, the unpredictable schedule and lack of contract benefits may turn away some doctors from it.

Where Does the Term “Locum Tenens” Come From?

The term itself means “holding one’s place” in Latin. This language acts as the common language of medical professionals because it allows for a standardized and precise vocabulary regardless of language differences or barriers.

In other words, it’s a neutral ground for doctors and other healthcare professionals.

“Locum Tenens” dates back to the 1640s. However, it didn’t become a commonly used phrase in medicine until the 1970s. The reason for its recent popularity is the shortage of doctors in certain areas, which led hospitals and clinics to rely on locum tenens physicians to cover for shortages.

According to a stat poll conducted by the Medical Group Management Association, 60% of medical organizations reported that the levels of locum tenens staffing in 2024 will stay the same as in 2023.

Moreover, 82% of healthcare organizations utilize locum tenens providers while searching for permanent healthcare providers. So, despite being temporary, locum physicians and advanced practitioners are strong assets to healthcare facilities.

Related: Locum Tenens Coverage: Disability, Health, Malpractice and More

History of Development of Locum Tenens Role in the U.S.

The concept of a temporary physician filling in for others dates back for centuries. However, the modern locum tenens industry as we know It emerged in the mid-20th century. Let’s have a brief history lesson here.

The practice of utilizing temporary physicians gained traction during World War I when doctors were deployed to treat soldiers, along with mobile X-ray units.

The early 1900s saw the U.S. government employing temporary healthcare providers to serve Native American tribes, laying the groundwork for the future locum tenens model.

The 1970s marked a turning point. Physicians in rural Utah faced difficulties securing coverage during their absence for continuing medical education. This challenge led to the establishment of the first locum tenens services.

The early 2000s witnessed explosive growth in the locum tenens sector. Numerous staffing firms emerged, expanding the reach of temporary physicians.

The increasing complexity of the healthcare system, coupled with physician burnout, sicknesses, personal projects, and an aging population, fueled the demand for locum tenens.

Should You Become a Locum Doctor?

Becoming a locum can boost your medical career. Accordingly, if you currently don’t have a stable job with a decent income, locum tenens jobs can be a viable option.

Advantages of Becoming a Locum

Here’s why you may consider to work locum tenens:

Earning Potential

Locum tenens contracts often pay more than permanent ones, to compensate for the usual lack of sign-up bonuses and benefit packages.

Locum physicians could even make more money if their specialization is highly in demand or if there is a severe shortage of specialists in the facility where they could potentially work.

Networking

Developing relationships in your medical career can open various work opportunities. For example, if you intend to stay in a state but are unsure whether permanently working there would be suitable, taking a locum tenens assignment there can help.

Locum tenens work provides excellent opportunities to interact with doctors of similar specialties in a given state and learn firsthand what working there is like.

Whether you’re planning to start your own practice or become a permanent doctor, locum tenens assignments can be a good temporary aid.

Independence

Despite being employed by someone else, locum tenens have a sense of independence in their career. Even if their temporary work environment isn’t what they hoped for, the fact that it’s temporary makes it a lot more bearable.

If you’re into traveling, becoming a locum allows for temporarily practicing medicine in a hospital organization and quickly moving to another.

Disadvantages of Becoming a Locum

Working locum tenens isn’t for everyone. There are a few considerations that can make you decide against becoming a locum.

The Lack of Benefits

Locum tenens usually don’t get the benefits package associated with permanent contracts, like health insurance, paid time off, retirement contributions, and sign-up bonuses. Some physicians thrive on such benefits, which can make locum tenens an undesirable option for them.

The Unpredictable Schedule

A locum tenens may work non-traditional hours and be on call, which means that no free time is 100% free time. Not every physician would accept the locum tenens lifestyle with its unpredictabilities.

Traveling and Networking

We did mention traveling and networking as desirable outcomes, but they may not be as desirable under some conditions.

For example, if you get several short contracts in succession, you won’t have enough time to form enough work relationships or settle down in your new work city/town before you have to travel again.

Related: The Pros and Cons of Physician Locum Tenens

Can’t Decide? Leave It to the Professionals

The pros and cons mentioned above provide a general overview of what it is like to become a locum. However, you’ll certainly find individual variations based on your location, specialty, current financials, and the hospitals you may be eligible to work in as a locum.

One of the trickiest aspects of finding employment as a locum is negotiating a contract that’s devoid of all the permanent benefits, which means your rates should adequately cover the lack of benefits and the irregular timetable.

You may also need to pay your student loan in the process, start your own practice, do your taxes, or even buy your first house. You can already tell how fast it can get complicated.

Contact us at Physicians Thrive if you feel stuck. Our team of professionals will understand your individual situation and tailor your future plan accordingly so you can thrive financially.