If youโre a doctor or a medical student, youโve probably heard the expression โlocum tenensโ before.
Locum tenensย 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 itโs 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 physiciansโ 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.
Table of Contents
Where Does the Term โLocum Tenensโ Come From?
The term itself means โholding oneโs placeโ 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, itโs a neutral ground for doctors and other healthcare professionals.
โLocum Tenensโ dates back to the 1640s. However, it didnโt 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 tenensย 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 tenensย staffing in 2024 will stay the same as in 2023.
Moreover, 82%ย of healthcare organizations utilize locum tenensย 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. Letโs 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 donโt have a stable job with a decent income, locum tenensย jobs can be a viable option.
Advantages of Becoming a Locum
Hereโs why you may consider to work locum tenens:
Earning Potential
Locum tenensย contracts often pay more than permanent ones, to compensate for the usual lack of sign-up bonuses and benefit packages.
Locumย physiciansย 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 tenensย assignment there can help.
Locum tenensย work provides excellent opportunities to interact with doctors of similar specialties in a given state and learn firsthand what working there is like.
Whether youโre planning to start your own practice or become a permanent doctor, locum tenensย assignments can be a good temporary aid.
Independence
Despite being employed by someone else, locum tenensย have a sense of independence in their career. Even if their temporary work environment isnโt what they hoped for, the fact that itโs temporary makes it a lot more bearable.
If youโre 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 tenensย isnโt for everyone. There are a few considerations that can make you decide against becoming a locum.
The Lack of Benefits
Locum tenensย usually donโt 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 tenensย 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 tenensย 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 wonโt 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
Canโt 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, youโll 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 contractย thatโs 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 loanย 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 Thriveย if you feel stuck. Our team of professionals will understand your individual situation and tailor your future plan accordingly so you can thrive financially.
