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For those seasoned locum tenens doctors out there who have worked a dozen assignments already you may have heard all the information we’re about to give. This is more for the doctors who are considering a locum tenens assignment in the U.S. for the first time. Regardless of which side you fall on it’s always a good idea to refresh your memory on the basics. Without further ado here are three commonly asked questions from doctors who are about to embark on their first U.S. locum opportunity.
Where can I work?
The short answer is wherever there are needs. And there are a lot of needs throughout the U.S. and its territories (i.e., U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam). But not all locations will have needs across all specialties so keep that in mind as you’re searching. That’s not to say that locum tenens opportunities don’t open up quite frequently – because they do. If you don’t see that opening you really wanted in Hawaii or Alaska then check back again. Or feel free to sign up for job notifications so you can stay updated.
Why are there provider needs in these places?
Needs pop up for a variety of reasons. To name a few: It could be something as simple as a current healthcare provider going on leave or retiring or it could even be that the medical practice is growing.
There’s also the mal-distribution of doctors in rural areas. You’ll find a lot of opportunities to practice out in the country. That just means you’ll get to bring your skills to a community in need all while you enjoy small towns filled with big skies. Still there are plenty of openings in the big cities, too, if that’s more the career direction you want to go.
What’s the duration of a locum tenens assignment in the U.S.?
Really it falls down to what you’re looking for. Of course it depends on what the medical facility needs, too. But if you want to work a weekend (you know, supplement your income here and there), a couple weeks or even up to a month or more then let your physician placement specialist know and they’ll match you with the best assignment that fits your skills, experience, interests, lifestyle and overall needs.
Keep in mind that international assignments last – for the most part – a minimum of six months. Want more information? Visit our FAQs page concerning locum tenens assignments.