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last updated 4/10/19

Frequently asked questions

Domestic
locum tenens

All 50 states and some U.S. territories, as well.
Some locations suffer from a physician shortage or increasing patient needs. Other locations simply need coverage for vacations, medical leave, or retirements.
Domestic assignments can range from as short as a weekend to as long as a year or more — for both part-time and full-time opportunities.
As a matter of fact, yes. Many of facilities need permanent staff and use locums doctors in the meantime. This makes locums assignments a great way to try out different practices and choose the one that fits you best.
We have openings across a spectrum of specialties. Visit our job board to see what's currently available.
As long as you meet the following standards and possess:
  • An active, unrestricted state medical license
  • Excellent references
  • Good standing with all regulatory agencies and facilities
  • Good malpractice claims history
In most cases, yes. And we can assist you in securing a license for any state in which you’d like to work. The exception to this rule is federal facilities, where any current, unrestricted state medical license will permit you to practice in any state.
Currently, Global Medical Staffing only places physicians (MD/DO). If you’re looking for PA or NP opportunities, check out our sister company, CompHealth.
Absolutely. Many of our doctors choose locums work specifically so their families can accompany them. And we routinely obtain larger housing to accommodate families.
Yes, however pets often require a special deposit, which you’re responsible for paying, and airline rules and regulations vary with each carrier. It's also worth noting that some locations (like Hawaii) require you to quarantine a pet for up to three months after you arrive.
Yes. Our medical liability coverage is occurrence-based and carries the highest ratings possible: A++ (A.M. Best's) and AAA-rated (Standard & Poors).
Pay is deposited directly into your account twice a month. You simply submit your time sheets to our accounting department via our website, email, or fax on the first and the 15th of each month.
No. Physicians we work with are independent sub-contractors for tax purposes, which means they’re responsible for managing and paying their own taxes. We suggest you meet with your tax expert before you take an assignment.
As independent contractors, our locums physicians are responsible for their own health coverage.
Depending on your specialty and location, U.S. locums assignments can pay 30 percent more per hour than permanent positions.
A locum tenens agreement includes provisions, physical conditions, confirmation letters, providing notice, limitations, domestic vs. international, brokerage agreements, and business entities. View this article to learn more.

International
locum tenens

We pioneered the placement of U.S. and European doctors into Australia and New Zealand in the early 1990s. Since then, we’ve leveraged our expertise with complicated overseas assignments to place doctors throughout the United States and its territories, Canada, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Asia.
No, on the contrary. Over the years we’ve provided assistance to coastal resort towns, major metropolitan cities, mid-sized cities, farming and mining towns, and remote desert communities.
Doctors we work with say they generally find international health systems no better or worse than what they’re used to — just different. One significant difference: The countries we staff overseas are not particularly litigious compared to the U.S. Frivolous malpractice suits and huge settlements are unusual.
The length of international engagements depends greatly on the location. Caribbean jobs can be less than a month. Some Pacific Islands are as short as three months. And places like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and China can range from 6-24 months.
Very likely. The fastest way to do this is to take a temporary post with a hospital that needs a permanent candidate, which we can arrange. Once you arrive in a country on a temporary visa, you can apply for both a permanent visa and permanent medical registration.
We have openings across a spectrum of specialties. Visit our job board to see what's currently available.
Generally, yes. And because we’ve placed thousands of locum tenens doctors, we’re able to walk you through the visa and medical registration process much more efficiently than if you attempted it on your own.
Yes, the countries we work with generally accept U.S.-licensed Doctors of Osteopathy
Doctors with training and experience from developed countries, who are in good standing, will usually qualify for our international opportunities. Specialists must generally be either board certified or fellows of their respective specialty college.
Currently, Global Medical Staffing only places physicians.
Absolutely. Many of our doctors choose locums work specifically so their families can accompany them and experience a different culture. The countries we place in are safe, clean, and friendly. Children are welcome to attend local schools, which are of an equivalent standard to North American and European schools. And spouses may be able to get a work visa — ask your GMS guide for more info.
Yes, but bringing pets can be a lengthy, time-consuming process. While we can steer you in the direction of the regulations for traveling with pets, it’s a process that you’d need to undertake and fund on your own.
Yes, no matter where you practice with Global Medical Staffing, your malpractice coverage is provided.
Pay is deposited directly into your account twice a month. You simply submit your time sheets to our accounting department via our website, email, or fax on the first and the 15th of each month.
No. However, we'll be glad to provide health insurance information for the country you're interested in, but we suggest you reach out to an agent who can help you secure a health insurance policy for you and your family.
In the extremely rare event that a practice has materially misrepresented itself, we will work to rectify the situation.

Answers to your unique questions.

Sometimes what you want to know isn’t frequently asked: it’s specific to you. If you have those kinds of questions, please give us a ring or send us a note. We’ll get as specific as you want.

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