Justin Roark  |  Recruiting Consultant
(877) 456-2867 x4269  

Through my experience in physician recruiting, I have quickly learned the headaches associated with physicians being employed by large groups and hospital systems.   I especially identify the difficulties experienced by physicians practicing hospitalist and emergency medicine. 

The growing trend is that the permanent or employed physicians are carrying the burden of the facility not being fully staffed.  The physicians who are in permanent contracts are seeing higher patients volumes and working more shifts than preferred due to the insufficient staffing; however, are not receiving higher compensation.   In these situations I truly feel the light at the end of the tunnel comes from the locum tenens alternative. 

Working as a locums physician is beneficial in that the physicians can make their own schedule, receive holiday rates, over time, and have no contractual obligations to the facility directly when they are understaffed.  There is no longer the pressure from the group or hospital to see more patients or work those extra shifts because they are understaffed.  Locums allows for a third party to be in place that alleviates politics and allows for better communication between parties involved.   Financially, the physicians are coming out ahead and ensuring quality of practice and life. 

I would encourage all hospitalist and emergency medicine physicians to incorporate locums into their career.  With the instability in emergency medicine and constant transition in staffing contacts with hospitals, locum tenens is a great tool to ensure continual work and may improve a physician’s quality of practice and life.  Getting started and registered through Delta Locums is not difficult and can be utilized throughout your career.   Now is the time to ask yourself about your personal job stability, income and quality of practice.  If it is not where you believe it should be than get a head start with locums and customize it to your lifestyle.